That's not a typo: Mazda reveals all-new CX-30 in Geneva

GENEVA, Switzerland — Before arriving in Geneva, we knew Mazda was going to be revealing a compact SUV that was all new to the brand. And you may have read some articles that postulated it would be called the CX-4. Which would make sense since it sits between the CX-3 and CX-5.

But here’s the thing: Mazda already has a CX-4 in China, and it’s not the same vehicle.

So, the name was already taken.

What’s a brand to do when faced with such a conundrum?

Start a new nomenclature.

Hence, Mazda introduced a new SUV that’s got a higher ride height than the CX-3 but is smaller than the CX-5 and obtains the name CX-30.

Mazda hasn’t released too many details about the CX-30 just yet, but what we do know is that it will be available with all-wheel drive and come equipped with the new Skyactiv-X engine that will deliver around 180 horsepower.

The CX-30 will also get a new sound system and will be available with Mazda’s i-Activsense safety technology that includes things such as blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree monitoring, automatic emergency braking and rear brake assist.

The goal with this vehicle is to target younger buyers but be functional and attractive enough that it can follow them through the various stages of their lives.

Mazda calls CX-30 its second “new generation” product, following on the heels of the Mazda3, which was revealed at the 2018 LA Auto Show.

The Mazda Kodo design is very present in this newest Mazda with swoopy lines, which look different from every angle. Yet it also maintains a bit of a rugged appearance with a higher ride height and wheel-well cladding.

The interior is intended to be on the refined side of the spectrum, with a driver-oriented cockpit and category-leading interior quietness.

Though Mazda hasn’t specifically stated this is a 2020 model – all the press releases conveniently leave that out – it arrives in Europe starting this summer and will likely hit the states sometime at the end of the year or the beginning of the next. Thus we presume it will be a 2020 model.

The Bottom Line:

Mazda tends to make a beautiful vehicle that hearkens back to its Vroom Vroom heritage – whether it’s a sporty roadster or a 7-passenger SUV – and we anticipate the new CX-30 will toe the company line.

Last year we had a crash course on everything Skyactiv-X – including an early drive in a prototype vehicle with the engine.

They were still working out some kinks, but overall it was peppy, smooth and fast, and frankly, I can’t wait to test the real thing.

While I think the CX-30 nomenclature is weird, I understand why Mazda couldn’t use CX-4 here.

It may take a while for consumers to wrap their minds around the name, but if the vehicle is as good as I think it will be, the name itself won’t matter.

Editor’s Note: This first look at the Mazda CX-30 resulted from an invitation-only event that allowed special access to the vehicle and executives. Mazda covered our accommodations, meals and transportation costs.