2024 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus Pkg - Review by David Colman

It’s definitely a praise-worthy vehicle

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

Mazda currently offers four different SUVs in ascending order of size: CX-30, CX-5, CX-50 and CX-90. The compact CX-30 is powered by an engine and gearbox built in Japan. However, the finished product is assembled in Salamanca, Mexico, with 20% of the final content from Japan, and 65% from Mexico. Mazda splits the CX-30 range into two categories, with the less expensive versions utilizing a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing just 191hp. These non-turbocharged CX-30s are equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine driving all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. They carry prices ranging from $26,370 for the "Base" model to $33.365 for the more comprehensively equipped "Premium" version.

But if you're an enthusiast you'll want to bypass those underpowered models in favor of the much livelier turbocharged version we just tested, which makes 227hp and 310 pound-feet of torque (or250hp and 320lb.-ft. on 91 Octane). The turbo upgrade vastly improves the 17.17lb/hp power-to-weight ratio of the base model to 14.44lb/hp for the turbo. That improvement results in a sub 6 second 0-60mph run of 5.8 seconds and a stellar quarter mile posting of 14.3 seconds @ 97mph. The turbocharged CX-30 also posts a top speed of 128mph, which is a testament to its slippery aerodynamic shape.

But the straight-line performance of this diminutive SUV extends beyond acceleration to consummate real-world performance unexpected from such a practical-looking package. After a couple of challenging drives in a torrential downpour followed days later by a rain-free jaunt in the sunshine, it became apparent that the CX-30 is one of the best handling, quickest, most precise compact SUVs we have tested to date. It's also the only SUV from Mazda that comes close to replicating the reflexes and operational joy of the company's fabled Miata MX-5 sports car.

It's not the kind of performance dividend you'd expect when judging its tame looks, or underwhelming tire footprint. Mazda bolts a set of 18-inch black alloy wheels to each corner and equips them with modestly sized (215/55R18) Bridgestone Turanza EL 440 radials that are not only mud and snow-rated, but also carry a hard treadwear compound of TW 480. Not exactly the hot ticket if you plan on taking your CX-30 to an autocross. But on streaming wet pavement, in the middle of an epic storm, you better believe this petite Mazda and its all-season Bridgestones proved its mettle. The turbo engine proved lag-free and surge-resistant. The 6-speed, paddle-controlled, gearshift could be slipped into manual mode, where it obeyed every gear command without hesitation. Those innocuous-looking Turanza radials never lost an iota of grip, the front and rear window wipers proved completely adequate to their daunting task and never aquaplaned once. I can't think of any other vehicle I would rather have driven on that nasty day.

Later in the week, I got a chance to test the CX-30 on mostly dry pavement and once again reveled in its pinpoint accurate handling (Mazda calls it G-Vectoring Control) and vernier caliper precise steering feedback. Turbo boost spools up quick enough to keep the 2.5-liter four on full boil all the time. The CX-30 may look like an SUV, but it's really a Miata in drag, and those of you who are sports car enthusiasts will instantly recognize the CX-30 2.5 Turbo for its true potential.

Of course, there's far more to this story than backroad bashing. The CX-30 also functions as a perfect small family wagon, with comfy seating for 4 or 5 in a pinch, and just enough storage space (20 cubic feet) behind the rear seats to make day-tripping for four adults a realistic proposition. The interior of the upper echelon "Premium Plus Package" version we drove featured well countured leather-trimmed front seats with heaters. The hand grips of the steering wheel were heated, a power sliding glass moonroof brightened the brown and white interior, while a power rear liftgate eased loading chores. Auto on/off headlights and rain-sensing wipers helped weather the storms.

Although our Mazda's 3-month free trial subscription to XM Satellite expired after the first 2 days of our tenure, we did briefly appreciate the richness of the Bose Premium Audio system and its array of 12 speakers. About our only quibble came from the sharp-edged passenger-side window control switch plate. Its beveled front edge was razor sharp and completely out of keeping with Mazda's customary "Kodo" attention to detail. In sum, however, we found very little else to criticize about this CX-30, versus a bevy of attributes to praise.

2024 MAZDA CX-30 2.2 TURBO AWD PREMIUM PLUS

• ENGINE: Turbocharged and Intercooled SKYACTIVE 2.5 Liter inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
• HORSEPOWER: 227/250hp@5000rpm
• TORQUE: 310/320lb.-ft.@2500rpm
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 22MPG City/30MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $38,310

HYPES: Fabulous Handling

GRIPES: We Barely Achieved 20MPG

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman