The fact that Mazda has to be compared to luxury brands means Mazda has already won. The CX5 and CX30 are the best crossovers pound for pound on the market.

Test drove Tiguan, F-Pace, Discovery, Volvo XC60 & Outlander. Mazda IMO beats the lot. Drives just as quiet and comfortable as any of the aforementioned and I got leather interior, heads up display, intelligent cruise, a cracking sound system that puts the rest to shame and loads more for 15 grand less. Badge snobs... thank-you.

I own a CX 30 and I'm really satisfied with it

Been driving a CX-30 for 2 weeks here in Japan. Can’t be happier. It’s a very reliable machine, the interior is lovely and driving it is like travelling on a cloud. People complain about the cladding and it’s one of the things that make the car easier to take care of. And another thing, the quality of the engine and the transmission can’t be compared to the new crappy things BMW and Volkswagen have been making for some years.

While I like the Audi (considered b4 I got my cx5) no one talks about service fees pay a premium for the car but oil changes etc can be a lot more expensive than the Mazda.

Being a person who drove all of these cars, and finally ended up leasing the CX-30, I´d like to chip in. In my mind, there is no question about the winner: The CX-30. Let me explain why: There are so many things you get, in the CX-30, that you dont, in these entry level "premium" brands. I'll start with the things that this review doesnt put weight on at all, or dont mention. The head up display! Its standart in all levels of the CX-30, and in the Cosmo edition (thats the name of the top model in Denmark where i live), its no different. Yes, you dont get wireless carplay (which is fixable with a 70 dollar dongle), and you dont get carplay navi in the head up display. But... you DO with the build in navi, which isnt at all bad. Traffic sign detection, blind spot assist, navigation, adaptive cruise control... all of this, is present in the head up display, and i absolutely love it! Secondly, theres the audio system. He mentioned it briefly, but you do get a 12 speaker Bose setup with subwoofer in this, and it absolutely is one of the best sound systems out there. It competes with B&O and burmeister etc. The sound systems in the entry levels of the other 2 are horricfic at best. Thirdly, The engine. When you go for the Cosmo edition, you also get access to Mazdas new Skyactive-X engine, with SPCCI. Long story short, you get the torque from a diesel, and the horses from a petrol on higher revs. I drove a long drive (600 km) and ended up on 5,6 l/100 km. It has 181 horsepower.... Think about those numbers. With the Cosmo edition, you also get flappy pedal gear changers, for those tho want that, and dark sidepillars. You also get the signature lights front and back, which looks awesome. Full LED all around. Then theres the adaptive high beam control. I think it has 18 fully adaptive LEDs in the front, which seamlessly blocks some of the highbeam, in ongoing traffic. It works like a charm! Lastly, i wanna mention the cameras in this car. The review didnt show it, but its actually VERY hd feeling. All around, the cameras are very high quality, and updates with like 30 fps. It just leaves you with a feeling of quality, that none of the others do. They have SD resolution at best, and only reverse camera... not 360, like the CX-30 does. I could actually go on and on about this, as this review fails to mention alot of the benifits of the Mazda compared to the to others. Like being the most quiet in the cabin.... I have no understanding whatsoever, that the conclusion should be the Audi. I agree that an Audi in stop spec wins, hands down, but thats not the question here.... is it? Trust me, theres a a reason why the CX-30 was in the runnings for car of the year. Only things i really would have liked theres to be present in the CX-30, to make it my favorite car, is massaging seats, Ambient lighting and a more powerful engine. I actually dont think i would have taken a top specced Audi or BMW over the Mazda then.... if it had those things. :)

Just what I wanted. This channel is by far the best for everything car reviews in Australia. I love the way Tom can drive and talk details all at the same time. It just flows naturally. Keep revving them Tom.

Mazda Cx30, hands down! cheaper maintenance, better reliability, great driving dynamics, only downside is the little space...

Great review, fact is that for either BMW or Audi to directly compare features they cost around 15 to 20k more. They have 3 year warranties and at least the BM doesn’t have a spare wheel. The Mazda rates higher for passenger safety and has a higher resale value and lower servicing cost. Mazda in customer satisfaction surveys rate significantly higher than the Germans. What sets the Germans apart is badge or snob value. The CX30 wins clearly for me because I place, value, safety and quality ahead of a badge.

