With the Mazda CX-30, nonetheless the most recent newcomer to the Japanese automaker’s lineup till the just-introduced MX-30 arrives at Canadian sellers this fall, Mazda squeezed out an area in its lineup for an in-between small crossover between the mouse-like CX-3 and the CX-5 compact SUV.

There’s no query the CX-30 bears clear resemblance to each its smaller and bigger siblings, however the designers additionally managed to present it a reasonably distinct look. So what we’ve is in essence a subcompact crossover that delivers extra practicality than the CX-3, however not fairly the family-friendly roominess of the 5. Is it the porridge that’s excellent? Properly, for some city dwellers with small or no households apart from perhaps a canine to move round, I’d say sure, as a result of it’s sensible to manoeuvre across the metropolis and its pretty fuel-economical, actually greater than the CX-5.

Like its brethren, the 2021 CX-30 is fashionable and eye-pleasing, one other testomony to the knowledge of the automaker’s Kodo design philosophy. There’s a number of the Mazda3 in its strains and proportions, and actually the 2 fashions, which share the identical platform, are fairly shut when it comes time to measuring issues horizontally. However nonetheless, that is no method a unexpectedly transformed automotive.

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The inside is as much as what you’d anticipate from a Mazda, and from a brand-new mannequin. Not having a premium model of its personal like most of its opponents, the “little” Japanese carmaker has efficiently positioned itself a minimize above the mass-market crowd, notably as you climb the trim ladders. So the cabin of the GT variant I test-drove is a fine-feeling place, with high quality of development evident and pleasingly high-end supplies. You get leather-based trim and non-obligatory leather-based seating, and a cultured dashboard that spans the width of the inside.

Now, this stays a not-luxury mannequin, in fact – not like with the CX-5, there’s no Signature rim right here – so don’t anticipate every thing on a platter. Commonplace stuff from the GX base mannequin ($24,550 with FWD, $26,550 with AWD) on consists of heated entrance seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry with push-button begin and alloy wheels. With the GS ($27,350 with FWD, $28,850 with AWD), Mazda throws in a heated steering wheel, dual-zone computerized local weather management, and extra air vents on the again of the centre console.

Get the GT ($33,850 with AWD) and also you get a power-adjustable driver’s seat and an influence tailgate, however not ventilated entrance seats or heated again seats. The GT additionally comes with a 12-speaker premium audio and full leather-based seating.

Security-wise, the CX-30 isn’t bereft of methods, although the bottom mannequin doesn’t embrace every thing you may hope for for those who take into account that security tech just isn’t an space to stint in. You need to transfer from the bottom mannequin to the GS to get computerized emergency braking with pedestrian detection within the entrance, lane-keep help, and adaptive cruise management that works in stop-and-go visitors. Then the GT trim provides reverse computerized braking, although not with pedestrian detection, visitors signal recognition and a head-up show.

2021 Mazda CX-30, inside

When it comes to total house, for those who’re coming from a CX-3 you’ll discover this undoubtedly supplies extra elbow, leg and headroom, however the distinction just isn’t really that dramatic, and admittedly you’re nonetheless a good distance from a roomy cabin of the CX-5. The CX-30 doesn’t sit midway between the 2 different Mazdas on this respect – it’s nearer to the littler CX-3, no query. And as typical, that’s felt most acutely in again, the place the seats are usable however a bit cramped for those who’re in any respect tall and/or giant.

Behind these seats, you get 572 litres of cargo house, or 1,280 litres after folding down the second row. These aren’t category-slaying figures. No miracles right here, particularly provided that the cargo house itself is sort of slender – not what you’d hope for from a utility mannequin. As we’ve seen so usually, there’s a worth for having a smooth and not-boxy exterior, and normally it’s paid right here.

2021 Mazda CX-30, first-row seats

Underneath the hood
The CX-30 begins off with a 2.0L engine creating 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque; it’s switched out for a 2,5L unit for the GS and GT trims that brings a more-interesting 186 hp and an equal quantity of most torque. Past that there’s the brand new Turbo version, which fits a lot additional in delivering 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Our GT had the i-Energetic all-wheel-drive system, and nearly as good Canadians we a lot appreciated it for its competence and reliability. The transmission for both engine is a reliable 6-speed computerized, which will be made to behave extra dynamically with the drive modes, particularly Sport.

Be aware that there’s no Eco amongst these modes, which some will discover a disgrace provided that the gasoline economic system you get from the CX-30 is mostly respectable however not spectacular. Formally, the mixed score for the smaller engine powertrain is 8.6L/100 km, and eight.9L/100 km with the larger engine; my common for the week, with the GT model with the latter engine however with the cylinder deactivation system in place, was… 8.6L/100 km, so proper on the official nostril. That’s about common for the subcompact crossover class.

My solely whine right here has to do with the truth that Mazda has made a lot of creating fuel-efficient combustion-engine powertrains in recent times in lieu of severely pushing in the direction of higher electrification. In that case, the outcomes as seen with the CX-30 make it hardly appear price all the difficulty; and actually, Mazda appears to be accepting actuality – it has simply introduced for the Canadian market the upcoming MX-30, its first all-electric automobile.

2021 Mazda CX-30, entrance grille

In any occasion, questions of house and gasoline economic system apart, the actual fact is that this little CX-30 delivers the sort of optimistic driving expertise you’ve come to anticipate from a Mazda. It’s peppy in acceleration, nice in corners with good street grip and tight steering, and you are feeling extra linked to the street than in a lot of its rivals. It’s not fairly as energetic because the Mazda3, however then it does ship extra inside house (particularly vertically) and higher visibility on the perimeters and again than that sedan/hatchback mannequin.

The suspension feels just a little stiff at occasions and also you’ll really feel the bumps greater than you’ll within the 3, seemingly on account of the more-vertical stance, however it’s nothing dramatic. Some of us like that sort of stiff really feel when on the street. Simply don’t anticipate velvety smoothness. And also you’ll benefit from the fast response you get to throttle and brake inputs.

2021 Mazda CX-30, three-quarters rear

We like

Constructive driving dynamics
Properly-designed driver’s seat and cockpit
Good energy from the engine
Gas-efficient, to some extent
Good visibility
Exterior styling

We like much less

Not essentially the most spacious inside
Second row a cramped setting
Barely stiff suspension

The competitors

Buick Encore GX
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Kona
Jeep Compass
Kia Seltos
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Nissan Qashqai
Subaru Crosstrek
Toyota C-HR

2021 Mazda CX-30, badging

Specialists

Customers