The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Mazda makes a segment play with CX-30
GOING, GOING, GONE » home runstyle!
Mazda is an underrated manufacturer, on an island by themselves trying to compete; they don’t even have a luxury brand nor sister manufacturers to lean on.
They introduced the new CX30, a subcompact SUV, to fit between their CX-3 and CX5. At first, I was confused about the purpose of the model, but now I get it. With our past sedan Mazda testers in the 3 and 6, the CX-30 is a chance to experience similar sizing while basically sitting up higher, Suv-style.
When I think of Mazda, the first thing that comes to mind is of course, the shark-like grille, the economical value and highvolume production; I mean they were all over the road at one time. The CX-30 competes in this category with the Honda HR-V; our recently tested lackluster Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross; and hang10-like Hyundai Kona. This Mazda edges them all out in various ways — simply a touch above and for a couple of reasons.
Yes, the “shark-like” front fascia is still here and I think it will be for a while; it is the staple of the Mazda brand and quite frankly, it seems like other manufacturers are getting the hint and enhancing grille sizes maybe to keep up with the styling. Who knows, Mazda might have been a trend-starter for once. I will say this, when you see a new style Mazda, you know right away what it is, just by the looks of the grille, hmmm.
Standard features for our CX30 premium model tester were a protruding 8.8 inch infotainment system, with rotary style controls. Nicely positioned Bose speakers, moon/sun roof, two-tone leather seats and an automatic rear hatch. Also the sole motor package in the CX-30 is the familiar, peppy Skyactiv-g. Delivering 186 hp with no turbo option and also a nice 186 ft.-lb. of torque.
But the best is yet to come: a six-speed automatic transmission! That means no CVT, ohh how I love to say those words. Finally a subcompact without the inexpensively manufactured continuously variable transmission. Additionally, our CX-30 came with all-wheel drive. Well done Mazda, well done. A category leader and game changer if you ask me.
The interior fine leather and styling was another reason for the edge over the competition, it was silky smooth in its two-tone presence and sleek in style. It really showed up well in our photo shoot in East Pennsylvania. Sizing was similar to the competition so not much to discuss there, but roomy for the front passengers and cargo for your daily commute or trip out of town.
I can’t say enough about Mazda and its current lineup of great-looking, inexpensive automobiles that bring a lot of bang to the table for the buck. While delivering above-expected quality in all of its vehicles, Mazda has tons of packages on every vehicle fit for all types of people. From stripped-down basics to midscale luxury, if I were you, I would seriously consider Mazda as the Zoom-zoom delivers again and again.
Mazda CX-30
MSRP: $29,600
As tested: $32,100
MPG: 25 city, 33 highway, 27.1 as tested