2020 Mazda CX-30 Small Suv: All New Mazda CX-30 Experience

2020 Mazda CX-30 Small Suv: All New Mazda CX-30 Experience https://goo.gl/VLUBbZ

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 Is a 3-Based Crossover with an Unexpected Name
In a break from Mazda's established, odd-numbered vehicle-naming hierarchy, the company's latest compact crossover will carry the CX-30 moniker, and possibly signals future tweaks to Mazda's naming convention.

While our initial speculation that the vehicle would be badged CX-4 was a bit off, the 2020 CX-30 itself is exactly what we expected it to be: a compact SUV based on the new Mazda 3 that will slot between the current subcompact CX-3 and the 10Best-winning CX-5 crossovers. Unveiled at the Geneva auto show, the CX-30 is 173.0 inches long and rides on a 104.5-inch wheelbase, placing it squarely between its two siblings. Mazda's latest SkyActiv vehicle architecture, which debuted with the 2019 Mazda 3 compact sedan and hatch, underpins the CX-30. As with the 3, front-wheel drive will be standard with all-wheel drive an option, and the suspension consists of the same strut-front/rear-torsion-beam layout.
Also expect the CX-30 to employ similar powertrain strategy as the 3, which likely will mean a 186-hp, naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four mated to a six-speed automatic transmission as the standard setup. Mazda's high-tech spark-controlled-compression-ignition 2.0-liter inline-four, dubbed Skyactiv-X, will likely be optional after the CX-30 goes on sale in the U.S. early next year as a 2020 model; the vehicle and the Skyactiv-X engine both will initially launch in Europe later this year.
Tidier proportions and a faster rear-hatch profile will distinguish the CX-30 from the larger CX-5, as will thicker dark plastic cladding on the lower body and wheel arches. It's not a bad look but the cladding is prominent and somewhat distracts from an otherwise sleekly sculpted crossover design.
Inside, expect the environment and equipment levels to mimic the new Mazda 3's cockpit, which is very good thing. Along with the considerable attention Mazda says it paid to the CX-30's level of sound insulation, the SUV sports the 3's new front-seat design, as well as an updated eight-speaker audio system with an available 12-speaker setup. Also available will be Mazda's i-Activsense suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and auto high beams. Although the CX-30's cabin is slightly more accommodating in terms of passenger space than the Mazda 3 hatchback, its 15-cubic-foot cargo capacity behind the rear seats is less than half of what the CX-5 offers, albeit is slightly more generous than the tiny CX-3's 12 cubic feet.

Despite the latest Mazda 3's slightly slower steering and switch to a less advanced torsion-beam rear axle, the CX-30 shares a lot of DNA with what we consider to be a family of excellent driving vehicles. We'll have the opportunity later this year to see how well the 3's bones fare in crossover duty, as well as if the CX-30 is as significant of a break from Mazda's established SUVs as its name suggests.