Nick Dow's blog : THE BENCHMARK OF MODERN CROSSOVERS
New cars this year turned out to be very
diverse and quite interesting. There are quite a few of them among small urban
crossovers, where it is certainly worth paying attention to the new Japanese
Mazda CX-30. Despite the fact that this car is not entirely new this season, by
the beginning of the season it had undergone a noticeable update, receiving
premium equipment and a more modern, bright appearance. That is why it can
easily compete with many of our popular classmates, for example, the Nissan
Qashqai, which has a large number of loyal fans in Russia. But can it become
more popular than this car?
By the way, not only the first, but also the
second Japanese one has recently been slightly updated. Now they are sold with
both gasoline and diesel engines with very good performance. Also in both
cases, a choice of transmission and drive is possible. But it is believed that
the first car is better equipped than the other. It is said to have received a
premium set of options. Is it really? And what car is better to buy now?
Specification
Comparison
The main answer to the question: “Which is
better – Mazda CX-30 or Nissan Qashqai?” will be a comparison of their
characteristics. Both cars belong to the class of compact urban crossovers. The
length/width/height of the first Japanese was 4395/1795/1540 mm and the same
figures for the opponent - 4379/1836/1590 mm. The dimensions of the machines
are almost the same and have only subtle differences. Not only are they practically
invisible, but they also cannot have any effect on driving performance. But the
difference in ground clearance is more than obvious. And it is by no means in
favor of the first of the Japanese, whose ground clearance is only 175 mm,
while this figure for the second was as much as 200 mm how says in Mercury manual.
Therefore, this car must surpass its opponent in cross-country ability.
Cars are famous for having a large number of
safety systems with comfort functions and have many systems that help the
driver in various situations. But, if in the first case such devices are
distinguished by premium performance, then in the second their level can be a
little simpler. At the same time, they work with these Japanese stably and
thoughtfully.
Engines
and transmission
Crossovers are produced for the Russian market
with several types of power units. The Mazda CX-30 has such indicators as:
·
gasoline, 2 liters, power 150
horsepower;
·
diesel, turbine, volume 1.8 l,
power 116 hp
Nissan Qashqai has the following types of
engines:
gasoline, turbocharged with a volume of 1.2
liters, delivering power of 115 “horses”;
gasoline, 2 liters of volume with a capacity of
144 "mares";
diesel, turbocharged, having a volume of 1.6 liters
and a power of 130 horsepower.
Despite the fact that car engines seem to be
rather modest in their data, in fact this is not entirely true. Even the
weakest power units allow you to feel confident on the track. And with more
powerful engines, cars can show an almost sporty character that will appeal to
many motorists. At the same time, the motors are incredibly economical and
reliable. True, some experts argue that the engines of the first car require
increased attention from the owner and can be demanding on the quality of fuel
and maintenance.
Both cars are sold with a reliable manual
transmission. But the first is also available with an automatic transmission,
and the second with a CVT. The CVT, according to experienced drivers and
experts, needs careful handling and professional maintenance.
The cars received versions with both
front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
Ride
quality, maneuverability and handling
As a comparison of the Mazda CX-30 or Nissan
Qashqai shows, the cars are characterized by the now popular suspension
structure with front MacPherson struts and a rear semi-independent multi-link
how says in Nissan
manual. The elements of this unit in both cars
have long been recognized as durable and quite reliable. And replacing them in
the first case may be more expensive than in the second.
Crossovers are known for their safety and
excellent handling under any road conditions and surfaces. This became possible
thanks to a variety of modern safety systems and electronic assistants with
high-quality steering and suspension.
With their small size, the cars feel quite
comfortable in cramped urban environments. There are no problems with their
parking even in very limited spaces. Moreover, in both cases this process is
noticeably simplified due to special electronic assistants. The cars consume
very little fuel and are equipped with automatic transmission or CVT, which
makes staying in frequent traffic jams quite comfortable.
