Visually, the 2019 Honda HR-V is refreshed with revised bumpers, headlights including LED daytime running lights, grille, and taillights.The HR-V’s base trim includes a multi-angle rearview camera, halogen projector headlights, Bluetooth streaming audio, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a 5.0-inch infotainment screen.
Pros Voluminous, configurable interior Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on most trims Impressive handling
Cons No more manual transmission Powertrain combo is weak and noisy Integrated navigation is only available on top-line Touring trim
Refreshed front and rear styling New Sport and Touring trim levels New center screen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Honda Sensing suite adds multiple available safety features
Pros Average-size adults fit comfortably in the front and back Clever cargo solutions make it more versatile than rivals Better than most competitors on fuel economy Excellent outward visibility
Cons Climate control interface isn't as good as in other Honda vehicles Front seats are narrow and uncomfortable Engine noise and vibration are palpable Unimpressive power output results in lackluster acceleration
Perhaps we need to stop calling these cars SUVs, because the new Mazda CX-30 is really just a Mazda 3 on stilts, and all the better for it.
Pros Excellent dynamics Interior fit and finish Audio and infotainment system Active safety features Exterior and interior design, practical, makes more sense than a Mazda 3
Cons Ride felt a tad firm (European spec) Expected price premium over the Mazda 3 Infotainment housing a little old school Fits four adults at best
Slotting into the Mazda SUV lineup in the narrow space between the subcompact CX-3 and the compact CX-5 is the new—and curiously named—CX-30. Why isn't it called CX-4? We asked Mazda: It's kind of a long story. Regardless, we like the way it looks. Mazda's designers gave it a more severely forward-canted rear window and chunkier black-plastic body cladding to help differentiate the 2020 Mazda CX-30 from its other crossover siblings.The 2020 CX-30 shares much of its mechanicals and platform with the all-new Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, so we expect it to have a 186-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. It's possible that Mazda's new gasoline-powered compression-ignition engine—which the company calls Skyactiv-X—is likely to be available in the CX-30 at some point down the road.
Good car, the Mazda CX-30. Handles well, looks smart and has a lovely interior. But as is always the case with crossovers – the conventional car on which it’s based (in this case the Mazda3 hatchback) is the sensible buy.
Pros Good-looking, decent to drive, lovely interior.
Cons Cramped rear, old-fashioned auto.
