SURPRISINGLY SPORTY
All-new model offers up a class-leading interior to go along with its superior handling
The CX-30 is the first of what Mazda says will be a more upscale breed of compact crossover. While the slick new ride slots neatly between the CX-3 and CX-5, it does not wear a CX-4 badge — there’s already one for the Chinese market, and Mazda says that would cause confusion. Really?
The CX-30 is based on the fourth-generation Mazda3, complete with all the advances that went on to define the 3 as the segment leader in short order. With a better platform, more technology, and a choice of three trim levels, the CX-30 promises to rise to the top of its class just as quickly.
It starts with the sharp exterior styling, and based on the admiring looks we got, the CX-30 hits the right buttons. The interior is also going to push expectations upward: the driver-oriented layout is logical, the materials are off the top shelf, and the attention to detail is there for all to enjoy. From the eight-inch infotainment that supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto to the crisp, uncluttered digital instrumentation, it feels a cut above the segment norm, unless you move up to an entry-level Audi Q3 or BMW X1.
Up front, the posture-correct seats deliver superior support and a near-perfect driving position. There’s decent rear-seat space, as long as the front seats are not fully rearward. It also has the right cargo capacity, although Mazda is not saying exactly how much right now.
The CX-30 also gets more safety equipment. All models include blind-spot monitoring, and the GS and GT include Smart City Brake Support, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and a drowsy-driver monitor. The GT then adds rear emergency braking to the list.
While the base GX drives the front wheels with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 poundfeet of torque, the smart money will move up to the larger 2.5-L in-line four used in the GS and GT models. The 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque give the CX-30 a much better work ethic. In the GT, the 2.5 also has cylinder deactivation, meaning it delivers the best fuel economy. All engines work with a six-speed automatic transmission to drive the front or all four wheels. Allwheel drive is a $2,000 premium for the GX and GS models, and standard on the GT.
Mazda’s i-activ all-wheel-drive system is one of the smarter ones available. It monitors everything from driver input to the forces acting on the car, and uses this information to determine the best power split in real time. The predictive ability allows it to seamlessly shuffle up to 50 per cent of power to the rear wheels whenever needed. When extra traction isn’t needed, the system powers only the front wheels to improve fuel economy.
The smart aspect is found in the fact it pulls away using all four wheels to prevent unwanted wheelspin, and it alters the power split to help counter a wayward tendency mid corner. It also works with a new off-road traction assist system, which, when engaged, reduces the power in a less dramatic manner and brakes the wheels without traction to maintain forward momentum.
That said, the CX-30 isn’t an off-roader — the ground clearance means it’s more suited to a gnarly cottage road than accessing a remote fishing hole.
One of the key features is Mazda’s G-vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) system. When heading into a corner, GVC Plus reduces engine torque slightly to load up the front wheels, bringing a crisper and more responsive turn-in. At the exit of the corner, it dabs the outside front brake momentarily to get the CX-30 back on track in a smoother, quicker manner.
The combined effects of GVC Plus, the compliant suspension tuning, and the precise steering setup, work with the all-wheel drive to give the CX-30 surprisingly sporty road manners, unlike many other CUVS.
It was pretty clear the CX-30 is — considering the current crop of crossovers — the most dynamic when the tone of the drive is amped up a notch or three.
The Mazda CX-30 brings the Mazda3’s credentials, including a sharp exterior look, a swanky interior, solid performance, sorted handling and available all-wheel drive to the compact crossover segment. This combination has the potential to make it the darling of the market.
The CX-30 starts at $23,950 for the front-drive GX and tops out at $33,850 for the all-wheel-drive GT. The smart money will opt for the GS with AWD, for $28,650.