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A hit in the hand? - Walla! vehicle

2019-12-08T06:24:26.200Z


Mazda claims that not only is there more room for a crossover between CX3 and CX5, but that it is also expected to be the brand's best-seller. These claims were enough for us to go out and see if this is the model that will bring the ...


A hit in the hand?

Photo: PR, Gadi Ciara

  • vehicle
  • Car tests

Mazda claims that not only is there more room for a crossover between CX3 and CX5, but that it is also expected to be the brand's best-seller. These claims were enough for us to go out and see if this is the model that will bring Mazda back to center stage

Reporter: Joel Schwartz, Photo: Gadi Ciara, Joel Schwartz

08/12/2019

We like order. A clear hierarchy of size, class and prestige. We are all champions with the same boundaries and then immediately blur them behind us. Because who ever wants these traffic restrictions. Give us room to maneuver so we can re-position the border as far as possible.

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Mazda CX-30: full details and competition comparison

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This situation is very prominent in the automotive industry right now. Crossing boundaries in all areas: dimensions, categories, engines, equipment and what is not. And if we needed another example of that, then here it lies before us in the new Mazda crossover that joins the CX3 to the CX5.

There is apparently no room for another crossover between them, but only ostensibly, because Mazda knows in the crowded space between them are hiding customers who are looking for something else: more space but not too much, more "engine" but to a degree, more equipment but within a reasonable budget, more ... The idea.

To fill the gap that exists, and to meet consumer demands, unsure of how much he wants the new product on the shelf, Mazda invented the CX-30. Wait, what did you say he was called? It should have been called CX-4, to make it clear where it is located in the Mazda family, but Mazda already uses that nickname for another crossover it sells in China.

The CX-30 is based on the current Mazda 3 platform but its dimensions are slightly different including the wheelbase. Relative to his brothers CX3 and CX5 is located right in the middle

First driving: Mazda CX-30 (Photo: Gadi Ciara, PR)

Dimensions and passenger compartment

With a different nickname, and a desire to fill a different void, Mazda turned to the drawing board and from that point I would start. Not the exterior drawings but the carvings of the interior. They are almost identical to those of the Mazda 3 and differ mainly in the top line of the dashboard, and in the seam that connects the dashboard to the doors. This is to my point that illustrates how far the industry has come in a luxury car. The materials, quality and assembly create a special and accurate product that mainly flatter the wall between its walls.

The cabin is unlike anything else in the area (except that of the Mazda 3, of course). It looks, and gives the impression of an almost luxury vehicle

First driving: Mazda CX-30 (Photo: Gadi Ciara, PR)

Even in areas that are far from the eye and fingers are soft materials and meticulous sewing. It is true that there are specially designed cells, but without a doubt, it is the highest quality and impressive even when compared to larger and more expensive models. Mazda did a great job here, with one reservation - at night. There is no lighting. Atmosphere lighting that will enrich this whole business that looks so good in daylight. And indicator lighting for some of the controls, such as the airflow control button for climate control, or the internal circulation button, which only has an indicator on the monitor that appears above them and not on them. Some will say that it corresponds with the design line which is on the brink of minimalism. To me it's mostly weird.

Operating through the central dial is a bit cumbersome

First driving: Mazda CX-30 (Photo: Joel Schwartz, Keenan Cohen)

Driving position is easily achieved, for the front seats taste a little short, the back supports and hips are excellent and so is the comfort. Among the seats is the car's nerve center - 'MZD Connect' - which is embedded in a large, wide console, finished with quality plastic and wrapped in leather. This is a new generation system and its operation is the same as found in Mazda 3, including a Hebrew interface and lots of menus whose operation is not always clear. On the other hand, the large switch operation is very convenient, and the multimedia display is larger than the standard (8.8 inches), and very high quality. Big, but like the Mazda 3, it can't be operated on.

