I think the powertrain is perfect for 95% of customers. Nobody needs turbos or 10 speeds, more complication, more things to go wrong and maintenance, and guys like this reviewer complaining that the trans has "only" six speeds, are the same guys that complain that the transmission is constantly hunting between gears when they drive a 10 speed auto.... always bitch and complain, for most of us out there this car is beautiful, practical and perfect as it is. Good Job Mazda!!
hes forgetting that the only point of a transmission is for fuel economy and performance. the car gets very good economy as is. more isnt always better. Mazda has always had good economy numbers with their vehicles and are one of the only companies that don't have any hybrid/electric models.
@@chrissygerwitz520 yup. he just always wants something to complain about. hate to say it but its kinda the trend when it comes to those in the lgbt community.
Would have been nice to keep the touch screen for when the car is idle to make address input easier and less frustrating over the knob. It's how I use it now in my Mazda6 and would miss being able to use that for the nav feature.
They're getting better compared to mass market brands, but better than premium? I dunno about that. My dad has an BMW X5 and it's like a swanky hotel room in there.
@@thetrustysidekick3013 at a certain point I can't really notice a difference, like the interior of a Mazda 6 is so nice and not overly styled that a BMW or Audi interior just isn't all that impressive to me anymore. It's also alot less pretentious to be in a Mazda lol.
@@thetrustysidekick3013 "has outdone" is correct. As would have been ".. outdid itself.." And no, I am not criticizing you for pointing out someone else's use of grammar and language. I often think it, but rarely write it because it's a sure fire way to start a flame war.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy your reviews and the key points you make about each individual car. I just notice you seem to say about Mazda “I wish Mazda would have” as if they are not enough. In my opinion, they are doing an amazing job with design and really setting that bar high compared to other car makers. Nothing against other car makers but seriously Mazda is really challenging the status quo on your non luxury car brand. Just some thought Soyfan to keep in mind when you review that unrated car brand.
It's true. Reviewers are comparing Mazdas to luxury brands most of us don't drive regularly. Compared to those, especially at higher trims, I can see where there are short comings. However, compared to Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, they are obviously raising the bar.
No kidding. Every time he whined about something they'd left out I wanted to tell, "this is a cheap car. Review it as one." He's always like that, wanting ordinary family transportation to be both sporty and luxurious.
Mark Miller he drives a Porsche. I’m not sure if there are some insecurity issues happening and he likes to feel superior by putting a lot of aspects of affordable cars down.
Just spoke to a Mazda dealer sales manager. He said he’s excited for the coming years til 2023 or so. He said Mazda is trying to move upmarket with their upcoming lineups and trims to position themselves higher then Subaru and such , which he said is high end in the econo market, to right below Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus, which he said is in the low end of the premium/luxury segment. Makes sense to me base on design and interior language MINUS the current infotainment software and looks. The new Mazda 3/ 30 is A step in the right direction. I have good hopes for Mazda!
Watching this review a year later. The is not a confusing design in my opinion. Its honetly the best of all the crossovers in Mazda's lineup. If anything I forgot the CX3 existed
Well, from Hyundai only the new Sonata (the interior), the Santa Fe and the Palisade look premium. The rest of the line looks pretty mainstream and cheap.
@@JDMSwervo2001 Ikr! I hope they continue to bring premium looking vehicles. And hope they also change their exterior designer(s) 'cause some of the models (like the Elantra) look hideous.
Blank buttons on a top trim? I absolutely hate that. Blanks are like a constant reminder that they were either too cheap to make parts that actually fit the vehicle or as if there's a feature you could have but don't.
I went from a car with the COMAND knob (a 2007 Mercedes S550) to a touchscreen car (2011 Porsche Cayenne S) and I much prefer a COMAND knob System. Less distracting, easier to use while driving, and more comfortable.
Just picked up the last cx30 pp awd turbo in my area. I love the crap outta this car! The black exterior w/white-ish seats just looks so plush! I'm glad the screen isn't touch. As I'm driving, I can adjust everything from my seating position w/o having to reach up to a screen. The heads up display on the windshield is cool; I've never before had that option in anything! The 6 speed auto is great, although I miss shifting!
Our(Edmund's)2018 Mazda CX-5 had a sticker price of $34,505 when it was new. After a year of driving, our odometer had about 17,600 miles on it. Assuming clean condition, the CX-5 had a private-party appraised value of $24,818. This is a 28% depreciation, which is worse than our long-term fleet average of 22%.
Yeah, but hardly anyone pays MSRP on Mazdas. Dealers, at least in the town I live in, almost always have several thousand dollars discounted from the MSRP.
The Mazda CX30 here in Sweden has heated steering, the reverse camera resolution is great and with trajectory lines. So the USA lost out on those. The other thing that is different from USA is that the engine that is being offered here is the 2 litre, mild hybrid with cylinder deactivation (sky active G) or sky active x with higher compression and spontaneous combustion and no cylinder deactivation. It would have been nice if the screen was touch screen (when parked as in CX5) since inputting street names and pin code is far easier on touch screen. The road noise is more than Cx5. So sound insulation is not that great. Acceleration is not all that great but it is very stable on the road at high speeds giving you lot of confidence. Having driven almost all the Mazdas I feel it is not a big jump from Mazda CX3 or even Mazda 3. But how do you make a good reliable car even better? Difficult task. Did I say you get 10 years guarantee on new Mazda cars here in Sweden (at no extra cost)? They certainly seem to believe in their engineering.
