Last year, we saw two interesting products appear on the market, both within the segment that is the most exciting across the industry, the sub-compact SUV. Kia's Seltos was an instant hit because of its eye-catching styling and versatility.
For Mazda, the CX-30 was positioned as an alternative to the smaller CX-3, but its debut was less noticeable.
In fact, if we look at what each of these vehicles suggests, the last statement sums it up; the CX-30 is a self-effacing model while the Seltos is more flamboyant
Let's see why it's more interesting.
Design
At Kia, if there's one thing that defines the company when it comes to design, it's boldness. That's why we turn our heads when we see a Seltos. First, because it has distinct and eye-catching lines, but also because of the bright colors offered.
On the Mazda side, the CX-30 isn't ugly, but it's confused with the CX-3 and CX-5 in an approach that could be compared to Russian dolls. It's grey!
The same observation applies to the interior.
Cargo volume
With an SUV, even if it's in the compact category, you want to enjoy a cargo volume worthy of the name. At Mazda, the emphasis has always been on exterior styling rather than interior space. This translates into a distinct disadvantage over the Kia Seltos, which offers both style and volume.
Behind the second row seats, it's 752 liters versus 572. And with the second row bench, it's 1778 liters against 1280. It's not even a close fight.
Fuel consumption
Finally, at the pump, the Kia representative also has an advantage. This is especially true in the city, for both the front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models. And it holds true for the two engines offered with the Seltos, when compared to the two basic mills offered with the CX-30.
Roughly speaking, we're talking about an average of half a liter per 100 kilometers, whether it's with the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder or the 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder (Mazda uses 2.0- and 2.5-litre 4-cylinders, respectively).
When you accumulate thousands of kilometers annually, it makes a huge difference.
