Introduction
Launched in 2019, the Mazda CX-30 bridges the gap between the compact Mazda CX-3 and the larger Mazda CX-5. With its stylish profile, the CX-30 adds a chic, modern flair and an upscale feel to Mazda’s portfolio of crossover SUVs.
Under the hood, the CX-30 comes equipped with Mazda’s sophisticated SkyActiv technology, offering a balance between power and fuel efficiency.
Depending on the region, buyers can choose from a variety of engine options, including dual petrol-electric hybrids, and petrol and diesel options.
Regardless of which model and year of CX-30 you own, this guide will go over all the best modifications and upgrades.
From body kits to exhausts and power upgrades, we’ve got you covered!
Remap/JB4 Tuner
The performance gains that you get from a remap will depend on the particular engine your model has along with the health of the car. Since these are newer cars, your CX-30’s internals should be in good condition provided it has been maintained to a high standard and received regular servicing.
The most common engines are:
2.0L SkyActiv-G
With its 2.0L SkyActiv-G, this is the base engine for the CX-30. This petrol engine offers an output of 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
2.5L SkyActiv-G
A step up from the base model, the 2.5L SkyActiv-G petrol engine bumps up the output to 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission remains standard and the all-wheel-drive option is also available.
From a remap alone on a healthy engine you can expect gains
2.5L SkyActiv-G Turbocharged
An addition for the 2021 model year is the 2.5L SkyActiv-G Turbocharged engine. This engine significantly increases the performance capabilities of the CX-30, boasting an output of up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when running on premium fuel. This version only comes in all-wheel drive.
1.8L SkyActiv-D
For diesel lovers, the CX-30 also offers a 1.8L SkyActiv-D engine variant. This engine delivers across the power band with 114 horsepower and a punchy 270 lb-ft of torque.
Speak to your local tuner to get an idea of power gains.
Aftermarket Air Intake/Induction Kit
A performance aftermarket air intake allows for both performance gains as well as lovely induction sounds.
The increased airflow achieved by these systems allows for a deeper and throatier sound when you’re on the throttle.
If your CX-30 model is equipped with a turbocharger, the aftermarket air intake can amplify the signature whistle sound during acceleration and boost periods.
Aside from the audible benefits, aftermarket air intakes offer several performance advantages that can help your engine run more efficiently and deliver more power.
By allowing your engine to inhale colder air more efficiently, throttle response is enhanced. This provides a more immediate and crisp engine reaction when you step on the gas pedal.
While upgrading your air intake is all fine and well, you will want to upgrade your turbo intake pipe connecting to the air intake to free up restriction throughout the entire system.
Some induction kits replace the standard air filter and include an upgraded intake pipe along with it to save you buying them separately.
Upgrading both the air intake and the turbo intake pipe in harmony will ensure you get the most optimal performance gains (and some nice sounds!).
Wheel Upgrades
Upgrading your wheels is a simple upgrade that can revolutionize the entire look of your CX-30.
Whether you prefer sporty, sleek, or elegant aesthetic, there are a wide selection of aftermarket wheels to suit your preference.
OEM wheel sizes range between 16 and 18 inches, so there are a variety of options depending on what look you want to go for.
Upsizing to larger diameter wheels is a simple and popular upgrade that gives the CX-30 a sportier and bolder look.
Keep in mind that when upsizing you will need to change tyre to one with a lower side profile. When you do this, the ride quality may become slightly harsher so try to balance aesthetics with comfort when it comes to choosing the right wheel size.
Another wheel upgrade you can do without actually swapping the wheels at all is to add wheel spacers.
By pushing the wheels out farther from the car’s body, wheel spacers give your Mazda CX-30 a wider, more aggressive stance.
A flush wheel fitment can significantly improve the overall look helping to achieve a cleaner, streamlined aesthetic.
Performance Exhaust
An aftermarket performance exhaust is a great way to get more power from your CX-30 as well as a nicer, sportier growl from the tail pipes.
Upgrading to a performance exhaust improves the engine’s ability to breathe more efficiently. The reduced backpressure enables the engine to generate more power, leading to increased horsepower and torque.
Aftermarket exhaust systems are also made of lightweight materials, such as stainless steel which weighs less so in turn improves the power to weight ratio of the car even more.
Aside from boosting performance, the sound enhancements also makes for a more exhilarating and sporty driving experience.
Painted Brake Calipers
This simple and underrated mod can totally transform the look of your CX-30, turning into a true premium-looking head turner. The presence of some bold and bright brake calipers in contrast with your car’s body and wheels add a real elegant and sporty edge to your Mazda.
