The Mazda CX-30 is slated to be launched in Europe very soon, with test drives having already been conducted for the local media. To go with the press drive, the company released preliminary specifications and a full gallery of this compact SUV, which slots between the CX-3 and CX-5 in Hiroshima’s lineup.

Essentially a crossover version of the 3 hatchback, the CX-30 will be offered with the same engines, including a low tune of Mazda’s ubiquitous 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. It makes 122 PS at 6,000 rpm and 213 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and delivers a fuel consumption figure of between 6.2 and 7.3 litres per 100 km on the combined WLTP cycle.

That’s thanks to features like cylinder deactivation and the new Mazda M Hybrid, a 24-volt mild hybrid system. There’s also a 1.8 litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel that churns out 116 PS at 4,000 rpm and 270 Nm from 1,600 to 2,600 rpm, whilst being capable of fuel consumption of 5.1 and 6.6 litres per 100 km.

As with the 3, the CX-30 will also be available with the novel SkyActiv-X petrol engine, utilising Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI). No specifications have been released just yet, but the mill in the 3 makes 180 PS at 6,000 rpm and 224 Nm at 3,000 rpm. It too benefits from the Mazda M Hybrid system.

All engines are paired to a choice of six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, along with the option of an improved i-Activ all-wheel drive system that is more efficient and works better with the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system. Speaking of which, the GVC Plus adds braking intervention on the outside wheels to reduce yaw, helping to stabilise the vehicle as it comes out of the corner.

The CX-30 is built on the company’s SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture, and features a body that uses a straight framework and continuous ring structures. This, along with the use of ultra-high-tensile steel rated at up to 1,310 MPa, allows for a lightweight, high-rigidity body design. The suspension uses MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam setup in the rear, which combine with the extensive insulation to improve refinement.

Measuring 4,395 mm long, 1,795 mm wide, 1,540 mm tall, with a 2,655 mm wheelbase, the CX-30 slots neatly between the CX-3 (4,275 mm long, 1,765 mm wide, 1,535 mm tall, 2,570 mm wheelbase) and CX-5 (4,550 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, 1,675 mm tall, 2,700 mm wheelbase), just as Mazda claims.

Exterior-wise, the CX-30 is more than just a 3 with a raised ride height and added body cladding. The sharp headlights (now with sequential indicators) and wing-shaped grille surround remain, but there’s now a narrower C-pillar, a less upswept window line, reshaped tail lights and dramatic side surfacing – inspired by Japanese brushwork, apparently – that forms an “S” shape depending on the lighting and reflections.

Inside, it’s much the same as the 3, with a minimalist driver-oriented dashboard featuring twin air vents clustered around the instrument cluster, plus a linear design and plenty of soft-touch materials. The only difference is that the wing-shaped upper panel now incorporates the freestanding 8.8-inch display, which continues to be linked to the revised Mazda Connect infotainment system.

Mounted high up and away from the driver in their field of view, the screen can no longer be operated by touch, only the Commander knob aft of the gearlever. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fitted as standard, with audio piped through either an eight-speaker setup or an optional Bose 12-speaker sound system. A head-up Active Driving Display, which projects onto the windscreen, is also available.

Mazda says that the increased dimensions over the CX-3 provide as much couple distance (space between the two front passengers) as a CX-5 and ample knee- and headroom, aided by a low rear seat hip point. The seats have been designed to improve the occupants’ posture and the rear seat shape and B-pillar placement have been optimised for entry and egress. Boot space measures 430 litres.

Safety-wise, the CX-30 is fitted as standard with seven airbags and, in Europe, driver assists such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beam, traffic sign recognition and a driver attention alert.

The options list expands the AEB system to protect against collisions while reversing and rear cross traffic, and adds adaptive LED headlights, front cross traffic alert, a driver monitoring system, a 360-degree camera system and Cruising and Traffic Support that provides semi-autonomous driving.