The service costs and parts on the Audi and the BMW are WAY more expensive and the drive and ride is much better in the Mazda than both of the others ...It's the Mazda for me. I'm actually going to buy one for my wife, and also enjoy it too.

I think the Mazda’s interior is nicer and the exterior would be nicer if it weren’t for that excessive black cladding on the body :/

Insane how newer entry-level BMWs look like economy cars, whereas newer Mazdas look far more upscale than they need to.

My cousin lives in Germany and always says to me that german luxury brands are the best cars to lease and then sell off to some people from east Europe. I made the jump to japanese cars a few years ago and I still can't get over the fact that a car CAN run for a year without any new problems showing up.

If the badge does not matter too much then the choice should be rather easy. Mazda offers more for much less...Not mentioning soul red crystal paint. I'm a fanboy though.

Mazda is doing unbelievable stuff now . Keep it up please . Can you imagine if you switched badges !

One of the best Aussie Car channels ive come across. great review and keep up the great work!

We were debating the same and very happy with our 45TFSI 2020 Q3 so far. It handles extremely well and ride is still very composed on the 19” summer tires.

Great review! Greetings from Mexico!

I just brought CX 30, really happy with it. Feels like I wasn’t short changed Only negative is the boot space. Quite small for the class

Impressive review. Flawless presentation.

I like this review, Mazda design language is getting so good you can compare it to these entry level premium brands, and in my opinion exterior and interior of Mazda and Audi look better than the BMW even tho they are cheaper too

I agree with your verdict. A huge plus at the Audi is the digital display. I like to see the navigation direct in front of me.

Recently Mazda here in Canada is taking top reliability scores, not quite sure if German cars are the same. What I know, is that maintenance will be much cheaper with Mazda as well. Good review, cheers

Great video. Love the comparison

The Mazda looks more premium to my eyes.

As a 2019 CX GT Reserve owner I'd miss the turbo on the CX 30 but for what it is the top of the line CX 30 is an excellent sub-compact SUV. That it can be compared to the Audi and BMW says a lot about Mazda' engineering and design. And that it can win over the comparable "BMTrouble-You" is satisfying to Everyman who owns the new CX 30. And now (in the US) the CX-30 is available with a 2.5 L. turbo engine. Zoom! Zoom! indeed.

Just switched our X1 M for a 2 series Lux active tourer both with adaptive dampers, the 2 series is a far nicer drive managing to be comfier and sportier because of its lower ride height.

I'm happy with my 2022 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Edition. No problems or issues to report after 18 months thus far. I chose it over the Lexus UX & everything else in the smaller crossover size segment in the USA.

Picked up a 21 Mazda CX-30 with AWD and turbo. What a beauty. Drives a dream. Base price 36k CDN. Got a couple of extras. Had a 2009 Mazda 3 that was perfect. If I had the room, I would have kept it.

Tom You are the best reviewer than any other in Australia. 👍👍👍👍

Quality, driving dynamics and exterior design is almost equally good on all three. But with the price and interior design Mazda wins with a huge margin. It looks far more premium inside than Audi or BMW. Mazda is really becoming a premium brand.

Haven't heard 'alacrity ' in a car review for some time! Great review...relevant, informative and unbiased. Keep up the great work Tom. Mazda wins IMHO for value, looks, reliability and safety.

as far as I know the price difference is greater than what is mentioned in the video. and when it comes to maintenance, then it is easier to choose mazda

Good job Tom for a very comprehensive review! I will go for Mazda CX30 👍🏻

Great review.. Thank you!

Honest and in depth as always in your reviews. Badge snobbery can play a massive part in what car you go for and Mazda are really bridging the gap without getting carried away with their pricing. Still some areas to work on but back in 2003 would you have ever pitted a Mazda demio against an Audi a2!?

Tom: any hesitancy on your part buying any 2021, which might have been made during the COVID pandemic? I just wonder if the manufacturing operations were always fully staffed? Just a thought. Seeking your opinion.

For me, as a german, i have to say "mazda is the better one" !

