2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus - Mazda still has some Zoom Zoom!

 

My wife got into the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and said "This is a nice size SUV." It is a nice size SUV for us. You have to realize that we are older and there's just the two of us. 

The CX-30 is not tiny but in Mazda's SUV lineup it is the smallest. The best thing about the size to me is the ease of getting and and out of it. I don't need or want to have to get out my stepladder to climb into a mile-high SUV, nor do I want to have lower myself into a seat way down there. Yeah I'm picky like that.

You may notice from the first photo there isn't much length behind the rear doors. There is 20.2 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat, and that goes up to 45.2 with the rear seats folded down. That is enough for my wife and me, we usually pack light. An average airplane carryon bag takes up about 2.4 cubic feet.

I am not a big fan of Mazda's styling but styling is subjective. All Mazda models share styling cues and that is good for brand identity. 

Mazda has streamlined it's engine choices to two basic 4-cylinder engines, and one 6-cylinder. A majority of models use a version of the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder. The CX-30 is available with either the base 191-hp version, or the higher horsepower turbo version as tested with 227 hp on regular fuel or 250 with premium. 

The only transmission offered is a 6-speed automatic; the CX-30 has AWD.

I usually don't put that many miles on a test car, just around town, maybe a short day trip, or a visit to see our local granddaughters. But we took the CX-30 to Monterey, CA and back, a round trip of about 260 miles plus some running around in Monterey. I am pleased to say that the CX-30 was comfortable and economical. 

The turbo engine is not as fuel efficient as the non-turbo but the penalty is minimal. I didn't quite match the EPA numbers but then I was driving a bit faster than I usually do, at least for part of the trip (75 mph on the Interstate). The EPA highway figure is 30-mpg, and I saw 28.9 on the highway portion, and averaged about 26-mpg combined against the EPA's 25 combined. 

I've said enough about white seats that you should know I am dead set against them. Thankfully you can choose dirt hiding black. 

Even though Mazda doesn't use the tag line Zoom Zoom anymore the CX-30 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus still has amble get up and go. Zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.3 seconds @ 97 mph, and a computer controlled top speed of 128 mph.

There are seven - count 'em - versions of the CX-30 starting with the base 2.5 S and ending with the as tested Premium Plus. Price for the base starts at $22,950 and goes to $35,400 for the Premium Plus. There were two options on the test CX-30, Machine Gray Metallic Paint ($595), and a stainless steel rear bumper guard ($135). Check out all the options at www.mazdausa.com.

I really think the CX-30, especially with the turbo engine, is worthy of your consideration.