One of the best things about this mod is that it you can do it yourself and it doesn’t have to break the bank. With just a few inexpensive supplies and a bit of time, you can turn your brake calipers into stars in their own right.
This DIY project typically involves selecting a high-quality, heat-resistant paint, thoroughly cleaning the calipers to remove any dirt or grime, masking any nearby areas to protect them from accidental paint splatter, and carefully applying multiple coats of paint to achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish.
Yellow and red tend to be popular colours of choice when it comes to painting calipers on the CX30. These bright colours in contrast with the standard colours of the car make a bold visual statement.
Of course if you aren’t up to the task of doing them yourself, then you can always take them to a local auto shop or body shop who can paint them for you. This will usually work out more expensive.
You can get high quality brake caliper paint below.
Gloss Red Brake Caliper Paint
Gloss Yellow Brake Caliper Paint
Lowering Springs
Installing lowering springs in your Mazda CX30 adds an extra touch of aesthetic appeal, giving it a lower and sportier stance.
While not for everyone, this mod helps to reduce the wheel arch gap and lower the centre of gravity leading to improved handling performance.
Lowering springs can help your CX30 hug the road better during cornering, decreasing body roll and increasing stability during higher speed manoeuvres.
The main concern when dropping the ride height is sacrificing comfort and ride quality. Opting for a high quality set of lowering springs will ensure comfort is maintained as much as possible and the ride quality is smooth.
How much you decide to drop will first depend on your model of CX-30. For example, some of the European spec CX-30’s have a lower suspension height from the factory.
25mm-30mm tends to be the most drop height. If you are wanting to go further than this and go really low, then you would be better off looking into coilovers. However these can noticeably reduce the ride quality.
Your best best is a set of lowering springs from H&R or Eibach.
H&R Lowering Springs
For the CX-30
Eibach Lowering Springs
For the CX-30
Body Kit
This ultimate bold exterior upgrade not only provides improved aerodynamics, but also gives your car a distinctive and aggressive look that stands out on every journey.
With the sharp and sleek lines it introduces, your Mazda becomes an audacious ensemble of beauty.
A body kit for the CX30 includes components like new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and sometimes a spoiler extension.
While a stunning visual upgrade, it is also an expensive one. Unless you are very competent painting/working on cars or have a friend who owns a body shop, expect to pay a fair amount in labour in getting the body parts installed and painted.
Many of the components of the body kits come unpainted, so you will need to have them painted to match the body of your CX30 or painted another colour for some contrast. Depending on the quality of the parts, some sanding and filling may be required as well to achieve perfect fitment and panel alignment with the standard body panels.
If you don’t want a full body kit and are instead only interested in enhancing certain parts of the exterior, then you can buy components separately such as a front splitter which you can purchase on eBay,
Front Splitter
Fits the Mazda CX-30
Interior Mods & Accessories
The CX30 boasts a sleek and modern functional interior that mirrors the elegance of the car’s exterior.
While a lot of people focus on boosting the performance of their CX30 and adding some visual exterior mods, many overlook the very place they spend their time in. The interior!
While it’s true that the CX30 interior has almost all of the functionality you might need, there are some subtle enhancements you can make.
Console Compartment Organizer
This simple accessory on eBay can make your life a whole lot easier. As the name implies, it helps organise the centre console better so you can place and store small items better. It is also made from anti-slip material meaning items won’t rattle around either.
Door Handle Tray
Another simple but useful accessory, these little trays add an extra element of storage capabilities to your CX-30. This can stop you dropping things through the door handles and act as an easy place to place and retrieve small items on the go.
Dashcam
A dashcam can be an invaluable device, protecting you from fraudulent claims and capturing vital footage in the event of an accident. While not the most exciting upgrade, a dashcam can save you a lot of headaches and money in the event of a claim. You can get a great value dashcam for your CX-30 on eBay here.
Interior Trim Wrap
This mod is a bit more of a DIY one. Wrapping trim elements such as dashboard panel and switches is a great way to add a premium touch to the car. Carbon fibre on eBay is a popular choice and really compliments the CX-30’s elegant nature.
Finishing Thoughts
There are many exciting ways you can upgrade and modify your CX-30.
Whether you are looking to improve the performance on the road or turn it into a real head turner with some tasteful exterior mods, there is a varied and fast growing aftermarket community for the car.
Due to these cars being quite new, your current CX30 may still be under warranty. If so, there are some important considerations to make before modding it.
Modifications may affect the warranty conditions, leading to the potential denial of coverage for specific repairs. This is especially true for engine mods if you have tuned your CX30 or added an aftermarket intake.
Be sure to read the terms of you warranty carefully to avoid any headaches.
Happy modding!