I love my cx30

A very comprehensive review ! Congratulations. I am very curious to see the new models 2025 Mazda 3 & CX-30 lines... to admire their sleek extra modern shape design as well as their up market interiors I am sure they ll have. For the moment, I cannot resist but go for a Mazda CX-30 ... just to enjoy its driving !

Great review !

Mazda CX30 is the best, looks great & it is classy beautiful interior & exterior. The safety car in the world testing by NCAP EUROPE

Cx30 the interior wow i love this car

Can you do Tiguan comparison with other German brand?

This was a awesome and very informative video!!! The Mazda is my favorite

I've got a family member who's very keen on a Lexus UX 200 Sports Luxury. How would you say it compares to these Tom?

I really like the CX-30 for its premium looks without the premium price tag. Just not sold on the side cladding.

i've seen a lot of reviewers say the same thing about the rear door on the cx-30 that they used hard plastic instead of the softer one like the front doors. the reason for that is most people will put kids back there and you don;t want anything soft with kids slamming toys or cups on the doors. so to make the doors tougher mazda chose to make them with hard plastic. i wish these reviewers were able to realize that instead of constantly knocking it.

Great content

I live in Germany 🇩🇪, but I've decided for Mazda,it looks better and is cheaper, and It also has everything that i want. I don't like the touch panel as far. For me Mazda cx 30 is the best 👌

Very good show helped me make up my mind .Thanks

If you also take into account the SAFETY, Mazda is the hands down the best option with an unheard 99% score of NCAP!

Well one thing we know , if you plan to keep any of these cars awhile that Mazda will go trouble free longer, so the value proposition is hard to deny being it costs a lot less than the more leasable Germans

The VAG engines are good as long as they don't break down - which they do often before 200 000 km. Speaking of reliability, the Mazda probably lasts almost as long as the Audi and BMW combined.

Of course, when both the Beemer and the Audi are at the dealership getting fixed yet again at great expense, the Mazda will be driving along in perfect condition. And it won't be depreciating at eye-watering amounts either.

The biggest thing the Mazda comes standard with is reliability. It will start every time. Maintenance will be limited to the basic stuff for the first 200,000 miles and both repairs and maintenance will cost a fraction of that of the other two. Others are bigger, but, I need a car that will start every time and not be in the shop too often.

Feeling the LOVE with my cx-30 special edition turbo!!!

BMW fanboy here. Mazda wins.

Exterior ...Mazda. Interior...Mazda Performance...Audi Bang for the buck...Mazda

nice review, i like the soundtrack by the way.. what is that song? specially 5:02

Thanks Tom for the fantastic review of the 3 compact SUV, which is where most buyers in my age group would consider. I feel Mazda CX30 with its sleek profile, is the best looking of the 3 and certainly represents the best value.

The Mazda without question

I was debating the CX30 vs Q3. I feel like I got more for less money and I felt that in the long term maintenance would be cheaper with Mazda than for Audi. I’m in a two person household (no kids) so it’s a great fit. The trunk feels smaller but that was the only complaint.

Can you please compare Toyota Granvia . Mercedes and Kia Carnival thanks

One thing that wasn’t mentioned is that the Mazda has mirror and seat memory that can be set to the keys. Works really well for my wife and I behind 6foot and 5.4.

Nice comparison. Though it is very less likely people would consider Mazda when looking to buy Audi or BMW but the price definitely puts Mazda shoppers to consider the rings.

You are absolutely right, the reliability of an atmospheric engine and a planetary gearbox made me buy the car. I know many people who are in garages due to problems with turbo engines and a non-planetary gearbox

Very good review! CX-30 looks the best!

Mazda have probably the best interiors you can get outside of the super luxury segment just now. Some great external styling and very clever engineering too. Not only are they much cheaper than German cars if specified like for like but I actually think they are better cars. My current car is an Audi A6 and quality has been very disappointing, with economy about 40% below what was claimed.

You're my favorite, Tom ♥️

Got the Mazda. It's excellent!

They didnt cut cost on the cladding. Its not like the metal underneath isnt painted. It was a design choice. Just because other refined CUV's dont have it. It is viewed as not right looking. I love mine and in my opinion the cladding looks awesome. Also protects great.

Audi and VW need to differentiate their interiors more, also look like it was designed with a ruler

Compare it with the CX30 Turbo! Im buying that !

