2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo AWD Premium Plus Package a snappy drive

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2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo AWD Premium Plus Package 

Mazda added a Premium Plus Package trim level to its CX-30 2.5T Turbo subcompact offering for 2021. Exclusive to the Turbo models of the CX-30 line, the Premium Plus package adds some technology features above the current Premium trim level availability.

We recently tested the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5T Turbo Premium Plus AWD in and around Austin, Texas.

In a few words, we loved the Powertrain and related elements, finding them to deliver snappy performance around town, on the highway and even the outback.

With MSRP $33,900, our CX-30 – including a few extras and delivery – priced into our garage at $35,400.

If you’re a Mazda person shopping for a vehicle in this category, you should like this one.

For us, it fell slightly short in a few areas.

Exterior

Our 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5T  Premium Plus AWD came in Polymetal Gray Metallic with a Black/Brown Interior. It’s Coupe-Like styling was ‘typical’ Mazda featuring crisp body lines and signature styling front and rear. For us, we would have liked to have seen some unique style elements to set the CX-30 apart from the rest.

The 18-inch Alloy Wheels are Gloss Black as are the signature Grille and accents.

We noted the brake calipers were in an aluminum color – which for us – detracted from the overall appearance.

A bright contrasting color (like “Brembo” Red) would have given the wheels more snap giving the exterior a bolder look.

Feature elements included: Power Sliding Moonroof, Roof Rails, Power Lift Gate, Adaptive Front Lighting System, Automatic On/Off Headlights, LED Signature Headlight & Tail Lights, LED Daytime Running Lights, Heated Folding Side Mirrors w/Turn Lamps and Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers.

Interior

The interior of our CX-30 2.5T Premium Plus was, in a word, ‘blah’.  Though materials were to the Premium, the styling and choice of Black on Brown surface material as contrasts did not impress us.

The cabin – at least up front – was comfortable and spacious with good sight lines and easy access to controls overall.  We were disappointed with the center display screen placement and function. (More on that in Technology)

Feature elements included: Dual Zone Air Conditioning w/Rear Vents, 7-inch Configurable TFT Instrument Display (nicely done), Leather Heated Seating, 8-way Power Drive seat, Heated Steering Wheel w/Paddle Shifters and Audio / Cruise Control, Keyless Entry and Push Button Start and 60/40 Split Fold-Down Rear Seat w/Armrest and Cupholders.

Note: The coupe-like cabin styling makes rear seat access pretty challenging for big and tall people. And, with just 36-inches of legroom, we would not choose to ride in the back seat of the CX-30. Also, the Mazda spec sheet says the cargo area is 20.2 cubic feet.  Maybe with the second row folded down, but not with it up.

Powertrain / Running Gear

The bright spot for the otherwise nondescript Mazda CX-30 2.5T Turbo (all trims) is the powertrain and running gear.  For a subcompact crossover, its power and drivetrain elements exceeded expectations.

Starting with the Skyactiv-G 2.5T Turbo engine – it delivers two power ranges depending on fuel octane level.  Either performance level is very snappy.

  • 93 Octane – 250 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 320 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2500 rpm
  • 87 Octane – 227 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 310 lb.-ft. of torque @2000 rpm

The 2.5T turbo is well integrated with the Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed Automatic Transmission featuring manual shift and a Sport mode.  In addition, the Mazda CX-30 is equipped with G-Vectoring Control to enhance distribution of power and steering for maximum performance.

AWD on the CX-30 2.5T Turbo is standard. It features Off-Road Traction Assist which, when engaged retunes the AWD system to monitor and manage wheel slippage delivering power to wheels with traction front to rear and left to right.

Excellent system for difficult conditions around town, on the highway or – with its 8-inch ground clearance – into the outback.

Underneath – the Mazda CX-30 2.5T Premium Plus is equipped with a MacPherson strut front and Torsion Beam rear suspension, Electric Power Assist Rack and Pinion Steering, Power Assisted ABS brakes w/Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, Electronic Parking Brake and runs on 215/55R18 tires.

Since you will ask, top speed is 126 mph (speed limited) with fuel economy ratings of 22/30/35 mpg city/highway/combined.  For a 250-horsepower turbo, 35 mpg on the highway is pretty darn good.

Technology / Infotainment

Our CX-30 2.5T Turbo Premium Plus was equipped with an average range of standard and optional technology and infotainment features.

Included were a 8.8-inch Center Display, Bose 12-Speaker Premium Audio, Mazda Navigation w/Traffic and Travel Link, AM-FM plus HD and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Pandora, Bluetooth Handsfree Phone and Audio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Infotainment Voice Command, 2 USB Audio Inputs, 12volt Power Outlet, console mounted Multi-Function Commander Control, Mazda Connected Services with Wi-Fi Hotspot and more.

Note: We liked the Active Windshield Driving Display with Road Sign Recognition. It was bright and easy to read.

On a lesser note, was the placement of the 8.8-inch center display. By now most brands have improved dramatically the placement of these display screens integrating them into the center stack console area.   Mazda still has a way to go. Tacked onto a cubby at the top of the dash, it looked out of place and was not easy to use and monitor.

Safety

Loaded with safety features and technology, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 has earned the prestigious top IIHS Top Safety Pick + rating for the 2021 model year.

Some of the excellent features on our test CX-30 Premium Plus included 2021 Mazda3 Premium Plus Package and Turbo AWD now a quick and snappy drive he Windshield Active Driving Display, 360-degree View Monitor, Radar Cruise Control w/Stop and Go, Adaptive Front Lighting System, Radar Cruise Control, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Traffic Sign Recognition and more.

2021 Mazda CX-30 Lineup

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is offered in a FWD (AWD available) 2.5L 186 hp version with four trim levels and MSRP ranging from $22,050 to $28,700.

The AWD 2.5T Turbo 250 hp version (AWD only) has three trim levels ranging from MSRP 30,050 to $34,050.

You can learn more about all of them – even build your own – at https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/2021-cx-30

Related Article

Check out our review of the 2021 Mazda CX-3 Premium Package AWD – also powered by the new Turbo – HERE: https://www.inwheeltime.com/2021-mazda3-turbo-awd-premium-plus-quick-and-snappy-drive/

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KEY DATA:   2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5Turbo w/Premium Plus Package

  • Trim Level                         Premium Plus AWD
  • Class                                 Subcompact Crossover
  • Seating                             Five
  • MSRP                                $33,900
  • As Tested                          $35,400 (delivered)
  • Engine                              2.5T Skyactiv-G Turbo 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower                      250 @ 5,000 rpm (93 octane fuel)
  • Torque                             320 lb.-ft. @ 2,500 rpm (93 octane fuel)
  • Transmission                    Skyactive-Drive 6-Speed Automatic & Sport mode
  • Drive System                     AWD w/Off-Road Traction Assist & G-Vectoring Control
  • Top Speed                         126 mph w/speed limited
  • Wheel size                        18-inch Aluminum Alloy
  • Tire Size                            P215/55R18
  • Suspension                       MacPherson Strut (F) / Torsion Beam (R)
  • Steering                            Electric Power Assist
  • Brakes                              ABS Power Assist Brakeforce Distribution w/Brake Assist
  • Fuel Capacity                    12.7 gallons
  • Fuel Economy                   22/30/35 mpg    city/highway/combined
  • Range                               445 miles (highway)

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