That Mazda 2.5 liter mated with the 6 speed automatic is outstanding! My 2016 CX-5 has that combo and it has not given me one problem in 70000 miles. The transmission might be down a couple of gears.....but it is smooth as silk in my opinion. 186hp is enough power...if you need more you are shopping in the wrong car segment.
Remember that Mazda is a much smaller company than the big players. I'm all for upgrades to transmission and ventilated seats as an option, but the lag time is not unexpected.
y’all Mazda’s hold up well. Was in a crash a little over a week ago. My 2016 cx3 was totaled ): But I walked away with no injuries! Loved my Mazda and the cx30 is my new one
I like what Mazda is doing with NA engine offerings and traditional automatics.They aren't trying to squeeze every last MPG out of cars with stuff like CVTs or tiny engines with turbos, maybe because they don't really have any huge gas guzzlers in their lineup to make up for like so many other manufacturers do.
I do not like where they put the blinker in this vehicle. It's becoming a trend and it horrible. Blinkers do not belong in the bumper they belong with the headlights
Stay away from cylinder deactivation (or take it out for a drive where you're going 55 in 6th and the cylinder deactivation is active and make sure you don't mind the vibration). I have it in my 2019 Mazda3 hatch and the vibration really ruins the otherwise spectacularly smooth drive. Also, make sure the climate control works as it should: set the temp to 62 degrees or so and see if it blows super hot air instead of slightly warm air as it should. This is another thing that drives me nuts in my 2019 Mazda3 hatch... oddly enough it does start regulating temperature normally 10-15 minutes into the drive. Don't have this issue in my 2018 Mazda6 2.5T. Also, blanks on the steering wheel are not blank on Euro models ;)
I'm hearing that from others too. I noticed when accelerating quickly that it was very slow to respond. It's fine but you can't gun it obviously and get the results I've gotten in cars years ago when I had turbos and V6s. Ah, those were the days. Everything today is safer, less fun (for most new vehicles).
Agreed. It's just black plastic and the contrast of it (the color and material) on the car makes it look like they couldn't make up their minds on if they wanted a sporty or luxury design.
@@Penelope416 Its a crossover in every sense of the word. They really didn't make up their minds, is it a car, hatchback, suv, luxury, sporty? I do not know. Mine is white so it really contrasts, but off road it protects the paint. There's good reason behind everything in it's design and designed well under it's cost limitations. Not for everyone though.
Where did you get the figure of 3500 lbs for the weight? Mazda USA website says 3232 for fwd and 3353 for awd. The latter figure is only 98 lbs over the equivalent Mazda 3 but a whopping 447 lbs lighter than an equivalent CX 5, all with the same powertrain. The CX30 has one of the better pwr/weight ratios in this segment. Quit whining about the weight. Otherwise like your reviews, just try to be more accurate when talking off the cuff.
Not a fan of the plastic cladding. I wish Mazda would release Skyactive X in America or get serious about electrification. I owned two generations of the Mazda 3, but I switched to the Honda Insight.
Great video and hopefully Mazda listen to your comments but this is a very beautifully made car. I don't mind if it's not a touch screen, I prefer this system. When is Mazda bringing the new power train in the US, the SkyActive-X? This is already available in Europe at this time. 🏎🏎🏎
Again, another well delivered review - really nicely done. I would be interested in an Skyactive-X version with manual however for a bit of fun thrown in. Also little disappointed in the rear twist beam as with the Mazda3.
It is not missing on power, it's right were it should be. It could have been more fuel efficient. It seems all the high compression SkyActiv tech and smart awd does not really get any better actual mpg.
Re the backup camera - in Australia we can have 360 degree camera as a vision/tech pack. Most models have most safety features and all buttons on steering wheel are used. It looks like US models miss out on many features which are available in basic models in other markets.
Get rid of the thick black plastic trim around the wheel arch, add a manual transmission and a few more horses under the hood, then I’d actually consider getting this.
I really wanted to like this review as I have liked your past ones, but you just harp on the name WAY too much, dude! It's not a big deal. It's just a name. CX-30? OK. Not a CX-4? Fine. It's gonna be OK. Do you need a hug? You said it yourself: "Once you kinda get past the name, I think this'll actually be a better car to drive and purchase..." So, get past it. Like, really? You're implying that mere nomenclature affects your view as to how good a car is to drive, purchase and recommend. Like...EH?
It's only confusing if you know the history of recent Mazda names, but have a lousy memory. Most people are going to think it's a perfectly reasonable name and have no trouble asking about it.
I actually don't mind the plastic cladding with the right exterior color it fits. Definitely saves car from those parking lot dings and dents. What is bother me is the blue on the dash and door handles which appears to be the only option for all trims except the premium. Hate it it's a bigger problem to me over the cladding it clashes to much with the black/white interior
I like it a lot. I previously had a Juke and the cladding protects the paint (not cheap to paint). It keeps the cost low. It doesn't look really appealing but your pocket book will thank you.
Sure the cladding is HIDEOUS but on the other hand, wouldn't there eventually be a shitload of complaints about rock/paint chips seemingly prematurely without them? Hear easily scratched/chipped paint is THE top complaint on mid 2010s Mazdas across the board hands down. Whereas other brands where you'd expect flawless durability are increasingly filled with even more unpleasant surprises these days...
