The CX-30 is an all-new subcompact crossover from Mazda that fills a gap in the model lineup between the CX-3 and CX-5. The CX-30 is a 4-door wagon based on the Mazda 3, but rides a wheelbase that is shortened from 107.3 inches to 104.5 inches. Other differences include a higher ride height and additional exterior body cladding. The CX-3 competes in a very crowded segment. Key competitors include the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax, Ford EcoSport, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Jeep Renegade, Kia Niro, Nissan Kicks, Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota C-HR.
The CX-30 is offered in Base, Select, Preferred and Premium trim. All are available with front- or all-wheel drive and powered by a 186-hoserpower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The CX-30 in not rated for towing.
Standard safety features on all CX-30 models include driver attention system, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and rear-view camera. The base front-drive CX-30 lists for $21,900 and includes 16-inch wheels, LED lighting, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry with push-button start, cloth seating, 8-speaker audio system and 8.8-inch infotainment screen. Select adds 18-inch alloy wheels, support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play, blind-spot monitor, leatherette seats, rear-privacy glass and dual-zone automatic climate control. Preferred adds Bose premium audio, driver seat memory, heated seats and unique interior and exterior trim. Top-of-the-line Premium adds head-up display, adaptive front lighting, cylinder deactivation, leather seats, paddle shifters, power liftgate, sunroof and roof rails. All-wheel drive adds $1,400 to the price of any model.
While many competitors in the class offer turbocharged engines, the CX-30 sticks with a normally aspirated 4-cylinder. Displacement is 2.5-liters, which is near the top for a 4-cylinder, and that helps with low-end torque. While the engine does feel a little sleepy initially, it does offer good acceleration and passing response. At full throttle, it will propel the CX-30 from 0 to 60 MPH in about 7.5 seconds, which is class average, if not a bit above.
Again, bucking the trend, Mazda has paired the large-displacement four with a traditional 6-speed automatic. With so many slushy continuously variable automatics in the class, the conventional transmission is a welcome change. It provides smooth upshifts in acceleration and positive and prompt downshifts when more power is needed. Up-level models also get steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for more precise control.
Despite the additional body cladding and higher ride height, the CX-30 is no off-road champ. The all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for extreme off-road use. However, the all-wheel-drive system does make the CX-30 more secure on slippery roads and also provides a bit more balance in high-speed maneuvers.
Fuel economy with all-wheel drive comes in at 25 MPG city, 32 MPG highway and 27 MPG combined. Those numbers compare favorably to most competitors and the CX-30’s 4-cylinder runs fine on regular-grade gasoline. In the real world, most are likely to average about 30 MPG in overall suburban commuting. Perhaps a bit less if they regularly carry a full passenger load. The only downside is a dinky 12.7-gallon fuel tank on all-wheel-drive models that limits overall range to less than 350 miles.
The beauty of starting with the Mazda 3 platform is that the CX-30 gets to share its athletic underpinnings. Though MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam in back are fairly commonplace in the class, Mazda has tuned the suspension to provide a firm and controlled ride, making the CX-30 drive more like a sports sedan than a crossover. Adding to the fun are nicely weighted and communicative steering and a responsive brake pedal. Body motions are nicely kept in check as well.
On the flip side, the CX-30 does ride with more firmness than one might expect. There’s little impact absorption and hard impacts can pound through. This is certainly more noticeable on models with the 18-inch wheels, but even the base models have a firmer ride than most competitors.
Road, wind and tire noise are impressively quelled as the CX-30 might be the overall quietest offering the class. In fact, it is one of those vehicles that is always going faster than it seems. So, keep a close on the speedo.
Like all Mazda’s, the CX-30 interior is a model of simplicity and elegance. If you didn’t know it, you’d think you were in a vehicle costing thousands more. Top-of-the-class materials and high-end finishes abound. Traditional analog gauges are augmented by a digital information screen and an available head-up display. The simple center stack features conventional climate controls topped off by an extra-wide display screen for the infotainment system. Conversely, the center console is a bit busy, with the shifter, jog dial to control the infotainment and radio volume knob, which is an awkward reach on the right. Ancillary controls are in expected locations and lit for use at night.
Speaking of the infotainment system, one plus is that it supports Android Auto and Apple Car Play. However, clunky navigation forces you back into the main menu each time you want to make a change or adjustment.
The front seats are firm and heavily bolstered -- so much so that some may find them uncomfortable. For most they are the perfect compliment to the CX-30’s sporty demeanor. Leg and head room are good, though the seats seem a bit narrow. The rear seat suffers compared to many competitors. It’s fairly tight with just adequate head and knee room. Entry exit is decent, but again, competitors with taller builds provide easier access. Thanks to an airy greenhouse and thin roof pillars, outward visibility is good.
Cargo capacity comes in at a scant 13 cubic feet with the rear seat up. That trails most in the class. In addition, the opening is small and the liftover seems high. Of course, the rear seats do fold to increase cargo capacity. Interior storage is about average. There are a couple of bins in the center console and a modestly sized globe box. Door map pockets disappoint.
Bottom Line – Enthusiasts need look no further, the CX-30 is here to quench your thirst for an affordable subcompact crossover. Driving dynamics aside, the CX-30 is a well-appointed and nicely equipped crossover that, honestly, makes most of the others blush a bit. Prices might seem a little steep at first, but compared on a feature-for-feature basis, the Mazda is really quite affordable. Take note of the ride quality on up level trims and the scant cargo capacity.
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