Mazda is introducing an all-new small SUV by the name of CX-30 to the market, and it’s putting the rest of the segment on notice. If you’re looking for a new small crossover, this may be the one to wait for.
Don’t believe us? Well here at the 2019 LA Auto Show, Mazda has spent a considerable amount of time showing us the ins and outs of its new car. Here’s what you need to know:
Size
You may be curious where the 2020 Mazda CX-30 fits in alongside the rest of the brand’s vehicles. In terms of length, it’s a bit bigger than the CX-3, yet smaller than the CX-5. Some might imagine the CX-30 to be a Mazda3 on stilts, but the crossover is surprisingly smaller than the Mazda3 hatchback.
The CX-30 also boasts more rear-seat head- and legroom than the Mazda3, and has much more rear-seat legroom than the CX-3, meaning all those critics of the subcompact’s rear seats will have much less to complain about. There aren’t any confirmed numbers on the cargo space, but looking at it, it seems far more spacious than the CX-3, and closer to the Mazda3 in size.
Pricing
Mazda Canada shared the expected pricing for the new vehicle, and it’s very competitive, considering what you get. Base GX models are equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and start at $23,950 for front-wheel-drive models and $25,950 for all-wheel-drive versions.
The GS models get an upgraded engine, bigger wheels, and more equipment including radar cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic headlights, and automatic climate control. This model starts at $26,650 with front-wheel drive and $28,650 for all-wheel-drive models. There’s an additional Luxury Package for $1,900.
The range-topping GT model comes with the upgraded engine and all-wheel drive and includes nicer upholstery as well as features like a head-up display, rear parking sensors, a Bose sound system, automatic levelling headlights, and paddle shifters. It carries a price of $33,850.
Freight and PDE are $1,950 for all models; buyers can pay $200 to $450 for the fancier paint finishes.
|
Trim |
FWD |
AWD |
|---|---|---|
|
GX |
$23,950 |
$25,950 |
|
GS |
$26,650 |
$28,650 |
|
GT |
– |
$33,850 |
Performance
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine found under the hood of the base models features 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired to either a front-wheel drive system or Mazda’s clever i-AWD system. All cars come with a six-speed automatic. Mazda estimates that the 2.0L engine will return 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 L/100 km on the highway in FWD guise, while AWD models will return 9.4 in the city and 7.7 on the highway.
The upgraded engine found in GS and higher models is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine making 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The engine gains cylinder deactivation in GT models, to make them more fuel-efficient. Mazda estimates that front-wheel-drive models with the 2.5-litre engine will return 9.3 L/100 km in city driving conditions and 7.1 L/100 km on the highway. The all-wheel-drive GS model without cylinder deactivation is rated at 9.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.7 L/100 km on the highway, while the GT model with cylinder deactivation returns 9.5 in the city and 7.4 on the highway.
|
Engine/Configuration |
City (L/100 km) |
Highway (L/100 km) |
|---|---|---|
|
2.0L (FWD) |
8.9 |
7.1 |
|
2.0L (AWD) |
9.4 |
7.7 |
|
2.5L (FWD) |
9.3 |
7.1 |
|
2.5L (AWD) |
9.9 |
7.7 |
|
2.5L (AWD w/ CD) |
9.5 |
7.4 |
It should come as no surprise that Mazda has placed an emphasis on performance, even with its crossovers, so the CX-30 features G-Vectoring control, a brake-vectoring system with very slight brake application that improves handling and responsiveness. Models with the 2.5-litre get G-Vectoring Control Plus which uses the brakes to minimize roll and lean, further improving the ride.
Interior
The highlight of the CX-30 has to be the interior, where Mazda is applying its fashion-forward styling to a mainstream segment. It’s very similar to the impressive Mazda3, which has nice stitched upholstery, leather materials on the dash and high-end feeling controls and switchgear.
There is an impressive amount of technology in the CX-30 as well as an available head-up display, a pair of USB ports, and a useful 7-inch screen in the gauge cluster. Like the Mazda3, the CX-30 uses a new infotainment system with an 8-inch screen and a rotary knob controller. The system also has support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Exterior
The design team at Mazda has been busy at work applying the unique styling of the Mada3 to a larger vehicle. A clear focus on the new design language is limiting the number of harsh lines on the body. Instead, the surfaces have a unique texture to them, building a flow or design through the reflections. This is especially noticeable with the extra cost paint finishes. Base models come with 16-inch wheels, while other trim levels have 18-inch wheels. The body cladding around the vehicle gives the CX-30 its rugged appeal, but there seems to be a significant amount of space in the rear wheel well.
The 2020 CX-30 started production this month and should be available in dealerships soon. If you’re a fan of Mazda’s interior and exterior design and the brand’s engaging driving feel, you’ll gravitate to the CX-30.
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