Was thinking of replacing my secondary car (Mazda CX-5 2017) with one of these, but they lost me at no heated steering wheel. My car spends a lot of time at the airport in Minneapolis, and it is certainly nice to warm up the wheel when I arrive home in the winter. Seems like a lazy omission. Just like not putting in the fog lamps even on the top trim. It's a shame because it seems like they got a lot of things right here. With the Korean manufacturers being so aggressive, this is no time to short buyers on simply luxuries, especially on the very top trim level.
Maybe CX3 should be taken away. Makes no sense to keep both. After being in both, the size is very similar and I'd take the CX30 as much better looking outside and in. Mazda3 is low to ground, CX30 is GREAT for people in snowy climates 5 months out of the year. AWD! Don't like the non-touchscreen functions, just personal preference. No deicer for mirrors, garage door opener button or heated steering wheel on top trim. :(
4 time Mazda owner, but not driving one now. This is on my list. I'm skewing more towards comfort now than zoom-zoom. That said, a 2017-2019 slightly used loaded CX-5 Grand Touring seems like quite a value. If this was available in Eternal Blue Mica, with cooled seats, I'd definitely spurge on new. I'm probably waiting until 2021 MY anyway, so we'll see what happens.
I think Mazda was smart in choosing the 2.5l for the cx30. It distinguishes it from the competition. Not to mention the potential for better reliability compared to smaller displacement turbocharged rivals. I also think that's why Toyota has kept their 2.5l in the Camry and RAV4.
One note about driving dynamics that may be interchangeable with some other Mazdas: I have a Mazda 6, and the issue I had with it was it's front heavy because of the hood being far forward. I would understeer but eventually learned to manage. Heavily apply the brake but let off immediately and gradually turn the wheel into the corner when coming off the highway because it did not like 30mph turning. My last car was a 2017 Camry and never had that experience. It's not bad, but it's just a heads up in case it transfers between models.
It is the basis car for Mazda's new EV..their long awaited first ever all electric...and the doors and body is changed nicely to fit the EV specs. IE, the Hyundai Kona...and the black gloss trim by the doors drive me nuts seeing all the fingerprints !!
I wish I had waited. The CX-3 was too small and underpowered and the CX-5 felt a bit too big for me. I like the CX-30 a lot and really like the name since it is based on the Mazda 3 so it made sense to multiply the number by 10 to show the vast improvements (10 times better?). I also really like the cladding that it will protect the paint. I settled with the UX hybrid simply for my height and my goal of fuel economy. The CX-30 as an AWD hybrid would be awesome so hopefully this new model paves way to future improvements and trim levels. Well done Mazda!
Looks nicer in the C-Pillar area than the strange 3, but the side windows look strangely narrow and the entire side profile looks chunky. And while Kodo is still pleasing, it's getting tired and isn't taking much risk. Too bad other manufacturers can't seem to duplicate Honda's interior dimensions (large). The whole proposition does make sense for Mazda. Crossovers sell, and it slots nicely between the 2 and 5. And as drivers, we are lucky that companies with Mazda's philosophy exist. Good looking, good driving, not perfect, but darned good options.
Your obsessed with turbos, turbos are terrible for reliability. I suppose if your going to lease a turbo is fine; but if don't want to blow the engine in under 100k miles, stay far far away from turbo charged engines.
I do agree that it could use a bit more power. Mazda was able to squeeze 181 hp out of the 2.0L in the new Miata (the standard 2.0L in the CX-3 gets 148hp). I wonder how much they could push the 2.5L up to while still keeping their high compression ratio. As they move more upmarket they're being compared with entry level luxury cars with small displacement turbos and better hp/torque figures.
I dont think u have the full spec model. my cx-30 has a 360 camera as well as being able to set the rear camera to full screen. a lot of the thing u said about the car were just wrong. u need to spend more time with it.
A lot of ragging on the 6 speed but most in this segment have a nasty CVT. And even the 8 speed Rav4 in the segment above has had many complaints about rough shifting and poor reliability. Mazda needs to work on hybrid tech, refine their Skyactiv X and pump up the turbo engine to about 300 hp and put it in everything.
Good review, in the Redline tradition. Get the AWD for safety on slippery roads. Well worth the money. The CX 5 derivative styling is "OK" but I think detracts from the uniqueness of the CX 5 styling. MAZDA needs to use mush more light, high strength steel like Hyundai does. But Unlike Hyundai MAZDA does not own a steel company. I have discovered with my CX 5 GT Reserve 2.5 L. turbo that adding 4 gallons of 100 octane to the 91 octane "premium" gas we have in the western US REALLY wakes up the engine. Feels like it's always on SPORT mode.
Yeah, I have a 2019 CX 5 GT Reserve and really wish, with all that turbo power, that it had an eight speed transmission. A lower low for crawling when necessary and a higher high for better highway mileage. C'mon MAZDA, it ain't "rocket surgery". ;o) Hmmm... top of the line CX 30 at $28,000. and my CX 5 GT Reserve for $34,000. $6,000. ain't a lot more for all I have in my CX 5. Damn thing is loaded with features.
I hate all the leather. Test drove a Mazda3 and thr CX-30. Loved them both. The CX-30 was impressive to drive even in normal mode. Sport mode was crazy fast. Would go for a lower end CX-30 to avoid the leather and rarely use sport mode because I'm not s fast driver.
