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2021 Mazda CX-30 Review | Even more power to impress

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is one of those cars that can be considered an alternative to a variety of segments. It provides a higher seating position than compact hatchbacks like the Mazda3, with which it's nearly identical under the skin. It's smaller than bigger, pricier compact SUVs like Mazda's CX-5 or the Honda CR-V, yet it's also more spacious and refined than subcompact models like the Hyundai Kona. Meanwhile, its ritzy interior, sleek styling and budget-Porsche driving dynamics mean you can legitimately cross-shop it with luxury models like the Audi Q3, BMW X2 and Mercedes GLA. Actually, not only can you cross-shop it with those, we think it's a much smarter purchase. The CX-30 was one of the most compelling new cars introduced last year, and it gets even better for 2021 thanks to the introduction of the new 2.5 Turbo model. It's still not vice free, though: The tech interface isn't ideal for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and we aren't alone in thinking that the huge plastic wheel arches look cheap rather than evoking some sort of Subaru-like off-road cred. Yet taken as a whole, this in-betweener alternative should make sense for a lot of buyers, no matter which type of car or SUV they initially started looking for. What's new for 2021? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard even on the base trim level, while reverse automatic emergency braking and stop-and-go-capable adaptive control are now available. However, the big news is the new CX-30 2.5 Turbo model that produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular gas – a robust amount that blows away its nearest competitors and further justifies its near-luxury aspirations. The base engine is now indicated with the name CX-30 2.5 S. What's the CX-30 interior and in-car technology like? Like the Mazda3 with which it shares so much, the CX-30's cabin makes you go "wow" considering its price and the vehicles with which it competes. Whatever trim level you're considering, the key to this wow factor is how Mazda's new dash design scheme removes visual clutter by reducing switchgear and effectively hiding air vents and door handles. It's then augmented by standard two- or three-tone color schemes – cars with cloth or leatherette vinyl upholstery are accented with black and blue dash/door trim, while those with leather get black and brown. For a car in the $20,000-$30,000 range, it looks and feels special. It's also of a high quality and quite functional.

2021 Mazda CX-30 gains 227 hp Turbo model

Well, the rumors were true. The 2021 Mazda CX-30 subcompact crossover will be offered with a 227-horsepower turbocharged engine producing 310 pound-feet of torque. Dubbed the 2.5 Turbo, the new entry will come with standard all-wheel drive when it goes on sale later this year.  Following in the footsteps of the lower-slung Mazda3 sedan and hatchback, the CX-30 gets the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that was previously reserved for the company's larger offerings. Capable of producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93 octane gas, the grunty four-cylinder has revived some of the old "Zoom-Zoom" that many felt the company's lineup was lacking after the demise of Mazda's 2.3-liter turbocharged engine and Ford-sourced V6.  "The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo will help uplift itself in its class with elevated performance and capability, new advanced technologies and superb craftsmanship and design," Mazda said in its announcement. For once, that's not marketing hyperbole. In the mainstream market, there's nothing in its class with this much going on under the hood — period. The 200-plus-horsepower subcompact crossover is a thing of luxury manufacturers, which should tell you just how serious Mazda is about pushing into premium territory. Don't believe us? Check the numbers: BMW X1/X2: 228 hp & 259 lb-ft.  Mercedes-Benz GLA250: 208 hp & 258 lb-ft.  Audi Q3: 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft.  You won't see these figures coming from the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR, that's for sure. Even the meatier offerings in the segment hit the wall at about 200 horses. For once, Mazda is ahead of the mainstream market, and with the CX-30, is simply adding more upside to an already practical, high-quality and enjoyable car.  Mazda says the CX-30 2.5 Turbo will be available before the end of the year. While final pricing and packaging information won't come until we're closer to its eventual on-sale date, the CX-30 tends to run about $1,000 more expensive than the equivalent Mazda3 hatchback, so we're inclined to expect a starting MSRP of around $33,000 for the high-output CX-30. 

