Is the 2024 Mazda CX-30 a crossover or SUV?
It’s officially both. A subcompact crossover SUV designed to provide the attributes of a car along with the versatility of a SUV. Kinda like having your cake and eating it too.
In addition to that, the CX-30 is available in numerous flavors that include the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Carbon Turbo, 2.5 S Turbo Premium, and my tester, the 2.5 S Turbo Premium Plus.
If that doesn’t cover all the bases, I’m not sure what does.
The 2.5S Turbo Premium Plus is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed, sport mode, automatic transmission. The combination delivers 227 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque, and 30 miles per gallon fuel economy down the highway.
The turbo models boosts the vehicle’s dynamic driving experience thanks to more horsepower and torque – max torque is available between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm for excellent off-the-line throttle response.
CX-30 seats five adults with a generous cargo area behind, that can be enhanced with the rear seats folded flat. All trims comes standard with Mazda’s latest i-Activ all-wheel drive which continuously monitors weight distribution and shifts power to the appropriate wheels, providing drivers a near instant response to inputs. In addition, all CX-30 models are equipped with G-Vectoring Control Plus and Off-Road Traction Assist.
The top-of-the-line 2.5 S Turbo Premium Plus package includes all of the features from the other trims, plus some exclusive convenience goodies.
Homelink connectivity is added to the frameless auto-dim rearview mirror, along with an auto-dim driver’s door mirror. This top-level package includes a 360° view monitor with front and rear parking sensors, rear direction base safety, which includes smart brake support-rear and rear cross-traffic braking, and new for 2024 the inclusion of cruising and traffic support.
This level-two driver assistance technology helps reduce driver fatigue and allows CX-30 to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle in front of it without the driver having to use the accelerator or brake pedal. This system also has a steering assist function where, when the lane lines are detected, and assists the driver in keeping the vehicle within its lane.
When it comes to creature comforts, the list is impressively long. My favorites included leather-trimmed, heated front seats, Bose premium audio with 12 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power-sliding glass sunroof, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, power rear lift gate, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and rear view monitor.
Exterior highlights included Mazda’s “Soul Red Crystal Metallic” coat of enamel that absolutely sparkles in the sun, 18-inch black alloy wheels, gloss black front grille and rear roof spoiler, roof rails, and turbo and all-wheel badging.
Mazda often seems to get neglected when people argue the merits of Toyota or Honda being the best Japanese automaker. Mazda should be in that conversation. Helping Mazda win that debate is its second-to-none safety suite.
Highlights include smart brake support with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring system, lane keep assist, high beam control, traction and dynamic stability control, driver attention alert, and rear seat alert.
Base Price: $37,975
Price As Driven: $38,905
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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