6-speed is enough for commute. Why I need 8 or 10 speed? To have mechanical issues? Turbos are not reliable. No one. Mazda has a perfect combo: regular engine + reliable gearbox. That's all I need as normal standard driver
I own a 2018 Mazda3 GT and I never even use the touchscreen the center console toggle with the 5 shortcut buttons are enough. I don't even need to see the screen to use its entertainment feature with muscle memory. No to touch screen
I agree with you that this thing could've been so much more. They need that turbo engine. What were they thinking with all the cladding? The car has good overall proportions but the cladding does not look premium.
I don't understand the placement of the infotainment screen. The bottom of the display is lower than the dash pad in front of it. I noticed that depending on camera height, the displayed text or info can be cut off. As a driver, did you notice this or was it just how the camera and operator were positioned?
Okay, I think I'm getting this car. Not too big, great design, nice speed, AWD too and awesome price as well! I just wish that the screen didn't look so small and sunken into the dashboard the way it is. And I'm assuming they didn't include a faster engine because it helps cut costs for consumers. Just my thought and like most of the comments below have stated, you don't need a turbo in EVERY CAR.. you seem to say that ALOT in all of your videos. These are not NASCARS. lmao
That big black huge plastic all around the car is not looking welcoming, the rest is quite amazing. Any chance to paint that, as an extra option or so..
I think the powertrain is perfect for 95% of customers. Nobody needs turbos or 10 speeds, more complication, more things to go wrong and maintenance, and guys like this reviewer complaining that the trans has "only" six speeds, are the same guys that complain that the transmission is constantly hunting between gears when they drive a 10 speed auto.... always bitch and complain, for most of us out there this car is beautiful, practical and perfect as it is. Good Job Mazda!!
Martin ScoCan you sir, deserve an Oscar for that comment. Literally took the words out of my mouth.
No turbo. Perfect!
hes forgetting that the only point of a transmission is for fuel economy and performance. the car gets very good economy as is. more isnt always better. Mazda has always had good economy numbers with their vehicles and are one of the only companies that don't have any hybrid/electric models.
It's getting to the point that Sofyan is just saying things to say them. At this point, I have to take most of his comments with a grain of salt.
@@chrissygerwitz520 yup. he just always wants something to complain about. hate to say it but its kinda the trend when it comes to those in the lgbt community.
The rotary knob is the best way to control the infotainment system. Way less distraction than a touch screen.
Having both systems (2019 Subaru Forester and 2017 Mazda CX-5), I concur.
much agreed, the worst interface out there rn is lexus
Would have been nice to keep the touch screen for when the car is idle to make address input easier and less frustrating over the knob. It's how I use it now in my Mazda6 and would miss being able to use that for the nav feature.
@@modmatt1 -I usually use the knob on my 6. Just a new habit even when stationary.
I agree. I own a Mazda6 and almost never used touchscreen. Less fingerprints on the screen too :D
Honestly, Mazda interiors are getting better than alot of premium interiors.
Like which premium brand interiors?
@@franzwetrfres2116 Acura and Infiniti at least.
@@franzwetrfres2116 Acura, Infiniti, some Lexus, BMW, new Audi's...
They're getting better compared to mass market brands, but better than premium? I dunno about that. My dad has an BMW X5 and it's like a swanky hotel room in there.
@@thetrustysidekick3013 at a certain point I can't really notice a difference, like the interior of a Mazda 6 is so nice and not overly styled that a BMW or Audi interior just isn't all that impressive to me anymore. It's also alot less pretentious to be in a Mazda lol.
Mazda has outdone itself, I love the subtle but luxurious approach. The cockpit is just amazing!
Outdid*
@@thetrustysidekick3013 "has outdone" is correct. As would have been ".. outdid itself.." And no, I am not criticizing you for pointing out someone else's use of grammar and language. I often think it, but rarely write it because it's a sure fire way to start a flame war.
are vee Sorry, I‘m from Germany
Definitely!
Really. It should be called Mazda cladding. That hideous 360 cladding is an eyesore.
I don’t know what was funnier, the woman yelling at him or him standing outside eating M&M’s 😂
The interior is gorgeous!!!
It's parts bin
Bob Bowie it’s a 30k car, what do you expect?
If you've got that parts bin, you should make use of it. Competitors don't have that advantage and it shows.
@@markmiller3279 Hey. Mazda parts are nice oarts anyway!
I think so too, except that I don't like white seats.
Find it truly entertaining that this has more power in base form than both optional engines in the Lexus UX.
Khachik Hmayakyan kinda sad from a luxurious brand
I'll take the 41mpg and subjectively better interior and exterior of the UX hybrid over this car.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy your reviews and the key points you make about each individual car. I just notice you seem to say about Mazda “I wish Mazda would have” as if they are not enough. In my opinion, they are doing an amazing job with design and really setting that bar high compared to other car makers. Nothing against other car makers but seriously Mazda is really challenging the status quo on your non luxury car brand. Just some thought Soyfan to keep in mind when you review that unrated car brand.
absolutely right sir !
It's true. Reviewers are comparing Mazdas to luxury brands most of us don't drive regularly. Compared to those, especially at higher trims, I can see where there are short comings. However, compared to Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, they are obviously raising the bar.
Absolutely 👍
No kidding. Every time he whined about something they'd left out I wanted to tell, "this is a cheap car. Review it as one." He's always like that, wanting ordinary family transportation to be both sporty and luxurious.
Mark Miller he drives a Porsche. I’m not sure if there are some insecurity issues happening and he likes to feel superior by putting a lot of aspects of affordable cars down.
