2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo - Review by Mark Fulmer

More Style More Room and of course More Zoom

Mark Fulmer
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Looking like it just emerged from a pool of red glossy paint, the new CX-30 blends sport with smooth and nary a sharp or angular line interrupts its stylish flow. Its look drew numerous nods and compliments from both male and female young adults in town.

Interior styling continues that simple flowing style. Soft leather abounds and the rich full audio experience of the Bose 12-speaker sound system can sooth even the most frustrating traffic nonsense while bringing back and celebrating the music you love.

An 8.8-inch infotainment display sits on top of the dash, with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity, dual-zone HVAC, keyless entry, and navigation as well as a full menu of safety systems including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assistance and lane-departure warnings, rear cross traffic alerts and braking, parking sensors front and rear, a 360-degree camera, and blind spot monitoring,

This is the best (so far) position for the audio volume knob. First of all because it is a knob and not an icon on a touch screen. Second of all because it an inch away from the shifter and not a reach to the dashboard.

The CX-30 is taller than most standard sedans, which gives it 8 inches of ground clearance and more comfortable interior measurements.

Front head room 37.8
Front leg room is 41.7"

Second row head room 38.3"
Second row leg room 36.3"

Cargo space through the wide hatch is all that's needed for moderate errands.
All seats up - 20.2 cubic feet
2nd row flat - 45.2 cubic feet

The highlight of the 2021 version is the addition of a new 2.5 Turbo model that enhances the 2.5-liter turbo-4 and adds all-wheel drive. This boosts the engine to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque using regular gas or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane. the EPA estimates 22/30/25 mpg. The smooth turbo acceleration had me thinking about the lag-less pull of the electric engine half of today's top hybrids. With all of the pent-up and somewhat inexperience drivers on the road post-pandemic, it comforting to know that you are driving a top five-star crash-test result car from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick. When you couple that with well-tuned precise steering feel, and firm handling, the result is another successful fun-driving zoom-zoom experience.