2024 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo - What's New Review

2024 Mazda CX-30 model year update :

Lifting and cladding the latest generation of Mazda 3 sport compact car catapulted Japanese the brand's cute ute from the obscurity its CX-3 predecessor (based on Mazda 2) to a genuine segment marquis choice.

Following up with even more potent turbocharged all-wheel drive power imbued the CX-30 with some exceptional "Zoom Zoom" and Jinba Ittai driver with steed responsiveness.

For model year 2024 the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo AWD carries on mostly unchanged which is mostly a very good thing.

NEW FOR '24:

• New "Carbon Turbo" trim
  • Terra Cotta (tan) + black suede insert seating & panels (exclusive to Zircon Sand paint)
  • 8 speaker MazdaHarmonic Acoustics streaming audio + HD radio
• 10.25" center dash top landscape LED + Mazda remote rotary Commander controller media display (8.8" display, atmospheric models)
  • Touch capacitive control for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay projection
  • Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay phone app projection
  • Qi inductive charging tray
  • USB-C x 2 (replaces USB-A)
• Head Up Display traffic sign recognition (all 2.5 Turbo models)
• Cruising and Traffic Support, fore & aft park warning (2.5 Turbo Premium Plus exclusive)

CARRIED ON, UNCHANGED:

• two row, sub-compact crossover SUV, 5 occupant seating
• Skyactiv G turbocharged (or standard atmospheric) 2.5L DI DOHC petrol I-4 engine + 6-speed torque converter automatic transaxle + PTU to viscous clutch all-wheel drive.
• Power ratings remain at 250 hp, 320 lb-ft (227 hp, 310 lb-ft running 87 RON unleaded fuel). It amounts to an increase of 59 hp, 133 lb-ft over the atmospheric engine. Observed combined driving fuel economy registers at 25 miles per gallon (4.0 gal. / 100 mi.). Highway range is 380 miles.
• Front strut, rear torsion beam suspension + four wheel disc brakes, front vented.
• "Top Safety Pick Plus" rated by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( 2024 MY)

BOTTOM LINE:

• $38,670 price, as tested 2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo 2.5 Premium Plus AWD in Polymetal Gray + leather ( Carbon 2.5 Turbo from $34,210, CX-30 2.5S AWD from $26,415)
• 3 years / 36,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty; 5 years, 60,000 miles powertrain warranty

LIKES ABOUT THE 2024 MAZDA CX-30 2.5 TURBO AWD:

• Quick and so luxuriously finished unlike anything else at its price point or in the volume subcompact crossover SUV segment
• Sleek, rakish silhouette donated by Mazda 3 hatchback
• Versatile packaging for size
• Lustrous exterior colors, impressive panel fit, inside and out
• Turbo power impresses in the low to mid power-band and throttle braking capability
• Impressive steering feel, taut but cushioned compliance, impressive roll resistance, meaty braking,
• Okay fuel economy
• non-intrusive advanced driver assist, sharp camera display
• Excellent headlights + steering swivel feature
• Elegant interior trimmings, clear concise instruments, minimalized precision feel & action controls, remarkably isolated cabin
• 12-speaker Bose audio high fidelity
• Quick learning curve for infotainment

NOT PREFERRED ABOUT THE 2024 MAZDA CX-30 2.5 TURBO AWD:

• Far from the roomiest cute ute, with tight rear seat occupant knee & head room
• No visible changes since 2020 debut
• Wheel arch cladding looks disproportionately large with lighter colors
• Torsion beam rear suspension jostles on alternating bumps
• Small -ish fuel tank (12.7 gallons)
• Lane keep assistance merely nudges steering
• 360 degree surround camera, rear cross traffic braking, available only in top 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim
• Advanced Driver assist (Cruising & Traffic support) not as effective as in competitors
• Fairly basic (though intuitive) instrument cluster
• Inductive charging pad overheats certain phones
• No glovebox lock

2022 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo AWD - Re- Driven in Red

COLOR THIS JINBA ITTAI CUTE UTE RED: What proceeds from an automotive brand legendary for the world’s most competed road car has found a nearly equal amount of acceptance in active lifestyle circles. In 2020 the Mazda CX-30 debuted as the ruggedized handsome “cute ute” with earnest marks of prestige.

RoadBlazingGeorge Straton