Mazda's Newest SUV is the Mazda CX-30

In February, Mazda teased everyone by announcing that it was revealing a new SUV--the second model in its new-generation lineup--at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. With the annual event now in full swing, that SUV is the Mazda CX-30, which slots between the Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover and the Mazda CX-5  compact crossover.

Here's a table showing how different all three crossovers are in terms of dimension, though Mazda states that the data  for the CX-30 "are tentative."

	CX-30	CX-3	CX-5
Overall length	4395 mm	4275 mm	4545 mm
Overall width	1795 mm	1765 mm	1840 mm
Overall height at roof panel	1540 mm	1540 mm	1690 mm
Wheelbase	2655 mm	2570 mm	2700 mm
Front overhang	915 mm	910 mm	945 mm
Rear overhang	825 mm	795 mm	900 mm
Minimum ground clearance	175 mm	160 mm	210 mm

 

"The CX-30 is a new compact crossover that combines the bold proportions of an SUV with elegant styling that embodies Mazda's Kodo design language," the Japanese carmaker said in a statement. "Relaxed and user-friendly packaging and a cabin that comfortably seats four adults mean customers can easily enjoy trips to any destination with family and friends. Moreover, the CX-30 was designed to be easy to drive. The increased height over a passenger car provides excellent visibility and makes getting in and out a breeze while the body size makes it easy to maneuver on any road and in any parking lot."

The front end is typically Mazda, with the signature wing taking on a sharper and deeper form that combines with the solid, sculpted contours of the front bumper. To emphasize its SUV form, black cladding adorns the lower body. In contrast, the rear fenders flow out from the inward-tapering rear cabin and the steeply-raked , giving it the wide, dynamic stance of a sports car.

Inside, the CX-30 is typically Mazda as well, with the driver-centric cockpit--symmetrical, with all three meters in the gauge cluster and the center display angled toward the driver--and the shift lever, cup holders, and commander control forward in a 'control area' close to the driver for convenient operation. An 8.8-inch wide-screen center display resides in the center on top of the dashboard, offering simplified operation that requires only the use of the commander control. Luggage capacity is a generous 430 liters, with the power liftgate opening at 1020 mm wide and the lip height a relatively low 731 mm, making the loading and unloading of cargo easy. The standard audio system makes do with a three-way, eight-speaker configuration although a 12-speaker Bose system, custom tuned "to provide more powerful bass and the enhanced audio quality expected of the Bose brand" is available.

Powering the CX-30 are Mazda's latest Skyactiv engines, specifically the 1.8-liter Skyactive-D, the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G that has a cylinder deactivation system that shuts down cylinders 1 and 4 in light-load situations such as constant-speed cruising for "greatly reduced pumping loss and lowered mechanical resistance," and the compression ignition combustion-equipped Skyactiv-X. Incidentally, both the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G and the Skyactiv-X engines are paired with the M Hybrid, Mazda's compact and efficient mild hybrid system, "for enhanced acceleration performance and real-world fuel economy."

Furthermore, in addition to its all-wheel-drive system, the CX-30 also comes with G-Vectoring Control "to inspire confidence in any road conditions."

Available transmission options for the CX-30 are either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

"We designed the CX-30 to be an essential partner in the customer's daily life," said Akira Marumoto, Mazda's Representative Director, President and CEO. "It will be made at key global plants so we can deliver Mazda’s renowned driving pleasure and matured Kodo design to customers all over the world. Moving forward, our new products and technologies will ensure customers continue to see the value in owning a Mazda car. We aim to be recognized as a brand that forms the strongest of bonds with each customer."

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