The five-seat CX-30 features the latest iteration of the company’s Kodo design language that carries a coupe-like profile
LOS ANGELES – After making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show last March, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 made its North American debut this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Slotting into Mazda’s lineup crossover lineup between the CX-3 and CX-5, the five-seat CX-30 features the latest iteration of the company’s Kodo design language that carries a coupe-like profile, short front and rear overhangs, wide grille and slim-notch headlights with circular main elements that are shaped like the human eye.
On the inside, Mazda designers and engineers focused on creating a premium, welcoming environment with a focus on drumming out NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), along with the elimination of excess noise. One interesting change in that regard is the relocation of speakers from lower door panels to the side cowls above. This change was made in order to eliminate door rattles when the stereo’s bass is turned up.
Powering the CX-30 are two SKYACTIV-G engines: a 2.0-litre (155 hp / 150 lb-ft.) 4-cylinder, and a 2.5-litre (186 hp / 186 lb-ft.) 4-cylinder. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. When the CX-30 arrives in Canadian dealerships early next year it will be available in three grades: GX, GS and GT.
The trims are separated primarily by levels of standard and available content, but there are also some key mechanical differences. The GX, for example, comes standard with the 2.0-litre engine in front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive can be had as an option. GS and GT models are fitted with the 2.5-litre engine standard in either front and all-wheel drive (GS) or all-wheel drive only (GT).
Mazda is aiming for a more premium experience with the CX-30 which is readily apparent when looking at the equipment list for each grade. Even the base GX model comes with standard 8.8-inch infotainment display screen with Mazda Connect, 8-speaker audio system with HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio. Other standard equipment includes LED headlights and taillights, 7-inch LCD instrument cluster display, two front USB ports and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
With this much standard kit on the GX, upper grade GS and GT models deliver more standard safety tech and cabin comfort features. The GS comes with i-Activsense, Mazda’s suite of safety tech that includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Smart City Brake Support, Smart Brake Support, Pedestrian Detection (forward sensing), Lane-keep Assist System, Lane Departure Warning System, High Beam Control and Driver Attention Alert.
Other standard GS equipment includes leather heated steering wheel, leather shift knob, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, and more.
Premium content is the name of the game with the GT, which adds items such as Bose 12-speaker premium audio, exterior mirrors with reverse tilt function and link to memory seat function, power liftgate, front wiper de-icer, automatic levelling headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting system, paddle shifters and more.
2020 Mazda CX-30 pricing
Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive: GX $23,950 $25,950 GS $26,650 $28,650 GT N/A $33,850
Premium paint colours:
Soul Red Crystal Metallic – $450 Machine Grey Metallic – $300 Snowflake White Pearl – $200
Updated CX-5 and CX-9 also shown
Also revealed in Los Angeles were updated 2020 CX-5 and 2020 CX-9 models. Updates for the CX-5 include Engine Harmonics Enhancer, increased maximum torque (320 lb-ft.), and off-road traction assist. The CX-9, meanwhile receives second-row captain’s chairs, hands-free power liftgate and a 9-inch touchscreen display.
Keyword: Mazda CX-30 makes North American debut in Los Angeles