Mazda is killin the game
You mean..killing it off?
The "cladding" is not too much and it stands out making the car stand out and it is different - I like it.
Just spoke to a Mazda dealer sales manager. He said he’s excited for the coming years til 2023 or so. He said Mazda is trying to move upmarket with their upcoming lineups and trims to position themselves higher then Subaru and such , which he said is high end in the econo market, to right below Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus, which he said is in the low end of the premium/luxury segment.
Makes sense to me base on design and interior language MINUS the current infotainment software and looks. The new Mazda 3/ 30 is A step in the right direction. I have good hopes for Mazda!
I am always amazed by your ability to remember statistics and details while giving an indepth review.
I'm amazed at how often he goofs when he tries to spit them out. If he slowed down a little he'd do better.
just got the cx30 and i love the interior. nothing else compares at that price point!!
13:36 best part of the video.
Watching this review a year later. The is not a confusing design in my opinion. Its honetly the best of all the crossovers in Mazda's lineup. If anything I forgot the CX3 existed
Mazda and Hyundai seem to be the most luxurious looking mainstream cars.
Well, from Hyundai only the new Sonata (the interior), the Santa Fe and the Palisade look premium. The rest of the line looks pretty mainstream and cheap.
DSTY except Mazda’s engine technology is stuck in 2013
Leu Mamk I agree, but they are probably gonna trickle that luxury down to their other cars
@@f181234 you are trippin. You either have mechanical knowledge equivalent of a rock or you're just stupid.
@@JDMSwervo2001 Ikr! I hope they continue to bring premium looking vehicles. And hope they also change their exterior designer(s) 'cause some of the models (like the Elantra) look hideous.
I think the new CX30 is beautiful and practical.
Blank buttons on a top trim? I absolutely hate that. Blanks are like a constant reminder that they were either too cheap to make parts that actually fit the vehicle or as if there's a feature you could have but don't.
I went from a car with the COMAND knob (a 2007 Mercedes S550) to a touchscreen car (2011 Porsche Cayenne S) and I much prefer a COMAND knob System. Less distracting, easier to use while driving, and more comfortable.
Why would you buy a crosstrek, HRV, or any other subcompact cuv over this. Best interior in the segment with reliability on par with the others
Because other people like Crosstreks and HRV's? Preference is a thing, you know.
I would definitely take a Crosstrek over this. It's called preferance.
It’s called being a fanboy! CVT, slow, and noisy is such a winning recipe for the Crosstrek. If that’s your preference well ok
Because you can't buy this yet and not everyone has the luxury of time to wait for a car.
@@Lucky8s You won't have to wait long as they've already started showing up at dealers.
I like the look but would dial back all that plastic cladding.
Just picked up the last cx30 pp awd turbo in my area. I love the crap outta this car! The black exterior w/white-ish seats just looks so plush! I'm glad the screen isn't touch. As I'm driving, I can adjust everything from my seating position w/o having to reach up to a screen. The heads up display on the windshield is cool; I've never before had that option in anything! The 6 speed auto is great, although I miss shifting!
Our(Edmund's)2018 Mazda CX-5 had a sticker price of $34,505 when it was new. After a year of driving, our odometer had about 17,600 miles on it. Assuming clean condition, the CX-5 had a private-party appraised value of $24,818.
This is a 28% depreciation, which is worse than our long-term fleet average of 22%.
Yeah, but hardly anyone pays MSRP on Mazdas. Dealers, at least in the town I live in, almost always have several thousand dollars discounted from the MSRP.
The Mazda CX30 here in Sweden has heated steering, the reverse camera resolution is great and with trajectory lines. So the USA lost out on those. The other thing that is different from USA is that the engine that is being offered here is the 2 litre, mild hybrid with cylinder deactivation (sky active G) or sky active x with higher compression and spontaneous combustion and no cylinder deactivation. It would have been nice if the screen was touch screen (when parked as in CX5) since inputting street names and pin code is far easier on touch screen. The road noise is more than Cx5. So sound insulation is not that great. Acceleration is not all that great but it is very stable on the road at high speeds giving you lot of confidence. Having driven almost all the Mazdas I feel it is not a big jump from Mazda CX3 or even Mazda 3. But how do you make a good reliable car even better? Difficult task. Did I say you get 10 years guarantee on new Mazda cars here in Sweden (at no extra cost)? They certainly seem to believe in their engineering.
lol I'd have to move to sweden
That Mazda 2.5 liter mated with the 6 speed automatic is outstanding! My 2016 CX-5 has that combo and it has not given me one problem in 70000 miles. The transmission might be down a couple of gears.....but it is smooth as silk in my opinion. 186hp is enough power...if you need more you are shopping in the wrong car segment.
Remember that Mazda is a much smaller company than the big players. I'm all for upgrades to transmission and ventilated seats as an option, but the lag time is not unexpected.
y’all Mazda’s hold up well. Was in a crash a little over a week ago. My 2016 cx3 was totaled ):
But I walked away with no injuries! Loved my Mazda and the cx30 is my new one
They need to bring the CX-8 to the USA. Not everyone wants a 3 row as big as the CX-9 and the great CX-5 is just a wee bit small.
U mean cx-7?
I was waiting for him to say "Americas insatiable appetite for crossovers"
The cladding is a little toi high in profile. Other than that, it's kinda cool!
