Design, Performance Edge Mazda CX-30 Into Luxury Territory
Bursting onto the scene in 2020, the CX-30 is one of the most exciting Mazda models in recent memory. Based on the fourth-generation Mazda3, this subcompact crossover slots in below the CX-5 and CX-50 in the Mazda lineup, giving Mountlake Terrace drivers an alluring option that’s never short on style, luxury, or, most importantly, fun. Mazda has made a name for itself by putting the driving experience front and center, giving drivers an enticing alternative to the comparably humdrum offerings put forth by some other automakers. Historically speaking, drivers haven’t flocked to the subcompact crossover segment with performance in mind, but as this new breed of spritely SUVs continues to replace the sedan as the go-to daily driver, that’s all beginning to change.
Mazda is well ahead of the curve with models like the CX-30, proving once and for all that a subcompact crossover can be just as sporty and exciting as any other vehicle on the road. This subcompact has received its fair share of industry accolades in its few short years on the market, walking away with four Editor’s Choice Awards from Car and Driver and demonstrating its value as a 2022 US ALG Residual Value Award recipient. Before you grab your keys and head to Lee Johnson Mazda of Seattle, your local Mountlake Terrace Mazda dealer, for a test drive, join us as we take a closer look at what makes the smallest Mazda model such a tempting option in the increasingly crowded subcompact crossover segment.
Outstanding Performance
If you aim to deliver a unique driving experience, it all starts under the hood. Mazda has graced the 2023 CX-30 with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine as its base offering, giving drivers 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque to play around with. Those numbers might not overwhelm some drivers, but when you consider the fact that the CX-30 tips the scales at just 3,424 lbs, the crossover’s power-to-weight ratio is hard to ignore. Mazda has also given the base engine a bit of a boost going into the 2023 model year, tweaking the 2.5-liter offering to provide an extra 3 MPG and 5 hp over the early models. This change allows the CX-30 to post a respectable fuel economy rating of 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway in its non-turbo guise, with the forced induction version lagging a bit behind at 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
Speaking of the turbo, those looking for the most thrilling CX-30 on offer should consider the Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus trims. Starting at just $33,800, the two Turbo trims see the addition of a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that injects a little raw power into the proceedings with 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque to its name––enough power to propel you from zero to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.[a] The CX-30 is an entertaining ride no matter how it’s optioned, but the turbocharged engine takes it to the next level with an engaging and responsive driving experience. Part of that can be credited to the CX-30’s standard all-wheel drive system, which drastically improves the overall driving experience by giving Mountlake Terrace drivers all the traction they need to corner and accelerate like a pro, even in Washington winters. Even better, the 2023 CX-30 is one of the most affordable all-wheel drive crossovers on the market, with the base 2.5 S trim starting at just $22,950.[a]
Sophisticated Style
Aesthetics have always been front and center in the Mazda business model, and the CX-30 serves as one of the most recent examples. The Japanese company is known for its elegant, timeless designs––a reputation that can be credited to Mazda’s sophisticated design approach. For the last decade-plus, the brand has been deploying its Kodo design philosophy across the Mazda lineup, setting itself apart by following a strict doctrine that’s captured in the Kodo mantra, “Breathing Life Into The Car.”
Based on traditional Japanese aesthetic sensibilities, the Kodo philosophy is centered around the elegance of simple, clean-yet-rich design and three key terms: Yohaku (“Empty Space”), Sori (“Curves”), and Utsuroi (“Change”). When it comes to the CX-30, the concept of Yohaku is expressed throughout the SUV’s interior, where drivers will find a clean, uncluttered space that goes a long way in forging a connection between driver and vehicle. “The first impression we want the customers to have from the interior is a feeling of calmness––no overload of technology and unneeded ‘design’ elements,” says Jo Stenuit, Design Director for Mazda Europe. “Into this well-tuned empty space, we then add the driving elements with perfect ergonomic positioning to make sure the driver can fully concentrate on driving.”
The Yohaku approach is carried over to the exterior, where a simple, unadorned facade gives the CX-30 a major advantage over some of its more cluttered competitors. “Unlike many other brands, we kept the design very simple without adding unneeded ‘cool’ elements. The empty space around it stages the few elements even more powerfully and creates a better focus on those elements, like the front headlamps,” says Stenuit. The Kodo spirit has already paid dividends for the CX-30, with the subcompact earning a Red Dot Product Design recognition for its clean, mature design. “The exterior pleases with an elegant, minimalist design, while the interior impresses with high-quality features and plenty of space,” reads a statement from the Red Dot Design Awards jury.
Refined Luxury
The Kodo design philosophy has not only informed the design of the CX-30 but has also had an effect on the brand’s approach to luxury. The less-is-more attitude emphasizes minimalist––but high-quality––materials, features, and details throughout, making the CX-30 unlike many other subcompacts on the market today. Inside the crossover, you’ll find seats wrapped in soft, high-quality leather. A brilliant white leather option provides a striking contrast to the CX-30’s black interior and dark brown dashboard, creating a sense of harmony between the hues.
The CX-30 features a frameless automatic-dimming rearview mirror that virtually floats above the dashboard, providing a helpful point of view without crowding the driver’s peripheral vision with a bulky plastic housing. Chrome details on the engine start button and glove compartment release provide a splash of metallic pizzazz without overwhelming the interior, and simple, seamless air vents are well-integrated into the front dash. Symmetry is a major focus in the world of Kodo, leading Mazda to design a balanced interior that puts the driver front and center. With all the relevant driving controls within easy reach and deployed in a sensible, thoughtful manner, there’s something distinctly zen about slipping behind the wheel of the CX-30.
Then there are all the electronic bells and whistles that have become synonymous with the concept of luxury. These include a crisp, 8.8-inch display screen running the Mazda Connect Infotainment System, multiple USB ports, voice-recognition technology, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. An available heads-up display adds another set of crucial data points, projecting relevant information like the speed limit, vehicle speed, navigation directions, and even warnings from the vehicle’s i-Activsense driver-assist systems.
The CX-30 lags behind some of the competition when it comes to interior cargo room––the CX-30 has 20.2 cu.ft. of cargo capacity in the trunk and 45.2 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded––but it’s a reasonable trade-off considering just how fun it is to drive. Cargo space has never been the subcompact segment’s strong suit, and if we had our choice, we’d rather drive a vehicle like the CX-30 that has the power of a compact or even midsize model over one that tried to emulate the larger vehicles in terms of cargo space but fell short on power. The CX-30 also makes up for its lack of raw cargo volume with clever storage options scattered throughout the cabin, including cubbies in the center console, glove compartment, door pockets, and in front of the gearshift. The crossover’s hatch is also generously proportioned, making it easy to load larger, bulky items into the rear.
The Zoom-Zoom Spirit Is Still Alive
The Mazda CX-30 is a charming, refined alternative to the rest of the subcompact crossover class. Essentially a luxury vehicle in disguise, Mazda has managed to pack the 2023 CX-30 with an impressive slate of performance components and a raft of high-end materials that belie the model’s modest $22,950 starting price.[a] A study in the “less-is-more” Kodo design philosophy, the CX-30 serves as a prime example of how a cohesive strategy, executed throughout every level of a vehicle’s development, can result in such a unique SUV. Design aside, Mazda’s subcompact offering is also exceedingly fun to drive, giving Mountlake Terrace drivers a chance to engage with the road in a whole new way and creating a one-of-a-kind driving experience. With two powerful 2.5-liter engines on offer and all-wheel drive included standard, the CX-30 has some stellar performance credentials that prove the “Zoom-Zoom” spirit is still alive and well at Mazda.
