Almost-New Buying Guide: Mazda CX-30 Car News

This beautiful Mazda sits between the CX-3 crossover and the big CX-5 SUV, but it’s not called the CX-4. What’s in a name, after all? You see, the purpose of the CX-30 is very clear, even if its identity is not: to offer all the good qualities of these two cars in a more modern package in the dimensions of a family SUV. And overall, he does it admirably well.

As you would expect from Mazda, there are some interesting engines to choose from. It gives you a choice of two 2.0-liter gasoline engines, both without turbocharging but using mild hybrid technology, with a small electric motor and battery working together to improve fuel efficiency and engine response to low speed.

Both engines come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, as well as an optional six-speed automatic. The more powerful engine also opens up the option of four-wheel drive.

There are five trim levels to choose from for your CX-30: SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech. All are well-equipped, with automatic lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, air conditioning and head-up displays the bare minimum.

On the road, the Skyactiv-G engine delivers a reasonable punch, while the more powerful Skyactiv-X (which uses innovative compression ignition technology to achieve better fuel economy) feels a bit faster, though. ‘you have to work it to feel the difference. Neither engine can match the flexibility of turbo units found in any other small SUV.

Marked city roads also get the CX-30 moving, while each pothole sends a thud through your seat. Even at high speed on the highway, you will still feel the imperfections of the road as they filter down to your bottom.

The car is happy in the corners, however, with minimal body tilt. However, push harder and you’ll find that it lacks grip up front before one or two of its rivals.

Where the CX-30 really stands out is in its interior quality: no rival comes close to its class solidity. The dashboard is covered in expensive spongy materials and there are leatherette trim. Add some sleek chrome accents to the mix and this is a great place to be. Play around with the switches, rods, and knobs and you’ll find that they all click, spin, and move with an expensive feel as well.

All models come with a center-mounted 8.8-inch infotainment screen that is operated by an intuitive rotary controller mounted between the seats, as well as shortcut buttons.