There are not very many vehicles out there that check all the right boxes. The Mazda CX-30 happens to be one of the few that does. So, to see it in its last year of production, it is an honor we get one last look but and a sad day that it is leaving us behind. But like all good things, they must come to an end.   

 Goes Like Stink on a Port-A-Potty 

Not too long-ago Mazda started making headways by introducing a turbocharged four-cylinder engine into the lineup of their cars. This offered a 250-horsepower engine with 320lbs-ft of torque on premium grade fuel that made other brands look like chumps on the playground. This engine option put the CX-30 in a different league from the other sub-compact crossovers that felt performance wasn’t something that consumers wanted. But with the sound of a angry chihuahua at full throttle and a near 6-seconds to 60-mph, the CX-30 is surefire surprise when it really needs to get going. 

Not all CX-30’s are equipped with such great power. The entry level version gets a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine with 186-horsepower in either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive setup. Opting for the turbo automatically upgrades you to all-wheel drive status with a staggering starting price of $34,165. To be fair to Mazda, other brands that are starting to host premium equipment are too seeing the heftier side of the $30,000 price tag.  

With the makings of what seem to be like a hot hatch, the turbocharged CX-30 lays down its power fantastically well with its torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. It mitigates the power to each wheel supplying a consistent flow without losing traction. This also makes handling as button up as a tight knit sweater, feeling out all the curves like it’s a want a be MX-5.   

 Keep the Change 

Over the years the CX-30 has not changed much… well at all. It is a handsome brute that carries a timeless aesthetic that should age well over time. Same follows to the interior that may seem sort of dreary, but all the right premium attributes are there. The center screen doesn’t dominate the interior, only adds to the luxury essentials that are controlled through the center console dial – sort of old school-ish come to think of it, but why change what works.  

 Expensive Taste 

Our CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus test subject was a dashing example of what we would like to see out of sub-compact crossovers. But with a price tag of $37,205, it does mark itself quite expensive for its segment, even if it is equipped with a power lift tailgate, surround view 360-camera and a beautiful heads-up display. But seeing how this is the last chance on something that is quite good, it good be worth the extra expenditure. Especially since we don’t know for certain if there is going to be a replacement in the future.