"Is the CX-30 on my shopping list?"
The answer is a big "negative Ghost Rider..."
Our CX-5 is fine, although lately it has felt "limited" or "cramped" on a recent road trip. I guess that is because we brought more than ust luggage (for 3) with us. It doesn't do bad, but I miss the space of our '04 Pathfinder, while not leaps and bounds more, but for some reason, the PF seemed to swallow a bit more than the CX-5...maybe its the sloped rear glass
Instead of the CX-30, I would much rather have a frikken Mazda6 wagon available in the States. Why Mazda, why...or why not Mazda, why not?
I want a '6 wagon with three pedals; you know, something to actually drive. Mazda has a great race history and promotes a 'zoom zoom' lifestyle with slogans telling me the car is more than the sum of its parts, so why can't the States have a '6 wagon? Does the "more than the sum of its parts only apply to the MX-5 because it is a small 2-seat roadster?)
I love the look/proportions of the CX-9, but I don't need a 7 passenger car, nor do I want an auto so the CX-9 loses on two checklist items.
So, back to the CX-30. I may have missed most of the promotional hooply on it, but I'm not understanding the purpose of the vehicle. I agree with most that the current CX-3 is way too small for anything and when it comes in smaller than the Mazda3, it makes very little sense.
In fact, if Mazda just did the "Subaru Crosstrek" or "VW Mk2 Golf Country" treatment to the Mazda3, minus the black cladding, I believe they would have a winner. People crave lifestyle vehicles, and I think Mazda is missing the mark in their car department.