I like what Mazda is doing with NA engine offerings and traditional automatics.They aren't trying to squeeze every last MPG out of cars with stuff like CVTs or tiny engines with turbos, maybe because they don't really have any huge gas guzzlers in their lineup to make up for like so many other manufacturers do.
I do not like where they put the blinker in this vehicle. It's becoming a trend and it horrible. Blinkers do not belong in the bumper they belong with the headlights
the blinkers on Mazda 3 are perfect, I don't know why they moved it into the bumpers
Paul A this isn’t a trend they’ve been putting Turn signals on bumpers since the 70s look at any 80s sedan
6 gears is enough. 8 or 10 is too many
and usually less reliable
@@topspot9417 I wish people stopped talking about reliability on new cars
Stay away from cylinder deactivation (or take it out for a drive where you're going 55 in 6th and the cylinder deactivation is active and make sure you don't mind the vibration). I have it in my 2019 Mazda3 hatch and the vibration really ruins the otherwise spectacularly smooth drive. Also, make sure the climate control works as it should: set the temp to 62 degrees or so and see if it blows super hot air instead of slightly warm air as it should. This is another thing that drives me nuts in my 2019 Mazda3 hatch... oddly enough it does start regulating temperature normally 10-15 minutes into the drive. Don't have this issue in my 2018 Mazda6 2.5T. Also, blanks on the steering wheel are not blank on Euro models ;)
I'm hearing that from others too. I noticed when accelerating quickly that it was very slow to respond. It's fine but you can't gun it obviously and get the results I've gotten in cars years ago when I had turbos and V6s. Ah, those were the days. Everything today is safer, less fun (for most new vehicles).
Cladding is way too much. It cheapens this otherwise beautiful car. And I loved the cut to you eating M&M's.
I like the side cladding
The side cladding actually contributes to the sleek look. It’s a visual effect.
Agreed. It's just black plastic and the contrast of it (the color and material) on the car makes it look like they couldn't make up their minds on if they wanted a sporty or luxury design.
@@Penelope416 Its a crossover in every sense of the word. They really didn't make up their minds, is it a car, hatchback, suv, luxury, sporty? I do not know. Mine is white so it really contrasts, but off road it protects the paint. There's good reason behind everything in it's design and designed well under it's cost limitations. Not for everyone though.
Excellent review
Pretty damn good car that I’d consider.
Except this guy is too negative with his opinions.
Where did you get the figure of 3500 lbs for the weight? Mazda USA website says 3232 for fwd and 3353 for awd. The latter figure is only 98 lbs over the equivalent Mazda 3 but a whopping 447 lbs lighter than an equivalent CX 5, all with the same powertrain. The CX30 has one of the better pwr/weight ratios in this segment. Quit whining about the weight. Otherwise like your reviews, just try to be more accurate when talking off the cuff.
Not a fan of the plastic cladding. I wish Mazda would release Skyactive X in America or get serious about electrification. I owned two generations of the Mazda 3, but I switched to the Honda Insight.
Been waiting for this review!
Mazda is the best Japanese car.Good build very reasonable price. Love Mazda
Great video and hopefully Mazda listen to your comments but this is a very beautifully made car. I don't mind if it's not a touch screen, I prefer this system. When is Mazda bringing the new power train in the US, the SkyActive-X? This is already available in Europe at this time.
🏎🏎🏎
You know that Skyactive-X is slower than the regular 2.5? And people complain about 2.5 being slow.
Yeah ,I would like to have your 2.5l engine here in Europe.
Again, another well delivered review - really nicely done. I would be interested in an Skyactive-X version with manual however for a bit of fun thrown in. Also little disappointed in the rear twist beam as with the Mazda3.
It is not missing on power, it's right were it should be.
It could have been more fuel efficient. It seems all the high compression SkyActiv tech and smart awd does not really get any better actual mpg.
Re the backup camera - in Australia we can have 360 degree camera as a vision/tech pack. Most models have most safety features and all buttons on steering wheel are used. It looks like US models miss out on many features which are available in basic models in other markets.
To answer all your questions on "I wish and or want more" from mazda !!! Price point ;) What an amazing well thought out value.
This is surprisingly a fun car to drive. Had it as a loaner for like 2 weeks. Much smoother than the Mazda3.
Get rid of the thick black plastic trim around the wheel arch, add a manual transmission and a few more horses under the hood, then I’d actually consider getting this.
A wireless charging pad is optional that lives inside the centre console. At least for the Canadian market which is a $382.00 option
I really wanted to like this review as I have liked your past ones, but you just harp on the name WAY too much, dude! It's not a big deal. It's just a name. CX-30? OK. Not a CX-4? Fine. It's gonna be OK. Do you need a hug? You said it yourself: "Once you kinda get past the name, I think this'll actually be a better car to drive and purchase..." So, get past it. Like, really? You're implying that mere nomenclature affects your view as to how good a car is to drive, purchase and recommend. Like...EH?
I agree. Never heard Sofyan complain about Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Lincoln (past 15 years) etc alpha-numeric names 😂
Yeah. I think most adults are intelligent enough to not be confused after being told 1 time that CX-30 is between CX-3 and CX-5!
I agree with you 100%. Soyfie is one of those 'in vogue' type car reviewers...and a brand-snob too.
It's only confusing if you know the history of recent Mazda names, but have a lousy memory. Most people are going to think it's a perfectly reasonable name and have no trouble asking about it.
