Packed with plastic...and promise
Mazda makes some really solid vehicles. We like them a lot when they get it right – which they do most of the time. But not always. The CX-3 always felt questionable and out of place to us. So when we read about the CX-30, we figured it would be the Goldilocks solution to the missing piece in Mazda’s SUV/Crossover lineup the CX-3 never was. We thought it would essentially be the CX-4 crossover sold exclusively in China. I mean, it would make sense. The car already exists. It’d still be brand new to other markets. And as far as naming goes, it already fits with the conventions in place with the CX-5 and CX-7.
What we got instead was the oddly named CX-30 – something with styling more in line with the (hopefully) outgoing CX-3, complete with a plethora of dreadful plastic cladding around the wheel arches and fender. But plastic aside, we do admittedly love the way it looks. It’s a natural evolution of Mazda’s previous generation styling, with a seriously impressive interior. Our test unit featured a very upscale and clean triple-tone interior with Mazda’s optional white leather seating.
Even in its base trim, the CX-30 presents good value for money, especially with some nice quality of life features like standard Apple Carplay/Android Auto and a slew of safety features. Our fully loaded GT tester had some optional goodies like a Heads Up Display, rear parking sensors and traffic recognition. While these are certainly nice to have, we wouldn’t call them essential by any means. But they’ll help your car retain some value if you ever decide to sell it.
The biggest shock for us was just how premium this little crossover feels. In entry level Mazdas of the past, you’d almost expect noticeable road, tire and engine noise. But that’s hardly the case in the CX-30. It’s smooth too. Yes there is some degree of body roll, but you’re (more than likely) not tracking this thing. You’re using it as a daily commuter, hauling your family around, going to the grocery and so forth. And in real, daily life, the CX-30 excels. It’s smooth, quiet, comfortable and economical. It’s fun enough to drive, but not unpleasantly sporty. The transmission shifts smoothly, the suspension is soft enough and the steering is light. It works well.
Cargo space is just a hair better than the Mazda3 Sport hatchback, and that is what should be expected. This is essentially a Mazda3 on stilts. And make no mistake, that's not a knock either. It's pretty roomy back there. Power is adequate and peppy enough. There’s rumour that a turbo could be added at some point too – which would make sense as Mazda confirmed a turbocharged variant on the Mazda3. Perhaps a CX-30 signature? We wanted to criticize the CX-30 very much. But there’s a lot to like. It’s a well-priced, well equipped well driving little crossover. We’re just not too big on the plastic.
Commentaires