Road Test: 2024 Mazda CX-30 GT Turbo

The smallest crossover in the Mazda lineup, the CX-30 offers consumers a solid entry point into the Japanese automaker’s stable of products.

As with most Mazda vehicles, this compact SUV is stylish and comes packed with a host of standard features. For 2024, there are five trims and we recently tested the CX-30 GT Turbo, which is the second highest trim behind only the SUNA Edition.

As the name suggests, the tester came equipped with Mazda’s more powerful turbo engine. While the price point is higher because of that, at $42,895, it does offer more bang for your buck in terms of driving enjoyment.

Powertrain: The base model comes with a naturally aspirated engine, but the GT Turbo model comes with the more potent turbocharged powerplant.

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo pumps out up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque when you use premium fuel, with the number dipping slightly with regular gasoline.

No matter the engine, you have a six-speed automatic transmission and the GT features Mazda’s all-wheel drive system.

I found the engine to be responsive and plenty powerful, making it easy taking the CX-30 through some country roads and twisties in the mountains west of Montreal.

Fuel efficiency is estimated to be 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres, and my real-work week with the small crossover returned an impressive average of 9.5 L/100 km.

Exterior: The GT Turbo trim comes with a few exterior enhancements that allow it to standout, starting with a very nice set of 18-inch black alloy wheels that really contrast nicely against the ubiquitous red Mazda exterior.

Other features that help the CX-30 GT Turbo get noticed are jet black exterior mirrors, larger exhausts and a few turbo badges.

These touches are in addition to an already stylish exterior design that remains one of my favourites in the segment.

Interior: Equally nice is the GT Turbo’s interior, with our tester featuring the white leather interior which is a very elegant look.

That helps give the CX-30 a much more upscale look and feel than one would expect.

With a nicely laid out cabin, the driver and front passenger are well surrounded. The controls are neatly organized and easy to operate.

One negative for the CX-30 is the definite lack of cargo area and a very tight rear seat, with head and legroom being at a premium.

Infotainment: While the base CX-30 features an 8.8-inch screen, the GT Turbo has a larger 10.3-inch display in the centre stack.

As with most vehicles these days, it comes standard with features like satellite radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The reliance on the controller in the centre console for the system remains a sore spot for me when it comes to the Mazda technology. The connection to Apple CarPlay was seamless, though.

Drive: Mazda has a history of making some fun vehicles to drive and the CX-30, with the turbo engine, is no exception.

In addition to the preppy engine, the CX-30 GT Turbo has a good steering feel, limited body roll and a good suspension setup that ensure the vehicle is nimble and handles all the twists, turns and bumps of country roads with surprising ease.

Conclusion: The compact CX-30 GT Turbo lacks a little storage space and backseat leg and headroom, but the stylish vehicle is quite fun to drive – both in the city and in the mountains.

It faces a lot of competition in the segment, but with Mazda’s stylish design, feature-packed offering and relatively affordable pricing, the CX-30 continues to be a hit with consumers.

2024 Mazda CX-30 GT Turbo
Price as tested: $42,895.00
Freight: $2,095.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.5-litre turbo 4-cylinder/ 6-speed automatic
Power/torque: 250 horsepower/ 320 lb-ft of torque (with premium fuel)
Fuel (capacity): Regular or premium (48 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 9.3 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 9.5 L/100 km
Warranties: 3-years/Unlimited km (basic)
Competitors: Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos
Links: Mazda Canada