Lucid Air and Maserati MC20 unveiled | Autoblog Podcast #644

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Associate Editor Byron Hurd. Before they get to the juicy news of the week, they chat about the cars they've been driving, including a Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R, Audi A6 Allroad, Mazda CX-9 and Kia Niro. It's been a busy week in the news department, with GM investing in Nikola, Lucid Motors launching the Air electric sedan, Maserati unveiling the MC20 mid-engined supercar and a farewell to the Lexus GS. Then they talk about having a newfound respect for the Fox Body Mustang and the Mazda CX-9. Autoblog Podcast #644 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Cars we're driving 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R 2020 Audi A6 Allroad 2020 Mazda CX-9 2020 Kia Niro GM buys $2 billion stake in Nikola, will build Badger hydrogen-electric pickup Update: Short-seller accuses Nikola of fraud and Nikola threatens to sue Lucid Air production electric luxury sedan is a dream revealed Lucid Air's modular powertrain opens up serious performance possibilities Lucid Motors teases electric SUV at Air debut Mid-engined, 621-horsepower MC20 inaugurates a new era for Maserati All future Maseratis will borrow styling cues from the MC20  2023 Maserati MC20 Folgore planned with three-motor electric powertrain Lexus GS dead for 2021 Respect to: Fox Body Mustang Mazda CX-9 Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video:

2021 Mazda6 gets small price increase and updates, and that Carbon Edition

Mazda's blowing a soft breeze of change over the 2021 Mazda6. We already knew the Japanese automaker has included the sporty sedan in its batch of Carbon Editions, along with the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9. The trio feature an exclusive Polymetal Gray exterior hue with blacked-out trim and a black metallic finish for the wheels. while the interior shouts in red leather with black accents. We now know the Carbon Edition is based on the fourth-highest trim, the Grand Touring Reserve, adding just $275 to the price of that trim in standard guise. Pricing for the entire 2021 range and differences to 2020 after the $945 destination charge are: Mazda6 Sport $25,270 ($225) Mazda6 Touring $27,870 ($225) Mazda6 Grand Touring $30,970 ($225) Mazda6 Grand Touring Reserve $33,470 ($225) Mazda6 Carbon Edition $33,745 Mazda6 Signature $36,695 ($350) Two of the three premium paint choices go up in price as well. Snowflake White Pearl Mica will cost $395 instead of $200, Machine Gray Metallic goes from $300 to $495. Soul Red Crystal Metallic holds steady at $595. At the entry-level, the Sport adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to its list of standard equipment, meaning the infotainment feature is now standard across the lineup. Everything holds steady until the Mazda6 Grand Touring, which adds a "Turbo" badge at the back for distinction, and wireless Apple CarPlay inside. Mazda didn't say so, but we're guessing wireless Apple CarPlay will be available on trims above the Grand Touring as well. Under the hood, the 2.5-liter turbocharged Skyactiv-G four-cylinder gains 10 pound-feet of torque when filled with 93 octane, producing the same 250 horsepower but an improved 320 lb-ft. On 87 octane, the engine makes 227 hp and 310 lb-ft.  The 2021 Mazda6 misses out on the new infotainment system shared with the Mazda3, CX-30, and CX-5, and the diesel and all-wheel drive options still haven't decided to come out of their hiding places. The sedan is expected on dealer lots later this month or early next. Related Video:    