The spacing is good for two at the back, the third will no longer spend here pleasantly

First driving: Mazda CX-30 (Photo: Gadi Ciara, PR)

Behind the situation is a little crowded, but better than Mazda 3 with which it shares a platform, mainly because of the larger and more convenient door key for entry and exit. The back seat is a bit short and due to the design, the door beam gives a close proximity to the head (sense only, there is enough room in practice). And still the seating in it is higher than the front so the passing view is visible to all, and comfortable for a long-limbed couple. For the fifth passenger, this is another story. At his feet is a large driveway, the head space bordered with the seat itself hard and pushed slightly forward to make room for shoulders.

Its outer dimensions place it right in the middle between its two brothers, with the trunk similar in size to that of its larger CX-5. This is a huge advantage over the small fireplace, with the only drawback of the CX-30 being a slightly higher trunk threshold.

The trunk is close in volume to the larger CX-5

First driving: Mazda CX-30 (Photo: Joel Schwartz, Keenan Cohen)

Engine and performance

In order to track down those elusive customers, Mazda offers two options in Israel for the power unit: the Skyactiv G engine, 2.0 liter, 165 hp and 2.5 liter, 195 hp. Both are upgraded to a 6-speed automatic transmission and serve other models as well. The 2.0-liter engine is in the current 3 and in fact it is the same engine that was in the outgoing 3 after passing the current pollution standards. The 2.5-liter engine serves the CX-5 and Mazda 6.

Most sales will be versioned with a 2.0-liter engine, so let's get started, the engine is quiet, flexible, and offers good performance. He likes to climb rpm to show what he has to offer, and the excellent box certainly allows him to do so. It's also calibrated to maintain a low gear rather than allow the engine to run on the torque to satisfy what it knows to give. It's great when the driver wants to spur himself on, but can Off when the driver does not want it, encounter a moderate rise and a box that prefers to keep one gear too low.

The 2.5-liter engine offers better performance. But the preferred abilities are for a second violin flavor to the preferred action. It is more flexible, more round and together with the wonderful gearbox here, which seems to function even better, forming a very complete division of power in its operation. Fuel consumption in both is quite similar and ranges in the 12 km per liter average.

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Comfort and behavior

In keeping with Mazda's tradition, and wanting to position itself as a driving car, calibrating the suspensions is a bit harsh. Along with 18-inch rims, the passenger compartment receives a perpetual dose of road roughness that is especially present at up to 30 mph and dims until it disappears at inter-city speed. When the speed increases, the same characteristics are maintained, but the comfort of the ride is significantly improved, together with the successful noise isolation, good ride quality is achieved.

The backlight signature is immediately identified with Mazda

First driving: Mazda CX-30 (Photo: Joel Schwartz, Keenan Cohen)

The hard calibration contributes its part to the dynamic aspect of the car. Coupled with fairly compact dimensions and measured bodyweight, the CX-30 manages to produce a light feel. The high capabilities also add a pleasant steering wheel for grip, precision and weight. The brakes exhibited a decisive bite but their uneven operation may have been due to the test vehicle being completely new with 1 km on the clock. Fine or deep pressing was good ability, but at half-pressing it was slightly overpowered and later a spongy sensation that required increased pressure. Also in the new Mazda 3, so that and that character can be associated with the containment system.

The 2.0-liter engine and automatic gearbox create a well-balanced package with good, agile performance and smooth transfers. The 2.5-liter engine offers smoother, more pleasant operation at all speeds

First driving: Mazda CX-30 (Photo: Gadi Ciara, PR)

Summary

In a world that continues to blow itself up and more crossovers, the CX-30 manages to create a unique, high-quality package that places it high. Also within the Mazda crossover family it seems to have a place with a value proposition different from that received from the CX-3 or CX-5.

According to Mazda importer, this model is expected to be the best-selling brand in the country (and in much of the world), though its price is not cheap: from NIS 152-173 thousand to the 2.0 liter version and NIS 170-182 thousand to the 2.5 liter version . For these prices get a lot of luxury equipment, and a comprehensive set of advanced active safety systems. It remains to be seen how he will cope with the competitors in the market. We will already take a comparative test.

Decorates with all the fashionable features of the genre

First driving: Mazda CX-30 (Photo: Gadi Ciara, PR)

On the technical side: Mazda CX-30

First driving: Mazda CX-30 (Photo: Joel Schwartz, Keenan Cohen)

Source: walla

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