New Mazda3-based SUV teased 05 | 02 | 2019

    MAZDA WILL UNVEIL a new compact SUV at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Though the Japanese carmaker is keeping details under wraps, it’s fairly safe to assume it will morph out of the all-new Mazda3. (Related: All-new Mazda3 revealed in LA)

    That being the case, and utilising the same footprint of the new Mazda3, the latest SUV will sit in the gap between the CX-3 and CX-5. That would mean going head-to-head with C-segment rivals such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Seat Ateca.

    Only a single teaser image has been released, but Mazda says the new model will use the latest iteration of the brand’s trademark Kodo design language. The rear view of the new SUV certainly hints that it will be more rakish than the larger CX-5. (Related: Mazda launches new flagship CX-5)

    Noticeably, the rear lights on the SUV are different to the fitted on the latest Mazda3. That in turn gives an indication that the SUV will be a model in its own right, and not merely a Mazda3 on steroids.

    It will, however, sit on Mazda’s latest Skyactiv Vehicle architecture, meaning the SUV will — at some stage — get the company’s groundbreaking Skyactiv-X 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI).

    Mazda3-SUV-Teaser.jpg

    Consuming spark-plug ignition (as used in petrol engines) with compression ignition (as used in diesel engines) Mazda says the new Skyactiv-X engine will deliver diesel fuel economy with petrol performance.

    But it’s also likely the SUV will be available with Mazda’s current 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engines — as food in the new Mazda3 — as well as a 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D diesel. (Related: Crossing the world's largest lake in a Mazda CX-5)

    Mazda has also yet to reveal what the newcomer will be named, but we shouldn’t rule out it being badged CX-4. While Mazda does currently produce a ‘CX-4’ for the Chinese market, this is a coupe shaped version of the current CX-5.

    It’s not uncommon for car manufacturers to have the same name apply to two different models in different markets. Skoda recently confirmed its new European small SUV will be badged Kamiq. That’s despite the fact the Czech already has a different model using the same name in China..

    Mazda all confirmed it will give its limited edition MX-5 30th Anniversary edition its European public debut, alongside the latest Mazda 3 hatch and Saloon, plus the CX-5.

    Celebrating three decades since its world premiere at the 1989 Chicago Motor Show, the Mazda MX-5 is the most popular roadster in history, with over 1 million units sold around the world, including over 350,000 in Europe.

    Related: Roadtest — Mazda CX-5)

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    Jim McGill

     

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