(November 23, 2019) LOS ANGELES  — Mazda has always adopted a human-centric approach to building cars. With the U.S. debut of the all-new Mazda CX-30 — which slots between the sub-compact CX-3 and the compact CX-5 — the brand has taken this approach to another level. Mazda says the CX-30 has a feeling of oneness that extends beyond the drive. It is a five-seat crossover made for a wide range of fans, especially young people who are approaching significant life transitions.

Mazda wants the CX-30 to be able to help these fans enjoy those milestones to the fullest and become an essential partner in their daily lives.

CX-30 is the second model to adopt the latest evolution of Kodo design, a more mature interpretation of the striking design ethos. Based on sleek and bold styling, CX-30 is meant to evoke creativity in one’s life. Realizing two contrasting expressions, the compact crossover has the flowing beauty of a coupe and the bold proportions of an SUV.

Mazda’s signature wing takes on a sharper and deeper form to achieve a strong, refined front end that is suggestive of forward motion. The diagonal angle of the rear window gives the vehicle a coupe-like silhouette while the narrowed arch shape of the liftgate makes the body look shorter and wider for a powerful stance. This allows for purposeful design of the trunk that maintains its usefulness without giving the CX-30 a box-like appearance.

Offered in seven body colors, including Polymetal Gray, which was recently introduced for the 2019 Mazda3. Going beyond beauty, CX-30 is meant to look compact on the outside, but spacious on the inside.

The appealing exterior is matched with a comfortable, premium-feeling interior. By studying the human body, engineers focused on developing seats that can help provide the proper posture for all occupants, not just the driver. The idea is for each ride in the CX-30 to be a pleasant time for all. The human-centric cockpit helps the driver feel connected with the vehicle but is not isolating from the other occupants.

The floor console is outfitted with convenient, easy to access features and storage compartments, but intentionally eschews a distinct divide between the driver and front passenger. The openness of the cabin encourages conversation that helps brings people together through the time spent in the CX-30. A focus on interior comfort and everyday user-friendliness makes this all-new compact crossover a car for everyone.

With an inviting cabin, the engineers wanted to preserve the peaceful environment by focusing on the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Nearly every aspect of the CX-30 was measured, from the tires to the headliner, to minimize any road noise. During a comprehensive study on how sounds are transmitted through the vehicle’s cabin, speakers were repositioned depending on their frequency to produce a better sound. One of those changes was to mount the woofers, normally found in the doors of most cars, onto the side cowls.

This allows for an audio system with more bass that won’t rattle the doors. As an additional benefit, the lack of a speaker port in the door reduced another area where potential road noise could disrupt the experience in the CX-30. Ingenious solutions such as this reflect the passion and attention to detail by Mazda engineers and designers working together to achieve a common goal of providing the best experience possible for the brand’s fans.

Other design features include the rear footwell being slightly slanted to provide rear passengers optimal space to sit relaxed in the rear seats. The side sills in the door jams are subtly rounded to ensure comfort when entering or exiting the CX-30 in case one’s legs inadvertently make contact with it, while not creating a gap in the door seams. Significant effort goes into the craftsmanship of a Mazda vehicle. While attention to those efforts might not be noticed right away, it will be felt throughout the enriching experience of driving and owning a Mazda.

All CX-30’s are equipped with a four-cylinder Skyactiv-G 2.5 paired with a quick-shifting Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides class-leading standard horsepower of 186 hp and is rated to deliver up to 186 lb-ft of torque.

The compact crossover is equipped with Mazda’s new off-road traction assist feature, which can potentially help the driver when adventuring on uneven terrain. When the diagonal wheels lose traction, off-road traction assist will stop reducing the engine torque and increase the brake force on the wheels without traction. This transfers power to the wheels still on the ground to help allow the vehicle to regain traction and continue the drive.

G-Vectoring Control Plus and front-wheel drive are standard, while Mazda’s predictive i-Activ all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels.

2020 Mazda CX-30 goes on sale with a starting price of $21,900 not including destination charge.