imgp img img img9
Part of the brand, it is difficult to adopt an excellent "3" hatchback, and in a nutshell, there are other things in order to summon its focus, and then sell more. Yes, even if it means entering the fastest growing and most popular segment of the automotive industry. For those who don’t know, it’s best to tell you right away: CX-30 is a Mazda 3 hatchback with a lifting device, some plastic cladding, and some other changes that turn it from a crowded small steel cannon into a " Utility vehicle."
The CX-30, which debuted in the United States at the beginning of last year, is always a good choice. (Don't mix it with the aging Mazda CX-3, which is based on the smaller Mazda 2 platform. Confusing!) But now that Mazda has added a 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder option, enthusiasts are indeed paying attention.
The result is pleasing, it feels like a marketing-driven cash grab. CX-30 does lack in some respects. Unless you use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, the infotainment system will not be able to perform its best, the lane centering system (called Traffic Jam Assist by Mazda) can only operate under 40 miles per hour and has very limited visibility. However, the Japanese car manufacturer somehow made the compact crossover look a bit like the kind of cars bought by people who are completely bound by practicality.
This is not a home run, it is obviously missing, but there are many topics worth mentioning here. Quick start: correct implementation of low-cost premium crossovers.
first is the power transmission system. Mazda is trying to move to the high-end market,Until then, its competitors will have difficulty matching the engine and gearbox. The 2.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine delivers huge torque with extremely low RPM, while sounding pleasing, without severe vibration, and responds quickly to changes in the throttle position. Its power transmission is as strong as a brick... well... a house on the shore.
gearbox is also its loyal companion, which can ensure that the RPM stays in the position where the engine will make you the happiest, and can quickly shift up and down when you use the paddle switch. For example, above 5,000 RPM, both horsepower and torque will drop, but the gearbox will definitely not take you there. All these together form the powertrain, ready for a fight in a town or interstate.
However, the highway is where the CX-30 does show some shortcomings. Mazda engineers made it clear to me that the traffic jam assist (TJA) is only used for this purpose. Get out of the monotonous state of slow traffic. However, for some reasons, TJA does not present itself as only being used at a lower speed. The first is that most other lane centering systems work at highway speeds (that is, above 40 mph).
The other is that there is no indication that the system is only suitable for speeds below 40 mph. The button used to enable it is almost the same icon in the steering wheel used by all other car manufacturers. As a result, I spent a lot of time waiting for the small steering wheel on the dashboard to turn green again after poor traffic. of course not.
Infotainment system also has some shortcomings. Changing the station on satellite radio is a process. When I pair my phone using Bluetooth (not Android Auto or Apple CarPlay), the system won't tell me what song is playing. This seems to be a major oversight. It only tells me that there is indeed a song on my phone that comes through the speaker, but it takes a few minutes. The novelty of the musical "Charades" disappeared after about two songs. Enabling Android Auto can almost completely eliminate the internal infotainment function, thus solving this problem.
Having said that, the sound system of CX-30 is above average. As Mazda engineers told me, the interior has been carefully designed,To ensure that the sound of all 12 speakers is delivered directly to your ears, rather than bounce around the interior like other vehicles. The result is a clear-sounding, balanced and high-quality system. This thoughtful design is not limited to sound systems.
This Mazda car is one of them. In addition to the infotainment system, you can enter and learn about it. The important place is where you can see it, all of which can be done easily, it is obvious that the touch of all switchgear has been very carefully adjusted. The HVAC controls are clean, simple, and provide great feedback. Likewise, the driving mode selector suits its function. The click sound that bounces forward or backward clearly indicates that you have changed the behavior of the entire vehicle. It's refreshing to sit in a car where you can finally get these things.
This thoughtful switchgear is not all embedded in cheap plastic dashboards. No part of the car will be below the standard. The seat is supportable, well adjusted and comfortable. The dashboard feels very soft to the touch and does not produce terrible plastic wrinkle noise when stepped on. Although it may not seem the most interesting internal structure, everything feels that it has been fixed with a bumper.
Mazda obviously also got this fact, or rather, seems to believe: some people want such a small crossover, but don't want to be regarded as a square. You know; boring, drone, mayonnaise lover. The driving style of the CX-30 is not like a normal crossover, but like a higher Mazda 3 turbo hatchback. It feels tight and neat, as if you are an active outdoor friend in college. You may ask him to choose a new hiking backpack with him, but you will not ask if the mushrooms over there are edible.
This car has similar off-road capabilities. It is definitely not a rigid four-wheeled vehicle, but thanks to the re-adjusted all-wheel drive system, it can pull you onto the uneven track or get you out of trouble. The 360 camera can also be used at any speed to help find obstacles-this is a smart change. The small lift and plastic siding also ensure that you will not damage the paint or lose the muffler when you return to work on Monday.
Then, CX-30 reached a very good balance. Although it is not a real luxury car, it already has a solid foundation. It feels very good inside,Most of its functions are intuitive. The engine also feels high-end, although the six-speed automatic transmission does not have much higher gears than the more expensive crossover, it never skips the beat and is very sensitive to manual shifting. Of course, as I mentioned, the visibility may be a bit narrow, but the trade-off is IIHS's Top Safety Pick +.
It’s great for riding, and it’s no harm-maybe it’s a hard side, but it’s never uncomfortable-it’s fun and it won’t jump when you ask for more. once. Around the narrow city streets, people are always ready for a sudden collision when traffic is passing, and can easily change lanes or turn quickly. The steering wheel has a communication function, and the tire sidewall is wide, so you will never be bumped. This is an agile small city SUV, which means business.
So if you are looking for an interesting and powerful crossover that can be used for about 30 large crossovers, you don't need to look any further. It has counting ability and can be driven in almost any situation. It is fun. Although it is one of those small four-wheel drive jelly cars, caring enthusiasts claim to hate it very much, and it managed to put a smile on my face. It still has some flaws. I am definitely not driving the Miata shift lever, but I don't feel like another fish in the sea. It can be said to be different and correct.
2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5T Premium Plus figures
Base price (tested): $23,225 ($35,895)
Powertrain: 2.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine | six-speed automatic transmission Box | All-wheel drive
Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5,000 RPM
Torque: 320 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
EPA fuel economy: 22 mpg city | Highway 30 | 25 combined
Curb weight: 3,505 pounds
.
