2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus Review: Convincing Arguments for Buyers

Mazda is in the midst of a big brand revamp and one of the first vehicles in their move upscale is the new CX-30. In this review we are going to take a look at Mazda's new stylish and premium subcompact crossover, which is back with a new trim level and a few upgrades with powerful turbo model.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 made its debut in February with new arguments to convince SUV buyers. This compact SUV, which entered the market at the end of 2019, is becoming increasingly attractive to buyers. There have been updates to the equipment and upholstery of the model range, but the most interesting addition is certainly the standard all-wheel drive.

For the 2022 model year, an advanced visibility package and new body color options are offered to buyers. All models feature i-Activ all-wheel drive, blind-spot monitoring, air conditioning, push-button start, remote keyless entry, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. In addition, depending on the model chosen, three engines are available.

Also, new for the year 2022 is the Carbon Edition model and available Platinum Quartz Metallic paint option on other models provide more choices.

Offered at a starting price of $22,200, the 2022 CX-30 is offered in eight models:

• CX-30 2.5 S ($22,200)
• CX-30 2.5 S Select ($24,600)
• CX-30 2.5 S Preferred ($27,650)
• CX-30 2.5 S Carbon Edition ($28,290)
• CX-30 2.5 S Premium ($30,500)
• CX-30 2.5 Turbo ($30,200)
• CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium ($32,800)
• CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus ($34,400)

Three Engines and Range of Possibilities

The base GX version draws its power from a 2-liter 4-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual and sport mode.

By opting for the higher models (GS, to GT Advanced Visibility Package), consumers benefit from a more powerful engine, namely the 2.5L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder, which generates 186 horsepower and a torque of clamping of 186 lb-ft.

And for those who want a little more performance, the Mazda CX-30 GT Turbo is equipped with the 2.5L Skyactiv-G turbocharged engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. On premium fuel it produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, but regular fuel can also be used which reduces performance slightly to 227 horsepower and 310 torque. lb-ft.

The GT Turbo version that made its debut in the lineup for the 2022 model year is distinguished from other models by its 18" black alloy wheels, larger exhaust tips, Turbo logo on the tailgate and its paraphernalia of technological features. In fact, it gains all the features of the top model, including leather upholstery and the new Advanced Visibility Package which includes a 360 display providing visibility around the vehicle.

Also standard, G-Vectoring Control (GVC) optimizes tire performance by varying engine torque to create a decelerating g-force, thereby transferring the load to the front wheels. This has the effect of increasing the grip of the front wheels on the road surface, thus improving the vehicle's response when cornering.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 is positioned between the CX-3 and the CX-5 in terms of size and price range.

With a price of more than $36,000, the CX-30 Turbo is not cheap, but it is no more expensive than a Mini Countryman and costs a little less than an Audi Q3, a Lexus UX, or even a Mercedes GLA. These are competitors, which are not necessarily better equipped, sometimes more functional (in a broad sense) and above all probably better guaranteed.

The Interior of 2022 Mazda CX-30

In addition to an attractive physique, the main strong point of this car is what we call in our jargon the “perceived quality”. In other words, the ability to visually express the value of a model through style, but also by taking care of the smallest details. In this area, this Mazda is eye-catching. The sobriety and minimalism of its interior presentation are a pleasure to see and the arrangements of colors and materials are just as much.

Everything is easy to find. Nothing to say either about the positioning and the size of the various switches, taps and knobs that adorn the dashboard. The screen that overlooks the latter (non-touch) is not the size of a television, of course, but there is no reason to complain about it. The 8.8 inch entertainment display with Mazda connected services is easily operated via the Mazda multimedia commander. Yet, some reviewers of the CX-30 have requested shortcuts in their reviews of this vehicle.

The interior of the 2022 Mazda CX-30 is beautifully appointed. You get brushed chrome accents and leather seat trim. Heated front seats and steering wheel. I was actually surprised to see a heated steering wheel, because some premium models still don't have this feature. Also, in this SUV you get dual-zone climate control.

Also, in the interior you have independent rear air vents as well as power tilt and slide sunroof. Rear seats are folded giving the trunk even more space.

Exterior

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 is a beautifully looking crossover. In the front you have got the signature Mazda grille. Some of the lower trims come with a matte finish on the interior of this grille. But the majority of the trims come with the gloss black finish.

The 2022 CX-30 is offered in nine colors. The buyers will have a choice of two gas engines, as well as the Mazda M Hybrid system. The signature LED lights give the vehicle a good night vision.

The Turbo option from all the trims is more agile and desirable. It delivers better acceleration and reminds Mazda's sportier vehicles. The Turbocharged 2. liter engine, while optional, offers 250 horsepower.

The city/high MPG is 22/30, while the combined MPG is 25. My combined MPG was about 24.5.

All in all, Mazda has made a great foray into the world of luxury, no doubt, but the CX-30 can't count on its good looks, its attractive presentation and the muscle of its turbocharged engine alone to win.

While the price of fuel continues to rise, we console ourselves with the idea that the supercharged engine of the CX-30 agrees to drink at all the pumps... The figures published in our technical sheet show with 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. But these figures are obtained using premium gasoline. By opting for regular gasoline, the motorist benefits from 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The latter, surprisingly, are produced at 2000 rpm, compared to 2500 when the tank is filled with a fuel with a higher octane number.

While I would like to see a better fuel efficiency, I like the the raised finish (GT) of the CX-30, the breath of the supercharged engine and the agility of the chassis. It's a very comfortable vehicle for a family of five.

Please, also share your experience in the comments section below if you have driven any of the trims of the new 2022 Mazda CX-30.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.

Reference: Guide Auto, La Presse.