In the last decade or so, there has been a leaning towards SUVs, and in 2023, on a global basis, 51 percent of cars sold were SUVs – this trend shows that the world is favoring SUVs over sedans. Car distributors in Malaysia are also seeing a gradual drop in the number of sedan cars, despite a reasonable growth in the overall market. Some of the regular sedans that we are used to seeing have stopped production as car distributors introduce more SUVs to cater for customers’ requirements.
There are several reasons why customers are gravitating towards SUV-type vehicles: –
- The higher sitting position of a SUV gives a better view of the road ahead
- Ground clearance is better, and a SUV would take potholes better, and are less susceptible to damage
- In the case of thunderstorms and flashfloods, the SUV has a better chance of making it through.
- Headroom is usually better in a SUV
- There is bigger carrying capacity
SUVs used to be AWD (All-Wheel Drive), and customer would buy them for use if plantations or at worksites or farms, but in the modern context, most of them hardly ever leave the tarmac, and lately, more and more SUVs are single-axle-drive.
![](https://media.yskhongdriving.com/2024/03/22161242/Mazda-AWD.gif)
In today’s market, my customers are moving towards SUVs for the above reasons, and one is really spoilt for choice. Mazda, under Bermaz Motors Sdn Bhd, offers a complete range of SUV’s, from small to large, and withing each model, there are also different specifications offered so that the customer can select one that most suits his needs.
Amongst the entire range of Mazda SUV’s, one particular model stands out – this is the Mazda CX-30, a C-segment SUV that offers four variants, all equipped with a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV Direct Injection engine, and drive to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
![](https://media.yskhongdriving.com/2024/03/22173340/Mazda-CX30-1-edited.jpg)
The CX-30 is built on the Mazda 3 platform, and the interior fittings follow the same premium standard as in its sedan/hatch sibling. However, the wheelbase is shortened a little to provide the CX-30 with the same driving dynamics of the Mazda 3.
![](https://media.yskhongdriving.com/2024/03/22161850/Mazda-3-1024x512.jpg)
The CX-30 is the SUV of choice for those who want a C-segment SUV, and the here are the main reasons for their choice.
The Mazda Brand – the Mazda brand has been in this country since the 1960’s, and it is a trusted brand with vehicles that are a joy to drive. A point to note is that Mazda employs engineers and designers who are car lovers, and they go by the Zoom-Zoom philosophy, a belief that everybody wants to go ‘Zoom-Zoom’ a feeling of freedom of movement associated with cars, that starts form a very young age, and continues as the young person ages, throughout his life.
Jinba Ittai – Being as one with the car
![](https://media.yskhongdriving.com/2024/03/22173316/Mazda-CX30-4-edited.jpg)
To this end, Mazda is very proud of its ‘Jinba Ittai’ – essentially, it is how they build their cars, so that they are engaging to drive, and bring joy to their owners. Many Mazda loyalists swear that once they drive a Mazda, they will fall in love with it.
Progressive and Beautiful Design
The CX-30 appeals to the young and young at heart with its Kodo design, with fluid lines and beautiful designs that is pleasant to look at and appeals to the senses.
![](https://media.yskhongdriving.com/2024/04/17145405/CX30-out-1024x512.jpg)
Powerful Engine, 6 AT and Great Handling
The CX-30 comes equipped with Mazda’s world-renowned SKYACTIV DOHC Direct Injection 2.0-liter engine that kicks out 162HP of power – mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, it delivers good power, yet delivers excellent fuel economy. The SKYACTIV engine is unique in that it runs possibly the highest compression ratio in the entire industry in regards to gasoline engines – with high compression, Mazda is able to get excellent fuel efficiency.
The 6-speed automatic transmission often tips the scales for buyers – many of Mazda’s competitors chose the path of using Constantly-Variable-Transmissions (CVT) to try to get better fuel economy, but Mazda claims that the combination of the SKYACTIV technology plus a transmission lock-up system in the gearbox achieves even better results. For the buyer, the take-away is the sensation of the 6-speed auto versus the rubber-band effect of the CVT.
Three out of the four variants come with paddle-shifters, and this feature is a welcome boon to many of the Mazda users – this combined with a Sports’ driving mode allows for more spirited driving for CX-30 owners.
![](https://media.yskhongdriving.com/2024/04/17145347/CX30-Interior-1024x1024.jpg)
Prices for the Mazda CX-30 start from about RM134,000 for the lowest variant up to about RM164,000 for the top variant. All Mazda CX-30s come with 5-Years warranty and 5-years free service.
![](https://media.yskhongdriving.com/2024/03/22162655/image-12.png)