A bit phoned-in from Audi. It's fine, but the only USP is that badge.
Pros Bold styling (for Audi), should be a doddle to live with.
Cons Few benefits over an A3, on big wheels the ride is atrocious.
The Audi Q2 is a desirable and fine-driving small SUV with an impressive interior. It also has one of the best infotainment systems in the class. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives, but Audi's smallest SUV justifies its cost will its superb all-round ability.
Pros Classy and user-friendly interior Tidy handling Slow depreciation
Cons More expensive than some rivals Mini Countryman is more practical Firm ride with 19in alloys
Pros Dependable handling First-rate packaging Lower Q-range price point
Cons Anodyne identity Slightly breathless petrol engine Higher trim level expense
Perhaps we need to stop calling these cars SUVs, because the new Mazda CX-30 is really just a Mazda 3 on stilts, and all the better for it.
Pros Excellent dynamics Interior fit and finish Audio and infotainment system Active safety features Exterior and interior design, practical, makes more sense than a Mazda 3
Cons Ride felt a tad firm (European spec) Expected price premium over the Mazda 3 Infotainment housing a little old school Fits four adults at best
Slotting into the Mazda SUV lineup in the narrow space between the subcompact CX-3 and the compact CX-5 is the new—and curiously named—CX-30. Why isn't it called CX-4? We asked Mazda: It's kind of a long story. Regardless, we like the way it looks. Mazda's designers gave it a more severely forward-canted rear window and chunkier black-plastic body cladding to help differentiate the 2020 Mazda CX-30 from its other crossover siblings.The 2020 CX-30 shares much of its mechanicals and platform with the all-new Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, so we expect it to have a 186-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. It's possible that Mazda's new gasoline-powered compression-ignition engine—which the company calls Skyactiv-X—is likely to be available in the CX-30 at some point down the road.
Good car, the Mazda CX-30. Handles well, looks smart and has a lovely interior. But as is always the case with crossovers – the conventional car on which it’s based (in this case the Mazda3 hatchback) is the sensible buy.
Pros Good-looking, decent to drive, lovely interior.
Cons Cramped rear, old-fashioned auto.
