2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo AWD - Revised and Re-Driven - With Added Oomph

AGILE CUTE UTE TAKES ON PREMIUMS:  For those who haven't been paying close attention, Japanese automaker Mazda has developed a reputation as an over-achiever at delivering under-the-radar incremental improvements the kind that driving enthusiasts favor. Launched last year, the "Rider in Unity With Steed" CX-30 subcompact crossover utility has already proven it can hold it's own against some entry luxury types.

KODO SMALL CROSSOVER OOMPHED: The official company line precluding an encore of in-house tuned MazdaSpeed models, however, has not prevented a prompt power enhancement of the CX-30. A mere transplant of the corporate intercooled turbo-charged Skyactiv 2.5L twin-cam gas inline-four confers that added top-end OOMPH to what is hardly a slouch in standard form. Thus, this Roadblazing.com Re-Drive of an invigorated 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus AWD is dedicated to those in the know and a platform which always knew it could handle more.

2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo AWD Driving Hits:

• 227 to 250 horsepower = +39 bump (62 hp with minimum 91 AKI octane unleaded gasoline)
• 320 pound-feet = +129 pound-feet torque = 71% > standard atmospheric aspirated 2.5L Skyactiv G engine

• 6-speed automatic torque converter planetary transaxle, while low on gear ring count to the competition, betters most on quick down-shifts for throttle braking capability
• More energetic acceleration above 85 miles per hour @ 3500 rpm to redline vs. non-turbo Mazda CX-30 2.5L
• 26 combined miles per gallon, 400 miles highway range in sporty subcompact all-wheel drive SAV
• AWD standard on 2.5 turbo w/ ABS torque vectoring and G-Vectoring
• Rear torsion beam semi-independent suspension adds compliance to Skyactiv taut body control

• Bridgestone Turanza tires tuned for quiet touring
• Stiffness in structure rivals luxury models

2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo AWD Driving Misses:

• 100 lb. weight gain for engine turbocharger hardware
• Loses some cornering stability over related Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo hatchback
• -13% Combined fuel economy vs. naturally aspirated CX-30 2.5L AWD
• Lack of fully independent rear suspension curbs some desired playful oversteer
• Would benefit from stickier rubber option
• Auto parking brake requires manual releasing
• Gravely engine sound at idle

What It Has Got:

• Pricing: from $31,150 (incl. destination) for a 6-speed automatic 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo AWD
  • $2696 higher price than CX-30 2.5 NA AWD Preferred
    
  • As tested top Premium AWD trim priced at $35,400
• Sleek Mazda 3 hatchback Kodo language silhouette raised by 2.5"-inches

• Full body and wheel arch cladding

• Accommodates 5 adults & 20 cubic feet of belongings under the liftgate
• Luxury brand attention to build and display & control details
• Comprehensive standard feature set
  • √ Remote keyless access, push button ignition; √ Heated front seats, power driver's w/ 2 position memory; √ 2-zone automatic climate control; √ Power moonroof
  • √ LED headlights, √ Rain sensing windshield wipers,
  • √ Auto dimming rear view mirror, √ Reverse power tilting side mirrors
  • √ 7.0" TFT variable triple dial gauge cluster; √ 8.8" MazdaConnect media display w/ remote dial Command controller

• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink phone projection
• Excellent safety features & ratings
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus
• Driver assist tech (standard)
  • Pedestrian & vehicle collision avoidance braking, blind spot & rear cross traffic warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control
• 3 year / 36,000 miles bumper to bumper, 4 year / 50,000 miles powertrain warranties

What It Has Not (or Not Preferred):

• Price encroaches larger Mazda CX-5 SUV territory
• Seat cushions limited in length
• Non-adjusting front passenger seat height
• Rear seat hip room and legroom tight for large adults
• Front center armrest distant from console shift lever
• Excessive adventure lifestyle appearance body cladding
• LCD center media display loses touch control capability
• Dim climate control display & sunwashed steering wheel spoke switches
• Android Auto phone projection requires "parking brake" activation to initially initialize
• Lane Keep Assist = mere nudge
• Power front passenger seat unavailable
• Volume brand warranty duration, scheduled maintenance not included

Standout Feature(s) on 2021 MAZDA CX-30 2.5 TURBO PREMIUM AWD :

• Heads Up Display w/ traffic sign recognition
• Native infotainment navigation map w/ TravelLink subscription
• Additional automated driver assistance
  • Traffic jam assist, slow speed pedestrian & rear traffic collision avoidance braking; rear side traffic braking
  • 360° surround view cameras, Adaptive front LED headlights
• Leather seating, heated front, power driver, w/ 2 position memory, heated steering wheel
• Power liftgate

Roadblazing.com Says: Somehow an Oomphed Cute Ute seems more responsible than a hot hatchback.

2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium AWD - Bottom Line Review

ADDING A LAYER TO AN ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED CAKE CAN SATIATE MORE APPETITES: At patisserie Mazda an already delectable sweet compact car in the display case has been elevated to enhance versatility and up the appeal. Baking the all-new 2020 Mazda CX-30 crossover sport utility calls for the following ingredients: Jinba

RoadBlazingGeorge Straton