2021 Mazda CX-5 gains new infotainment, cheaper entry for the Turbo

Mazda has updated the 2021 Mazda CX-5 with a couple notable changes in the new model year. It’s the brandÂ’s best seller by a longshot, and we think buyers of the 2021 car will like what Mazda has done. The infotainment system is new this year, as Mazda has yanked its new screen and software out of the Mazda3 and CX-30 for duty in the CX-5. That means thereÂ’s a new 10.25-inch high-resolution widescreen sitting atop the dash, and the software itÂ’s running is much improved over the previous Mazda infotainment. ItÂ’s also the end of the touchscreen, because Mazda has designed this new system to be exclusively operated by a rotary dial. Previously, you could operate the CX-5Â’s screen via touch if the vehicle was stopped. We prefer the new system greatly over the old interface, so this is a big upgrade. The new screen comes standard on the base Sport trim, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. Secondly, Mazda has added availability of more safety systems this year. Both rear automatic emergency braking and a driver attention monitor (alerts the driver when it senses fatigue or inattentiveness at the wheel) come standard on the Signature trim. For those who buy the Signature (or any trim with the 2.5-liter turbo engine), Mazda has added a new “Turbo” badge to distinguish the cars with the more powerful engines. There are a couple trim/packaging changes for 2021, as well. The first weÂ’ve already covered: the Carbon Edition. Two Carbon Edition models will be available; one has the turbo engine, and the other has the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder. You get Polymetal Gray paint, gloss black trim on the exterior, 19-inch black wheels, red leather seats, red stitching and black honeycomb patterned interior trim. The second new trim package is called the Touring Preferred SV Package, and it costs $1,445. It fills the small gulf between the Touring and Grand Touring trims by stealing some of the features from the Grand Touring and splitting the difference on price. This package adds the Bose 10-speaker audio, leather seats, power liftgate, power moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, six-way power passenger seat and eight-way power driverÂ’s seat with lumbar and memory. The 2021 CX-5 starts at $26,370, which amounts to an $80 increase over the 2020.

2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata powered by a Jaguar-sourced V6 for sale

Cars & Bids, a relatively new site that specializes in auctioning modern enthusiast cars, is selling a 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. While that's hardly unusual, this example lost its four-cylinder engine and gained a Jaguar-sourced V6. Pulling a 3.0-liter six out of a 2000 S-Type and dropping it into an unsuspecting Miata is apparently easier than it sounds. England-based Rocketeer offers a kit that makes the swap reasonably straightforward, though the listing notes the factory air conditioning system is not compatible with the new engine. Cold air aside, the installation is done so neatly that it looks like Mazda envisioned the Miata with a bigger engine. Jag's V6 inevitably adds weight to a roadster praised globally for its nimble handling, but it also brings a whole lot of horsepower to the table. Left stock, a 2002 Miata is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that makes 142 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The example listed on Cars & Bids puts 220 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque under the driver's right foot, figures that easily offset the weight gain. And, somewhat surprisingly, the six spins the rear wheels through a stock five-speed manual transmission. Flyin' Miata sway bars and Koni shocks improve handling. Close the hood, and this Jagazda looks like a run-of-the-mill 18-year-old Miata. The seller made no modifications to the body, it's still painted in its original shade of silver, and he kept the stock 15-inch wheels. The dual exhaust tips hint at the V6, but they're subtle enough to surprise more than a few racers at the next autocross event. The auction is live now, and bidding stands at $4,250 as of writing with about three days left before the hammer drops. If you miss your chance to bag it, several shops sell kits that let skilled shade-tree mechanics shoehorn Mazda's K-Series V6 (which powered the MX-6 and the Ford Probe, among other cars) into an older Miata. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.     Featured Gallery 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata with Jaguar V6 View 14 Photos Aftermarket Jaguar Mazda Convertible

2021 Mazda CX-30 to add turbocharged power, just like the Mazda3 Turbo

Mazda is giving us all of the turbos, and we’re not going to complain. CarsDirect reports that the 2021 Mazda CX-30 will feature a turbocharged variant called the CX-30 2.5 Turbo. We have great confidence that this intel obtained via “an early order guide” is legit. The CX-30 is essentially a lifted and crossover-ized Mazda3, and Mazda announced the Turbo variant of that car a short time ago. Just like the Mazda3, CarsDirect reports this one will be equipped with MazdaÂ’s 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. ItÂ’ll make 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque when run on 93 octane. Use regular gas, and those numbers tick down to 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. The CX-30 is currently only available with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The similarities between the CX-30 and Mazda3 continue. YouÂ’ll only be able to get the CX-30 Turbo with all-wheel drive. ItÂ’ll come with larger tailpipes, turbo badging and be available in a top-of-the-line Premium Plus trim, too. That trim adds a number of features that are exclusive in the Mazda3 Turbo, so we expect the same for the CX-30. ItÂ’ll also cost a good chunk of change more than the base CX-30. Prices will reportedly start at $31,000 for the CX-30 Turbo, and go all the way up to $35,000 in the highest trim level. These prices are obviously encroaching on CX-5 territory, but the cheapest CX-5 with the same turbo engine is $36,235. Just like the Mazda3 Turbo, we can guarantee the CX-30 Turbo wonÂ’t be available with a manual transmission. That means MazdaÂ’s six-speed automatic will be doing the shifting. CarsDirect claims that Mazda intends to start producing the CX-30 Turbo in November this year, so the wait to buy wonÂ’t be terribly long. Related Video:

