Based on the well appraised Mazda 3 platform, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 variant sports a larger 2.5L SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine producing a respectable 186 horsepower – that’s 36 horsepower more to be exact. The subcompact cross-over only comes conveniently as a 5-door hatchback offering respectable cargo space with room for more thanks to its 60/40 folding rear seats and all-wheel drive. Couple that with sleek appearance inside out and above all, a fun and composed driving experience.
Purposeful Tranquility
Cabin quality is not skimped out by any means. The GT trim under test comes equipped with a dual-tone black and dark brown duo color scheme with high quality vinyl along the center console and door panel. Various chrome trimmings adds cosmetic value to the interior, but too much that would otherwise make it a gimmick.
The onboard 8.8″ infotainment touchscreen is powered by the latest and greatest Mazda Connect software with Android Auto and Apple Car Play support. The new software upgrade significantly improves responsiveness and both the larger and flatter command interface rotary dial and graphical user-interface has been significantly revamped with a much better user experience. Equipped on the GT trim is also a heads-up display and a 20-speaker BOSE audio system delivery crisp and clear sound.
If there’s anything to pick on, that’d be the seats. While the perforated synthetic material is thick and durable, the slight slippery surface texture along with the mediocre support can lead you to sliding around slightly and discomfort over longer drives. The static position of the heads-up display also poses an issue as the instrument cluster panel blocks the entire view of the heads-up display if the seating position is lowered too much.
Art in Motion
It’s perhaps the best way to describe the driving experience. While the 2.5L 4-cylinder produces a mere 186 horsepower and 186 lbs.ft of torque, acceleration is very plush that even rivals some of the luxury categories. Shifts are seamlessly managed by a 6-speed automatic with available steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
What makes the SKYACTIV-G powertrain special is its exclusive G-vectoring control. Not to be confused with torque vectoring, but the idea is similar, which gently applies braking on the inside rear wheels on a turn to improve cornering.
The base CX-30 trim comes configured in FWD configuration while all other trims including the GS and GT trim are offered in AWD configuration.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-30 is no slouch in terms of quality and performance. From sleek design to smooth driving, the 5-door compact crossover offers a sense of luxury in both looks and feel. Priced at $36,000 for the highest GT AWD trim under test, it’s not exactly a bargain deal, but the price is well justified in our books. For $6,500 less, the lower GS trim cuts out the heads-up display and rear-parking sensors while still retaining the 2.5L engine and i-Active AWD system. Finally, the base CX-30 model will come in at only $26,625 that will only be offered in FWD configuration and the smaller 2.0L 4-cylinder engine at just 155 horsepower as opposed to 186, but you’ll still get G-Vectoring along with it. Regardless of which trim you opt for, the CX-30 will treat you well in all forms of windy roads.
