North American Mazda is set to unveil the all-new CX-30 alongside the 2020 CX-5 and CX-9 at the L.A. Auto Show on November 20th at 1:20 pm PST. Following on the heels of the cleanly styled and capable Mazda 3, the CX-30 extends Mazda's "Kodo Soul of Motion" design philosophy to the compact crossover segment. Mazda has been teasing images and details of the CX-30 for months and they look impressive.
Based on the Mazda 3, the CX-30 fits in between the sub-compact CX-3 and mid-size CX-5 crossovers. Why not call it the CX-4? Apparently there was a naming issue in the Chinese market, so we are stuck with the CX-30, which seems a bit confusing given the existing CX-3, but OK.
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Mazda is targeting first time single car buyers and small families with the CX-30. All-wheel drive is available with Mazda promising class leading ergonomics, clean styling, and superior fuel economy from its SkyActiv series of engines. Production is currently underway at its plants in Japan, Thailand, and Mexico with units set to hit dealer lots in early 2020.
Ever since Mazda redesigned their family of vehicles, they've been lauded in the press and by the public for their graceful lines, clean packaging, and use of premium materials. But what has me most excited about the CX-30 - because it is just a raised all-wheel drive 3 series after all - will be its use of the SkyActiv-X engine.
For those unfamiliar with the SkyActiv-X, it's slated to be the first compression ignition gas engine, or Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI), brought to market. This is the same concept behind super efficient diesel engines. But diesel fuel is more energy dense than standard gasoline making the promise of compression ignition technology something of a unicorn in the automobile industry. Many have tried over the years to get the technology to work but to no avail. The only other breakthrough technology comparable is the Nissan variable compression engine, and that seems to be a dud with an overly complicated design and paltry mpg gains.
Mazda claims that the SkyActiv-X engine is 20-30% more fuel efficient than a standard spark gasoline engine. Power figures seem to be just as robust if not better than standard motors. Early reports claim driving dynamics of cars so equipped operate nearly identical to standard gasoline spark engines with a hint of knock. Let's wait and see.
Check out the Livestream of the unveiling of the CX-30 on November 20th at 1:20 pm PST on Youtube below. Buckle up.
(via Mazda)