Mark Fulmer Executive Producer, Editor The Auto Channel

Mazda has a well-earned reputation for creating cars that are "fun to drive." That is not easily done because it requires artful tuning and tweaking of multiple performance, handling, and design systems. The CX-30 continues to increase that driving experience, with this years additional traction. What with unusual and intense climate changes assaulting driving environments, the addition of AWD (all wheel drive) to all the trims will certainly help with that.

Beneath the hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It powers a six-speed automatic transmission, which can also be manipulated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The resulting effects are low end torque take-offs and smooth acceleration to cruising speeds. Another splash of fun.

The CX-30 has an 8.0-inch ground clearance and the i-ACTIV AWD system reacts to traction loss by increasing torque where needed. The Off-Road Traction Assist stiffens the suspension for bad weather. Cornering and turn radius are not just tight but also part of the fun of driving this agile puppy. The brakes are both strong and feather-able.

Comfortable front seats with good support, 8-way power adjustability including lumbar support, make even the long trips...you guessed it...fun. Front head room 37.8 in. Front leg room 41.7 in. Front shoulder room 55.6 in. Front hip room 54.6 in.

The rear seat is just as comfortable, and the backrest has a relaxed angle. The dual-zone climate control takes care of the cabin atmosphere during record setting summer days. Rear head room 38.3 in. Rear leg room 36.3 in. Rear shoulder room 53.6 in. Rear hip room 53.2 in.

Folding down the second row yields a cargo volume of 45.2 ft³...

And with the second row upright you have 20.2 ft³.

For music lovers, the fun includes legendary BOSE technology with unmatched clarity and separation.

Safety abounds throughout the CX-30 including: Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Front-lighting System. Blind spot and lane departure warnings accident avoidance system Pre-collision safety system Post-collision safety system Dual front side-mounted airbags Front and rear head airbags Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation Stability control Traction control Child seat anchors Rear door child safety locks 4-wheel ABS Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes Emergency braking assist Tire pressure monitoring.

A fun loving drive served with enhanced safety and a helping of bells and whistles is quite a recipe deserving of your test drive.

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