And on the highway, both cars demonstrate
maximum safety and excellent handling. Even the weakest engines are enough for
high-quality acceleration and safe overtaking. But such configurations are
addressed only to rather calm motorists. In both cases, there are versions for fans
of high-speed driving, known for their good speed and power data. Crossovers
with a spacious interior and good protection against external noise are also
ideal for long-distance travel in a large company.
Mazda has a fairly low cross-country ability
and is noticeably inferior in this quality to its opponent, which can sometimes
outshine most real SUVs. Despite the presence of all-wheel drive modifications,
the CX-30 is not recommended for use on very bad roads and even minor off-road
conditions - there is a very high risk of damage to suspension elements or
bumpers, since the car has a rather low ground clearance for such purposes. The
rival is ideal for trips to the countryside and nature, and even for real
off-road adventures. Of course, all this should be attributed to a greater
extent to its trim levels equipped with all-wheel drive.
Comparison
of trim levels and prices
Popular manufacturers from the Land of the
Rising Sun offered Russian consumers an excellent choice from a sufficient
number of versions. For the Mazda CX-30, the release date of which in Russia is
already known, there are four configurations - 20S, 20S Proactive, 20S
Proactive Touring Selection and L Package. The second updated model can be
purchased in as many as six versions - XE, SE, SE+, QE, QE+ and LE.
Modifications of these cars differ from each other in the presence of various
options and systems, the type of engine, transmission and some other features.
The level of equipment of the Japanese is
incredibly high and fully corresponds to modern trends and requirements for
comfort and safety. But the first one has equipment made at a real premium
level, unlike the second one.
Maintenance
costs
Despite the fact that many domestic motorists
can afford the maintenance of these crossovers, owning the first one will not
be as cheap, which cannot be said about the second one.
Almost the same can be said about car repair.
In the first case, some works may be far from budget, while in the second they
will cost much less. At the same time, both cars are known for their famous
Japanese quality and reliability, and therefore they can easily go without
costly breakdowns for a long period of time how says in Mazda manual.
Appearance,
dimensions
Crossovers have fairly similar small sizes, and
each has its own appearance and is easily recognizable. The Mazda CX-30 has a
bright and dynamic design, and the Nissan Oashqai looks quite expensive and
original, but there are hints of aggression in its image.
As befits all modern cars of this class, they
have reliable protection for the lower part of the body from damage to the
paintwork in the form of an unpainted plastic body kit. In both cases, it is
possible to equip with LED optics, which not only corresponds to modern trends,
but also significantly increases control safety. Cars can be purchased with
alloy wheels, the design of which in the first case perfectly emphasizes the
sporty image, and in the second case it is distinguished by its brightness and
special style. The second Japanese model in some trim levels may have a
panoramic roof.
From the front, the Mazda seems quite
aggressive due to the shape of the narrow headlights, trimmed with chrome, and
the impressive size of the radiator grille, which also has chrome decor. The
rival's front end has a dynamic note, reflected in the design of the narrow
headlights. The front bumper features a lot of decoration and a large air
intake. The radiator grille received an original shape and chrome decoration.
From the side, the Mazda appears sporty and
sculpted due to the large wheel arches protruding beyond the dimensions of the
body and stamped elements on the wings and doors. Its side mirrors are large,
which provides a high-quality view of the road. The opponent from the side
looks voluminous and luxurious. There are stampings on the wings and doors. The
car windows are framed with a chrome-plated frame. The side mirrors are quite
large and can be painted in shades that contrast with the rest of the body
parts.
The rear of the CX-30 features a large luggage
compartment lid, decorated with various embossed elements. The narrow rear
lights look very dynamic and aggressive. The exhaust pipes have acquired a
round shape and are located on the sides of the rear bumper. The Nissan appears
quite voluminous from behind and attracts attention with its impressive size
and original structure of the rear lights. The trunk lid is simply huge. The
rear bumper has a large and bright chrome decor.