Me and my wife deciding to get either CX30 H+P or Mazda 3 Ignite (more inclined towards the lift back). Wife prefers a smaller car cause it is easier for her to handle, else I would have gotten a CRV for space. Anyway, below are some of my concerns:
CX30
1) Wired Apple CarPlay, don’t want to keep plugging our phone everytime we drive it
2) CKD built quality, saw quite a number of post in FB but surprisingly don’t see much complain / issues / warranty claims on Mazda 3’s CBU built
3) tight rear passenger space
Mazda 3 ignite
1) lesser visibility for driver when compared to cx30 (also because it sits lower)
2) don’t have Adaptive LED headlamps
3) very tight rear passenger space
4) don’t like the red burgundy interior
5) not easy for elderly to get in / out of rear passenger seats
Both CX30 and Mazda 3
1) 2019 model with Mazda probably launching a new generation CX30 / Mazda 3 soon
2) no touch screen when using Apple CarPlay
3) I would consider both as a driver’s car instead of a family car. We got plans for family, hence using a rear facing baby seat could be a challenge
Feel free to highlight if my info above is incorrect or if any owners with first hand experience have been through any of the above or have any feedback, would greatly appreciate your info.
Thanks
CX30 CKD is considerably well built if compared to other CKD makes especially Honda. I'm in the owners group in fb and there's really not much complaint when it comes to quality issues, at least there nothing wide spread like Honda's famous steering rack issue. Most issues are isolated cases aka luck involved when buying cars. NVH is also still good compared to CBU
Another con for Mazda 3 is the low ground clearence especially the hatchback. Depending where you stay and the road condition this could be an issue, need careful maneuvering when going over road bumps and steep car park ramps
Since you are considering family car why not CX5? Yes its considered outdated compared to CX30 or M3 but its still a competant car when it comes to drivability and you get more choices when it comes to engines as well. The rear space is actually similar between both (i tried both CX30 and CX5 on the same day), but CX5 have more headroom and the seats are slightly more comfortable. Overall it is not as big as the CRV and you get 360 cam on all spec except the lowest