2020 Mazda CX30 Quick Takes. Mazda has always adopted a human-centric approach to building cars. With the U.S. debut of the all-new Mazda CX-30, the brand has taken this approach to another level. The CX-30 has a feeling of oneness that extends beyond the drive. It is a five-seat crossover made for a wide range of fans, especially young people who are approaching significant life transitions. Mazda wants the CX-30 to be able to help these fans enjoy those milestones to the fullest and become an essential partner in their daily lives.

CX-30 is the second model to adopt the latest evolution of Kodo design, a more mature interpretation of the striking design ethos. Based on sleek and bold styling, CX-30 is meant to evoke creativity in one’s life. Realizing two contrasting expressions, the compact crossover has the flowing beauty of a coupe and the bold proportions of an SUV. Mazda’s signature wing takes on a sharper and deeper form to achieve a strong, refined front end that is suggestive of forward motion. The diagonal angle of the rear window gives the vehicle a coupe-like silhouette while the narrowed arch shape of the liftgate makes the body look shorter and wider for a powerful stance. This allows for purposeful design of the trunk that maintains its usefulness without giving the CX-30 a box-like appearance. Offered in seven body colors, including Polymetal Gray, which was recently introduced for the 2019 Mazda3. Going beyond beauty, CX-30 is meant to look compact on the outside, but spacious on the inside.
The CX-30 is a new compact crossover that combines the bold proportions of an SUV with elegant styling that embodies Mazda‘s Kodo design language. The development team hoped to create a car that would enrich customers’ lives by helping them and their loved ones make new and stimulating discoveries within their daily lives.

2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Review By Car Critic Steve Hammes. The venerable Escape has long since been a small SUV favorite but as you can see Ford has taken its styling in a decidedly car-like direction repositioning it in their reborn, utility-focused lineup. 

The Escape is America’s small SUV.  Having been on the road now for 20 years, it’s where we’ve turned when the patriotic pangs pull us away from the RAV4, CR-V and Rogue.  And now that Ford is almost exclusively a truck and SUV brand they’ve seized the opportunity to morph the Escape into something a little more car-like so as not to alienate shoppers who aren’t SUV crazy.  And yes, believe it or not, those people still exist.  Lower, wider, longer and more aerodynamic, the new Escape resembles less the tough little SUV it once did and more the bastard child of a Porsche Cayenne and Tesla Model 3.  Thankfully, this is the Escape’s worst crime as the rest of it is actually very good.

2020 Buick Encore GX Essence Review By Car Critic Steve Hammes. As Buick continues their transition away from cars to a premium SUV brand, they’ve got more slots to fill between Encore and Enclave and this new Encore GX takes up residence on the smaller side, capitalizing on their most popular nameplate. The Encore GX should do very well for Buick. Imported from Korea along with its Chevy Trailblazer counterpart, the GX is on sale now.   MSRP as-tested: $33,465 https://testdrivenow.com/2020-buick-encore-gx-essence/

2020 Mercedes Benz GLB 240 4MATIC Review By TestDriveNow Car Critic Steve Hammes
Mercedes has just added their 3rd 3-row-capable SUV and it’s their smallest. Slotted between the entry-level GLA and compact-sized GLC is the all-new 2020 GLB. The GLB should resonate with badge shoppers who are willing to shrug off some shortcomings in exchange for luxury car membership.

2021 Kia Seltos SX Complete Video Review By TestDriveNow Auto Critic Steve Hammes. Does Kia need another utility vehicle? You bet they do and here it is: the 2021 Kia Seltos – a small SUV slotted between the Soul and Sportage.
Kia refers to it as an “adventure-ready crossover” and with over 7” of ground clearance, available all-wheel drive with lock mode, off-road friendly approach angles and skid plates it has the resume. Kia has another hit on their hands.  If marketed correctly the Seltos should be able to build off of the Telluride’s momentum, keeping smaller SUV shoppers coming into Kia showrooms.
MSRP as-tested: 29,580