Alexander Mitich

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus - Punching Above Its Weight, In Typical Mazda Fashion

Over the last few years we have been pushed to test a host of new systems aimed solely at reducing fuel consumption and emissions from cars. Downsizing –or reduction of engine displacement if you prefer–, automatic deactivation of cylinders, automatic transmissions that are disengaged in gear to circulate as if we were in neutral, all kinds of catalysts and filters, electrification at different levels, gas –in their different types and applications–, hydrogen, eco-fuels ... Well, when we thought we had seen it all in terms of ecology applied to driving, Mazda arrived with something revolutionary: Skyactiv-G or as they define it themselves, the gasoline engine that works like a diesel, that is, by compression and not by explosion.

In the CX-30, the famous Kodo design style of the brand acquires a new dimension, since at first glance it is seen as a notably more athletic and attractive SUV than the CX-5 despite being much smaller, specifically 15 centimeters shorter. Regarding the Mazda 3, the main advantage is its height , especially for those looking for better access to both the front and rear seats. Of course, the larger size and a more generous opening in the case of the previous doors, makes it a bit more difficult to access the back where the ceiling is also lower.

The counterpart is found at the level of visibility because both the rear window, as well as the sides and especially the rear, are somewhat small, something that translates into a considerable increase in the typical blind spots while on the move. Luckily, our Zenith trim test unit, and with several added extras, included a 360º vision system with great image quality that emerged as one of the most useful items of equipment on this vehicle, as we will indicate later.

Otherwise, the cabin of the CX-30 is impeccable in terms of settings, general quality and equipment . As we anticipated before, in the trim level Zenith includes this car includes many valuable standard elements, such as the active cruise control, the rear camera, the obstacle warning in the blind spot , some adaptive full led headlights that work really good , a head up display that projects the basic information on the windshield and above all, a well placed and large multifunction screen - 8.8 inches - that includes a browser, Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity systems.

The first thing you should know before anything else is that you are not facing a sporty touch engine, far from it. That maximum torque is not reached until 3,000 revs and power up to 6,000, so if you want to extract all its performance you must take it high in revs. So far everything more or less normal but the most curious thing is that thanks to operating under compression, this engine has much lower than you expect, like the diesel of a lifetime.

To recap, we are looking at one of the most interesting mid-size SUV Coupe in terms of design and quality, with a well-conditioned interior and spacious enough for four adults, a good trunk and an important technological endowment. Among its best virtues, dynamism and precision of guidance stand out, qualities that make it a fun car to drive and also pleasant, as it has good damping capacity and a more than commendable interior soundproofing.

Superb acceleration and handling, for the segment

New turbocharged powertrain

Interior refinement

Polarizing infotinament UI/UX

Somewhat cramped interior but still better than the CX-3

Specs:

Engine: 2.5L Turbocharged DOHC inline 4-cylinder

Drivetrain: AWD

Power: 250 hp

Torque: 320 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Comb.): 25/22/30 MPG