2020 Mazda CX-30 First Drive
Drives Like It Looks...All Good!
A few San Diego blocks into our daylong drive of Mazda's newest compact crossover, my (knowledgeable and highly critical) co-driver proclaimed that it felt "very good." We hadn't yet reached the eastbound freeway, let alone the twisty two-lanes where Mazdas typically shine, and she was already sensing its overall likability and singing its praises.
You know how some dogs and people can almost instantly ingratiate themselves when you first meet them? This all-new CX-30, which slides between the CX-3 and CX-5 CUVs (with a new two-digit model designation like some overseas Mazdas), came across that way to her that quickly. Then it struck me the same way when I took the wheel many miles later.
This 2020 CX-30 is powered by a 186-hp 2.5L naturally aspirated "Skyactiv-G" four—currently the most powerful among compact CUV standard engines, Mazda claims—and an identical 186 lb-ft of torque. We expect a more muscular turbocharged version down the road. It drives the front wheels (or all four with available intelligent "i-activ" AWD) through a six-speed "Skyactiv-Drive" automatic transmission. Yes, just six ratios when more widely spaced eight or nine have become fairly common, but it works well and offers both shift-lever and steering wheel paddle manual shifting for those (like us) who appreciate and use it on curvy roads. EPA economy ratings are 25 mpg city, 33 highway, and 28 combined, 24/32/27 with CDA (cylinder deactivation) on Premium trims with AWD, 24/31/26 mpg without.
Styling is subjective, but we like the sleek, near-Italian "Kodo" ("Soul of Motion") look of the Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback introduced earlier this year, and this Mazda3-based (same platform and powertrain) CX-30 brings that eye-pleasing design to this taller CUV with a coupe-look fastback roofline. Both front and rear are smoothly uncluttered, and its lovingly crafted, feature-filled cabin follows suit, as Mazda has been noticeably migrating further upscale from its former entry-level Asian market position with each new vehicle it launches.
Mazda vehicle dynamics, human factors (aka Human-Machine-Interface, or HMI), and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) guru Dave Coleman points out the lengths to which his team—and the engineers in Japan—have gone to ensure that its every switch and control feels smooth and natural. That's in addition to its cabin being remarkably conversation quiet, seats and driving position that are all-day supportive and comfortable, and so on. Their level of attention to every minute detail is truly impressive. And, as we both quickly perceived on our drive, it all works.
We found the non-turbo four's performance less than thrilling but more than adequate (with just two aboard) even in the 4,000-foot hills east of San Diego. Its steering was Mazda crisp and responsive; its road-hugging handling among the best in class, even when driven aggressively (despite the Mazda3/CX-30's new trailing-arm rear suspension instead of Mazda's previous multi-link arrangement); and its brakes were always strong and linear. We averaged 25.9 mpg on our first 61-mile leg, then 27.6 for our last, less-aggressive 81-mile leg.
