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Consumer Reports Picks its Top 10 Cars for 2021

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Derek Boshouwers
In its annual report card, the magazine also handed out the best car brand marks to… Mazda

Subcompact SUV – Mazda CX-30

2021 Mazda CX-30, front
2021 Mazda CX-30, front | Photo: D.Boshouwers

Made for the city but large enough for road trips, the new CX-30 is far less mousy than the tiny CX-3, and it delivers a typically dynamic Mazda driving experience.

CR likes that there’s no continuously variable transmission on hand to spoil the fun, instead the CX-30 relies on a very competent conventional 6-speed automatic. New in 2021 is a turbo engine variant, which adds more muscle to the package. Also welcome, of course.

Overall Consumer Reports really liked its marriage of safety-stuff generosity and driving fun, plus it did very well in terms of predicted reliability, which is impressive for a model that’s virtually brand-new.

See also: 2020 Mazda CX-30 Review: Between Two Chairs

See also: 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo First Drive : Risk and Reward

2021 Mazda CX30 2021
2021 Mazda CX30 2021 | Photo: V.Aubé
2021 Mazda CX30, interior
2021 Mazda CX30, interior | Photo: D.Boshouwers
Derek Boshouwers
Derek Boshouwers
Automotive expert
  • Over 5 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 50 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 30 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists