So much for Skyactiv technology.
Mazda USA is set to introduce a 2.5 litre turbocharged powertrain option in the CX-30. The compact crossover is set to receive the same engine that has recently been available in the Mazda3 hatchback.
This information comes courtesy of CarsDirect, which cites an early order form that shows that the 2021 model year of this Japanese compact crossover will be available with forced-induction.
To be priced starting from $31,000 (RM 129,300), this new turbocharged powertrain represents a massive step up in price for the CX-30, which retails at only $24,400 (RM 101,800) for the most basic all wheel drive variant. The turbo model does bring with it a significant bump in power though, so the premium might be a worthwhile upgrade to the more ‘zoom-zoom’ driver.
Expected to be the same engine that is now not only currently found on the latest Mazda3, but also the Mazda6 sedan and the Mazda CX-5 crossover, the 2.5 litre turbo unit in the CX-30 will probably output a healthy 250 hp and 434 Nm of torque. Putting it in close competition with other upcoming hot compact crossovers like the rumoured Hyundai Kona N and the Toyota GR CH-R.
All 250 horses will be sent to all four wheels through the sole transmission option of a six speed automatic gearbox.
Opting for the turbo CX-30 also nets buyers some additional visual enhancements over the normal non-turbocharged Skyactiv variants. These include 18 inch wheels and mirror caps finished in black, larger tailpipes with integrated ‘harmonic enhancer’ and of course those all important turbo badges positioned around the compact crossover.
Buyers opting for the top-spec turbocharged CX-30, which tops out at $35,000 (RM 146,000), will be treated to a heads up display, leather upholstery, satellite navigation, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, 360º surround view reversing camera, parking sensors, HomeLink, heated steering wheel and heated wing mirrors.
Although Mazda has not officially confirmed this news story, the news of this turbocharged engine making it into Mazda’s compact crossover is hardly surprising. Especially after the fact that this engine already made its way into the Mazda3 on which this crossover is based.
What is more surprising though is this peppy engine may not make its way to right hand drive markets. Mazda Australia confirms that the Mazda3 turbo will not be making it to Oz due to the lack of right hand drive production, and the same fate might be dealt to the turbocharged CX-30. Which is a pity as this huge 2.5 litre displacement with a turbocharger slapped on it will probably be a right hoot to drive, especially on the twisty Malaysian mountain roads.