2021 Mazda CX-9 gets new tech, Carbon Edition

Mazda announced early Tuesday that the 2021 CX-9 is getting a nip-and-tuck styling update along with some updated tech, including a new 10.25-inch infotainment system powered by the latest version of Mazda Connect.  Mazda may have oversold things a bit by saying the 2021 CX-9 styling is new in the strictest sense. We only have this photo and Mazda's press release to go on, but from what we can tell, the changes are effectively relegated to trim elements available with certain option packages or trim levels, and mostly at the higher end. The fundamental shapes of the 2021 CX-9's body panels remain identical to 2020's, while changes include a new grille and wheel design on the Signature model. The biggest changes come care of the Carbon Edition, which gets "Polymetal Gray" exterior paint, gloss black door mirrors, a unique gloss black front grille and 20-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, it adds red leather seats and black interior trim on the dash, door panels and handle bezels. In addition to the larger screen and updated infotainment interface, Mazda says the 2021 CX-9 will now offer wireless device charging, with a new pad incorporated into the cubby area forward of the gear selector.  The most exciting Mazda news for the coming model year might be the introduction of the turbocharged Mazda3, but here in Crossoverland, improvements to the CX-9 are both welcome and necessary. Mazda's stylish three-row is attractive and great to drive, but compromised in terms of practicality for those very reasons. Look for the '21 CX-9 to hit showrooms later this year.  Related Video:    

Toyota and Mazda invest another $830 million into Alabama crossover plant

The joint-venture car factory Mazda and Toyota are building in Alabama just got more expensive. The two companies agreed to invest another $830 million into the factory, bringing total cost up from the initial $1.6 billion to about $2.3 billion. In their press release, the companies noted that the money is going to improve production processes and accommodations for design changes to vehicles built there. The companies announced the factory back in January 2018. Both companies will build a crossover model. Details are scant, but we know they're both new models that haven't been announced or teased yet. Mazda's crossover will be a North American-specific model that should go into production in 2021. Toyota initially planned to build Corollas at the plant, but changed course to a crossover a little later. The factory will be able to produce as many as 300,000 cars a year, divided equally between Mazda and Toyota for 150,000 apiece. The companies plan to hire around 4,000 people to work there, and 600 have already been hired. Applications for production jobs will be accepted later this year, and there aren't any mentions about major delays from the pandemic, so we expect Mazda's production targets haven't really changed. Related Video:     Plants/Manufacturing Mazda Toyota Crossover

Mazda introduces gray-themed Carbon Edition because black is overdone

Automakers have rolled out a parade of blacked-out special editions lately, from Nightshade Toyotas to Midnight Edition Chevrolets to Black Edition Ram pickups. Mazda is taking a different — but not too different — path with its just-announced Carbon Edition models. These special versions of the 2021 Mazda6, Mazda CX-5, and Mazda CX-9 feature an exclusive Polymetal Gray exterior hue with blacked-out trim and a black metallic finish for the wheels (hey, you knew it had to be somewhere). Inside, the gray exterior is contrasted with a red leather interior — which actually sounds kinda cool. There are more black accents in the cabin, continuing the theme. Mazda has not yet released details of the 2021 lineups for these three models, so we don't exactly know where the Carbon Edition stands within the trim hierarchy. Mazda did say that all Carbon Editions will have Bose premium audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Nor do we have pricing, which should be announced with the rest of the 2021-model-year info for these vehicles. If Polymetal Gray just isn't dark enough for these admittedly dark times, rest assured that all three of these Mazdas also are available in Jet Black Mica, for those who can't resist the urge to paint it black. Related Video: