This is a sleeper car that really shouldn’t be one.  Mazda has stepped up its game for the last several years and continues to strive.

 

The turbo lineup is absolutely stellar!  My rep at Mazda let me take a CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus home for a little test drive.  Even at 80 mph on E470, passing cars was no problem.  Next thing I knew, I’m doing 95 mph with the engine ready to give me more juice!  If fuel economy is more your need, the CX-50 Hybrid is available as well.  The hybrid is from Toyota, but with the way better styling of Mazda.

 

The CX-30 is a cool little city car, at 183.5 inches in length, making maneuvering quick.  The rear leg room is very tight, and cargo space isn’t useful for medium items.  Honestly though, the CX-30 would be a great kid car as a lease.  For a teenager to throw some gear in the back, good MPGs, AWD, and factory warranty, this is a solid lease.

 

Motor Trend loves the CX-70 and CX-90 (all Mazda SUVs really), but inventory is so freakin stingy!  Dealers have a handful each, and some not preferred colors.  Again, the turbo powertrain rocks and the interior is put together pretty nicely.

 

The only wonky thing about Mazda is the infotainment/radio.  It is not a touch screen, everything is done with a dial down by center console and shifter.  Once you get presets saved and phone paired, it works well, just a little different.  Cupholders on the CX-50 are a little inconvenient as a Big Gulp will get jammed up right under the air controls.

 

There aren't alot of options with Mazda, everything is done through trim levels, and those can come nicely equipped.  A CX-50 Preferred gives you a panoramic roof and heated seats.  Go to a Premium for Bose sound and full leather seats for $3,000 more.

 

Mazda also leases pretty well.  The CX-50s can go anywhere from high $400 to high $500 payments with a couple of grand down.