Mazda has added a new powertrain to its compactcrossover.

The Japanese brand’s attractively styled CX-30 now features a2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

For years Mazdawas virulently anti-turbocharging as engineers at the company believed that the volumetric efficiency of a naturally-aspirated engine was superior in real-world driving.

Mazda’s reluctant pivot into turbocharged engines has been driven by emission laws, instead of fuel-consumption targets. Powering most of its mid- to large-sized turbocharged vehicles, are 2-litre four-cylinder engines configured for various outputs.

In the Mazda3 Turbo hatchback, this engine is good for 186kW and 434 Nm, which are entirely decent outputs for a contemporary 2.5-litre performance orientated road car engine. Product planners at Mazda realise that its target audience for CX-30 is less bothered with outright acceleration performance, and the engine has been slightly detuned for its new crossover application.

The CX-30's turbocharged2.5-litre engine boosts 169kW and 420Nm, which are competitive statistics for its market segment. Those numbers should give Mazda’s crossover very brisk performance and strong overtaking acceleration. This engine will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Distinguishing this more powerful version from other CX-30s, are its gloss black mirrors and darkened 18-inch ally wheels. Discreet ‘turbo’ badging is applied to the tailgate and framing the rear bumper are larger diameter exhaust tips.

Inside the CX-30 Turbo, chrome accents contrast with a dominant black cabin architecture, whilst there is a soft-touch dash. Infotainment is controlled via an 8.8-inch screen, whilst a 12-speaker Bose sound system relays whichever media you choose to enjoy.

Although Mazda has not confirmed the exact global rollout of its CX-30 Turbo, the launch market for this new crossover variant, will be North America.

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