A look at the Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is a large subcompact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) which on its own sounds like a contradiction in terms. It’s kinda like that old favorite, jumbo shrimp. And in addition to looking good, it’s also damn fun to drive. Napleton News had a recent go with the CX-30. We had a blast, and here’s our report.

Just as an aside, the Mazda CX-30 is loaded with a comprehensive list of safety assists and other important features, all at a reasonable price. Yeah, yeah, we get it about the safety features. You’d probably like to know more about horsepower, torque and so on. But first, a word: We never hope to have to use the safeties, but at the same time, we take comfort in the fact that they are there. Now back to the program. What’s this Mazda all about? Let’s find out:

Talking about the Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX30 is one of the new subcompact SUVs that continue to populate the segment with record success. It’s based on mechanicals, styling and interior bits it shares with the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda3. It also features the latest in technology and features that customers demand in SUVs today. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think the CX-30 is actually a luxury SUV. Loaded with personality, we think it’s one of the most likable vehicles on the road.

Sized around the footprint of the Mazda CX-3, the CX30 features looks that are inspired by the brand’s “Soul of Motion” design language. There are well-placed curves, crisp character lines and other features that flow gracefully, making this Subcompact SUV appear more like a sports sedan. Some of the design cues are so subtle that they require several vehicle walk-arounds before revealing themselves.

Mazda CX-30 Available trim levels, features and Options.

• Mazda CX-30: With LED exterior lighting, Mazda Connect with 8.8-inch screen, adaptive cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, driver assistance package, rain-sensing wipers.
• CX-30 Select: includes dual-zone climate control, simulated leather, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, 18-inch wheels, leather steering wheel and shift knob.
• CX-30 Preferred: with 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, two-position memory settings, heated front seat, power moonroof.
• Mazda CX-30 Premium: Head-up display, leather seating, power tailgate, roof rails, satellite radio, 12-speaker Bose Audio System.
• Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo: Turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, AWD, Leatherette seats, Wi-Fi, 8-speaker audio system, power moonroof, 18-inch wheels, gloss black grille, active cruise control, more.
• CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium: Bose 12-speaker audio system, paddle shift levers, power liftgate, traffic sign recognition, adaptive headlights, navigation.
• CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: Auto emergency braking, rear cross-traffic braking, traffic jam assist, 360-degree monitor, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror.

What is the Mazda CX30 compact SUV?

A subcompact with more than enough good looks to go around, the Mazda CX30 is now in the middle of its second-year in-market. It’s definitely one of the most engaging vehicles to drive, too. Power comes from a standard 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that makes 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 models with the base engine are available in front- or all-wheel drive configurations. A turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder is also on offer, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular 87-octane, while premium fuel (93-octane) develops 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. It is available exclusively in AWD. New for 2022, all Mazda SUVs and crossovers will be offered with all-wheel drive exclusively.

The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Ground clearance is adequate at every corner. Between that and the AWD configuration, it’s a vehicle that can take you almost anywhere. Still,  we would err on the side of caution because there are no protective skid plates for added protection of the bits underneath.

Mazda CX30 interior features

Looking more expensive than its pricing would have you believe, the materials and craftsmanship inside the Mazda CX-30 sit at the top of its class. There is a choice of elegant upholsteries, with seating covered in cloth, leatherette, and genuine leather. These seats are designed to emulate the natural curvature of the spine. Each CX30 model includes the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an included 8.8-inch touchscreen display.

A rotary aluminum control dial resides in the center console and offers controls for the Mazda infotainment system. We find that, at times, when we do not have two hands on the wheel, it is more than natural to find the right hand has drifted over to the center control dials instead. We soon developed muscle memory of where individual controls were located. These controls allowed us to keep our eyes on the road ahead.

Behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-30

There’s a familiar feel getting behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-30. The seats have a feeling of sitting down into a leather catcher’s mitt. Once adjusted, steering wheel and pedal placement feel natural, as though we’ve done this before. After firing the engine, we are off, in search of our next adventure.

Steering is well-weighted with just the right amount of road feel. The turbo engines revs climb as we squeeze the skinny pedal. With it, so does a slightly higher pitch that signifies turbo boost is coming on. We feel it at the same time as it gently nudges us back into the seats. Acceleration picks up and gives us a feeling of substance that this car is not just a pretty face but a pretty stout performer too.

Impressive Ride Quality

We were still impressed by the ride quality, even though the center of gravity is taller than the Mazda CX-3. And truthfully, the CX-30 is a substantially taller car than its older sibling. No matter, though. The CX-30 suspension offers proper turn-in and turn-out for everything from a gentle sweeper to a tight turn. Some have said the suspension is a bit taut for many tastes, but we, like Goldilocks, found it just right. In the process, it kept the CX-30 from leaning too much while rounding a turn.

Which is just the way we like it while on a drive. The bottom line is that the Mazda CX-30 is the type of vehicle that helps guarantee you’ll like the drive as much as the destination.

	2021 MAZDA CX-30
Popular Powertrains
Engine	2.5-liter I4
Horsepower	186 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission	6-spd automatic
Fuel Economy	28 mpg (25 city/33 hwy)
Also Available	2.5-liter turbo I4, AWD
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Rating	5-star
Max Seating	5
Wheelbase	104.4 inches
Overall Length	173.0 inches
Width	70.7 inches
Height	61.7 inches
Turning Diameter	34.8 feet
Headroom, Front	38.1 inches
Headroom, Rear	38.3 inches
Legroom, Front	41.7 inches
Legroom, Rear	36.3 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	55.6 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear	53.6 inches
EPA Passenger Volume	94.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume	20.2/45.2 cubic feet