Hes like the public is too stupid to know the difference between the CX30 and the rest of the line up
Thanks for reviewing cars that people can afford. 👍🏾
It's in the 20's. It's affordable. Can't get much less in the class.
Couple things you missed: the cargo space of the cross trek is only 0.6 cu ft larger, a wireless charging pad is available as an accessory
I actually don't mind the plastic cladding with the right exterior color it fits. Definitely saves car from those parking lot dings and dents. What is bother me is the blue on the dash and door handles which appears to be the only option for all trims except the premium. Hate it it's a bigger problem to me over the cladding it clashes to much with the black/white interior
I love his voice! Looking forward to listening
Its beautiful, one thing is not right is the plastic cladding its too much.
Mazda, please get rid of the cheap black plastic around the entire car.
@ProgM It looks so UGLY. The SUV is beautiful except this.
I like it a lot. I previously had a Juke and the cladding protects the paint (not cheap to paint). It keeps the cost low. It doesn't look really appealing but your pocket book will thank you.
@@willnye9788 I just think it would look so much better like the CX-5 without that junk.
Sure the cladding is HIDEOUS but on the other hand, wouldn't there eventually be a shitload of complaints about rock/paint chips seemingly prematurely without them?
Hear easily scratched/chipped paint is THE top complaint on mid 2010s Mazdas across the board hands down. Whereas other brands where you'd expect flawless durability are increasingly filled with even more unpleasant surprises these days...
@@schwenda3727 I don't think most people use this for off road. The CX-5 and CX-9 don't have all the Cheap Black Plastic.
Was thinking of replacing my secondary car (Mazda CX-5 2017) with one of these, but they lost me at no heated steering wheel. My car spends a lot of time at the airport in Minneapolis, and it is certainly nice to warm up the wheel when I arrive home in the winter. Seems like a lazy omission. Just like not putting in the fog lamps even on the top trim. It's a shame because it seems like they got a lot of things right here. With the Korean manufacturers being so aggressive, this is no time to short buyers on simply luxuries, especially on the very top trim level.
This could eat mazda3 sales too, which isn't selling well right now.
Maybe CX3 should be taken away. Makes no sense to keep both. After being in both, the size is very similar and I'd take the CX30 as much better looking outside and in. Mazda3 is low to ground, CX30 is GREAT for people in snowy climates 5 months out of the year. AWD! Don't like the non-touchscreen functions, just personal preference. No deicer for mirrors, garage door opener button or heated steering wheel on top trim. :(
That additional weight all went into sound deadening materials, IMO a much worth it trade off
“As you can see here”... 😂
The problem is we can’t see anything with all that sun into the camera. Position the car differently so we can see
4 time Mazda owner, but not driving one now. This is on my list. I'm skewing more towards comfort now than zoom-zoom. That said, a 2017-2019 slightly used loaded CX-5 Grand Touring seems like quite a value. If this was available in Eternal Blue Mica, with cooled seats, I'd definitely spurge on new. I'm probably waiting until 2021 MY anyway, so we'll see what happens.
Would love it if it weren't for all the damn plastic cladding
I think Mazda was smart in choosing the 2.5l for the cx30. It distinguishes it from the competition. Not to mention the potential for better reliability compared to smaller displacement turbocharged rivals. I also think that's why Toyota has kept their 2.5l in the Camry and RAV4.
Good proportions and great interior, however I think it has too much black plastic body cladding on the sides, especially around the wheel openings.
I like having the dial AND a touch screen.
One note about driving dynamics that may be interchangeable with some other Mazdas: I have a Mazda 6, and the issue I had with it was it's front heavy because of the hood being far forward. I would understeer but eventually learned to manage. Heavily apply the brake but let off immediately and gradually turn the wheel into the corner when coming off the highway because it did not like 30mph turning. My last car was a 2017 Camry and never had that experience. It's not bad, but it's just a heads up in case it transfers between models.
Mother of cladding!
It is the basis car for Mazda's new EV..their long awaited first ever all electric...and the doors and body is changed nicely to fit the EV specs. IE, the Hyundai Kona...and the black gloss trim by the doors drive me nuts seeing all the fingerprints !!
I wish I had waited. The CX-3 was too small and underpowered and the CX-5 felt a bit too big for me. I like the CX-30 a lot and really like the name since it is based on the Mazda 3 so it made sense to multiply the number by 10 to show the vast improvements (10 times better?). I also really like the cladding that it will protect the paint. I settled with the UX hybrid simply for my height and my goal of fuel economy. The CX-30 as an AWD hybrid would be awesome so hopefully this new model paves way to future improvements and trim levels. Well done Mazda!
I would love to see a detailed comparison of this vs the Crosstrek.
Looks nicer in the C-Pillar area than the strange 3, but the side windows look strangely narrow and the entire side profile looks chunky. And while Kodo is still pleasing, it's getting tired and isn't taking much risk. Too bad other manufacturers can't seem to duplicate Honda's interior dimensions (large). The whole proposition does make sense for Mazda. Crossovers sell, and it slots nicely between the 2 and 5. And as drivers, we are lucky that companies with Mazda's philosophy exist. Good looking, good driving, not perfect, but darned good options.
I can see offering a turbo option but glad they have a naturally aspirated one as standard. A manual transmission would be perfect.
Great review as always, and the interior is very nice. The cladding is way to much. Would rather have the 3 though.