The conclusion is clear, this CX30 is at least a clear equivalent (if not slightely better) to the Q3 or a base X1 as premium/luxury SUV. But in my opinion; considering if we go for a long period owning period (many years), value for money, the quality of exterior/interior design and the reliability of the brand (Mazda is known as a step over), the CX30 (top trim level) is a natural better choice. Good work, the team !

the HUGE amount of plastic cladding is such a design own-goal by Mazda, total dealbreaker for me

BMW X2 and Audi Q2 are both much better match for Mazda CX-30, at least space-wise. All 3 are members of the new and growing big small SUV family, also including e.g. Kia accede on European market and VW T-Rpc coming soon to Australia. But both X1 and Q3 are full-blown competitors to CR-V and RAV4. If you still have the RAV4 long-term we, you could make another comparison video and see for yourself that they complete on almost equal terms, especially with the insane on-road pricing for RAV-4, with zero rebates due to crazy demand :) PS. BMW is a great really practical SUV with a lot of grunt even in the 20i version (I am driving its 220i Gran Tourer sibling), but the adaptive suspension DOES NOT add comfort (confirmed by a BMW dealer). It only adds more grip in sportier modes, but in comfort mode the tune is the same as for normal suspension.

Great review Tom as always, although the Audi won this composition, I'd go for the Mazda, it might not have won this segment but it would be heaps cheaper in terms of up keep not being european. The BMW is a total waste of money.

Mazda back gate ican be programmed to desired height, which is great for my garage with low door. I think this is a good looking car inside out and rich features. We have turbo version of CX30 in US which puts out 250 horse power and 316 torque with premium gasoline. I plan to buy one this year.

my 2019 mazda 3 has a wireless charger, maybe it's an option?

The Mazda looks more beautiful

Hmm great review Tom and thorough analysis also - Q3 takes it for sure however CX30 closes the gap markedly albeit for mid 40s a CX5 mid spec or Honda CRV may be a better choice as the rear seat was tighter than I’d like - but I’d get a Megane RS as no SUVs do it for me

I just bought the Audi, loving it.

One thing I'd like to see is a sound recording using the same mic of the driving by itself, though I guess you aren't always on the same roads

Mazda punched above its class with features like 4-way automatic windows, memory seats, rear vents, and power lift gate. They ought to continue to match base-spec features of German cars in at least their top trim. These would include adjustable armrest, rear power supplies, and better rear door materials. If adding these to the base spec means raising the cost by ~$2k, then still go for it. Upon seeing a higher base price than Japanese rivals, people will look to see why, and then be impressed.

Can you turn off the lane keep assist system on the Mazda? Or do one have to live with the constant lamp blinking every time a car passes?

How come there are only 3 car companies with a really nice red? Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Mazda. Also, in my country I save $ 20'000 with the Mazda. So it is a no brainer.

Does anyone know the song at the start?

I love the look and feel of the BMW more sporty feeling!

I've driven all 3 of these cars (in diff trims). I was thrown off by the comments about the ride. I drove an X1 right after test driving a Q3 and found the Q3 to be mushier, and boncier. The X1 felt worlds more confident and direct in how it drove. It was like driving a family sedan and then going to a grand-touring vehicle. What am I missing?

CX30 for me, that bigger engine will also last longer as its never working hard

Speaking of size differences... how about a small vs big comparison test, e.g. fully loaded Tucson vs the new petrol V6 Santa Fe in Active guise?

Mazda is nice and my favorit

Interesting comparison. The badge sure does it tho.

it is a pity that the cost of ownership/repairs and long term reliability are not included in road tests..... it is hard to find a non-Japanese and non-Korean car in the top 10 best list.

If only mazda added a few inches to the back seat. It's really tight in the back.

Great review as usual! I just think that the CX-30 v.s. an X2 and Q3 Sportback would be a better compare in terms of styling and size.

Good cars all 3. But I'll take the Mazda.

Compare the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 compare to the Mazda CX-5 Signature , which cost still a lot less and has a 228 hp engine and is bigger in size.

Australia gets the 2.5L Fuel Engine. In Europe it goes only up to 2L and 180HP. So CX-30 really the best choice for the money. In Europe i would prefere the Skoda Kamiq or eventually the Karoq.