Mazda CX-30 SUV Skyactiv-X 180ps AWD GT Sport 5d Owner Review

I've owned 23 cars - all paid and owned by me, none leased - and this is the best I've had for my needs. It's neither sporty nor utility, but a great driver's car, solid, comfortable, with a superb engine and gearbox. In my view Mazda's engineers must be among the best in the world. The Skyactiv X 2.0 litre petrol engine runs under compression ignition in most circumstances but without a diesel's drawbacks, especially the dreaded DPF. I get mid 40's driving sensibly measuring tank to tank. The tank is a bit small at under 11 gallons though. Mid gear acceleration is vivid.
The driving position is excellent and the leather seats very comfortable. I would prefer the 16" wheels as fitted to the more basic models with their big beefy tyres, but these cannot be fitted to the AWD model, which I need as I live in the Scottish Borders. The suspension is a tad firm and road noise on the coarse rubbish which passes for surface coats on British roads can be unpleasant - but then most monocoque cars cannot cope with that either.
The finish and the paintwork are excellent, although I personally don't like the black/brown dash and door card colour scheme. The equipment is comprehensive , and the electric tilt and slide sunroof very useful. All the electronic safety kit is under the driver's control so you can turn off lane-keep warning/assist, stop start, automatic folding mirrors etc.
There isn't much room in the back but this car is ideal for two people or a family with two children. If you enjoy driving buy one with a manual gearbox - you will love this car.
Things which Mazda should improve are :
1. Fit a spare wheel instead of that silly Bose boot speaker.
2. Allow the electric handbrake to be turned off when the engine is off.
3. Soundproof the wheel arches like Lexus.
4. Fit an external aerial - DAB signal gets lost in rural areas
5. Slim the width of the centre console so it's easier to click in the seat belt
6. Get the price of top models under control - £35K is having a laugh.