Your obsessed with turbos, turbos are terrible for reliability. I suppose if your going to lease a turbo is fine; but if don't want to blow the engine in under 100k miles, stay far far away from turbo charged engines.
kb ok? Turbos are fine nowadays
You're about twenty years out of date. Modern turbo are all over the place and reliability is fine.
I do agree that it could use a bit more power. Mazda was able to squeeze 181 hp out of the 2.0L in the new Miata (the standard 2.0L in the CX-3 gets 148hp). I wonder how much they could push the 2.5L up to while still keeping their high compression ratio. As they move more upmarket they're being compared with entry level luxury cars with small displacement turbos and better hp/torque figures.
Informative review as usual. Thank you.
The name isn’t confusing
I dont think u have the full spec model. my cx-30 has a 360 camera as well as being able to set the rear camera to full screen. a lot of the thing u said about the car were just wrong. u need to spend more time with it.
I'll wait for th next model that's when they install all of the bells whistle...it is a nice vehicle
I got this video at 2:00 am by the way. Your car reviews are great by the way. Also are planning on doing a video on the new Aston Martin suv?
Yes
@@SonyEnthusiast it looks like a cool suv
@@Reaperguy67 it is. Check out Doug's review on it
The sides have that "electrical tape" look.
The CX-30 would be a total upgrade to what I’m driving now. Someday I will purchase a Mazda CX-30.
Good Lord, the name is such a hang up?!? Big deal. Very nice car, they'll sell a bunch of them.
I know. I wasn't confused at all. I think CX-30 sounds better.
Exactly, every review is prefaced with "the CX-4 is already in use in China." Slightly cringeworthy tbh.
@@stefanbernhard2710 Right.
The black fender flares is too thick! 🤢
A lot of ragging on the 6 speed but most in this segment have a nasty CVT. And even the 8 speed Rav4 in the segment above has had many complaints about rough shifting and poor reliability.
Mazda needs to work on hybrid tech, refine their Skyactiv X and pump up the turbo engine to about 300 hp and put it in everything.
IMO the cladding is a bit too much. I have a ‘17 CX-5 and the cladding is tame compared to the CX-30
3 am here . What's up redline burning midnight oil.
Good review, in the Redline tradition. Get the AWD for safety on slippery roads. Well worth the money.
The CX 5 derivative styling is "OK" but I think detracts from the uniqueness of the CX 5 styling.
MAZDA needs to use mush more light, high strength steel like Hyundai does. But Unlike Hyundai MAZDA does not own a steel company.
I have discovered with my CX 5 GT Reserve 2.5 L. turbo that adding 4 gallons of 100 octane to the 91 octane "premium" gas we have in the western US REALLY wakes up the engine. Feels like it's always on SPORT mode.
Yeah, I have a 2019 CX 5 GT Reserve and really wish, with all that turbo power, that it had an eight speed transmission. A lower low for crawling when necessary and a higher high for better highway mileage. C'mon MAZDA, it ain't "rocket surgery". ;o)
Hmmm... top of the line CX 30 at $28,000. and my CX 5 GT Reserve for $34,000. $6,000. ain't a lot more for all I have in my CX 5. Damn thing is loaded with features.
I hate all the leather. Test drove a Mazda3 and thr CX-30. Loved them both. The CX-30 was impressive to drive even in normal mode. Sport mode was crazy fast. Would go for a lower end CX-30 to avoid the leather and rarely use sport mode because I'm not s fast driver.
6-speed is enough for commute. Why I need 8 or 10 speed? To have mechanical issues? Turbos are not reliable. No one. Mazda has a perfect combo: regular engine + reliable gearbox. That's all I need as normal standard driver
in Sweden we get 360parking camera and heated steering wheel. -but no sunroof
I own a 2018 Mazda3 GT and I never even use the touchscreen the center console toggle with the 5 shortcut buttons are enough. I don't even need to see the screen to use its entertainment feature with muscle memory. No to touch screen
I agree with you that this thing could've been so much more. They need that turbo engine. What were they thinking with all the cladding? The car has good overall proportions but the cladding does not look premium.
I don't understand the placement of the infotainment screen. The bottom of the display is lower than the dash pad in front of it. I noticed that depending on camera height, the displayed text or info can be cut off. As a driver, did you notice this or was it just how the camera and operator were positioned?
Okay, I think I'm getting this car. Not too big, great design, nice speed, AWD too and awesome price as well! I just wish that the screen didn't look so small and sunken into the dashboard the way it is. And I'm assuming they didn't include a faster engine because it helps cut costs for consumers. Just my thought and like most of the comments below have stated, you don't need a turbo in EVERY CAR.. you seem to say that ALOT in all of your videos. These are not NASCARS. lmao
I prefer a good controller over a touch screen any day but then I've had a BMW and a Mini in the family at one time or another so...
That big black huge plastic all around the car is not looking welcoming, the rest is quite amazing. Any chance to paint that, as an extra option or so..
The cx3 was ridiculously small inside. This is decent, but the Crosstrek and HR-V are the kings of the Subcompact SUV segment
If you like CVTs...
@@atticstattic great mpg
@@SonyEnthusiast
One gets 1mpg more on the highway, the other gets 2mpg more - where's the 'great mpg'?
@@atticstattic in one of my commutes (highway mostly) I got 42 mpg, but average around 36 in my HR-V.
@@SonyEnthusiast
You can get that in the Mazda3, which uses this same engine and transmission.
I think they could have added a little more cladding. Now I can’t tell it’s a crossover.
lol