Mazda CX-3 Crossover Spyshots Show Sports Exhaust

As we previously reported, the Mazda CX-3 is set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19, so these pics, which come from a Russian CX-3 enthusiast site, is just a small taste of things to come. The entry-level model of the CX line-up should borrow the Mazda2 platform and will be brought to the world via at least one factory, namely Mazda Mexico.

Mazda has recently offered us a teaser image of the CX-3 and, judging by the aggressive appearance of the image, we could get a concept, not the actual car, in LA. We’ll remind you the Mazda2 followed a similar pathway - the company first showed us the Hazumi concept, which sparked the hilarious Angry Birds front fascia design comments. A few months later, the production car was revealed.

In the already-crowded segment where the CX-3 will play, vehicles are generally split into two main categories. Those that offer technical assets such as all-wheel drive and optional automatic transmissions and those that go with the cheap trend, sticking to front-wheel drive and manuals.

What about the engines?

Speaking of the tech stuff, it’s time to talk about what will occupy the CX-3’s engine compartment. Once again, we turn to the Mazda2, whose 1.5-liter unit line-up will make its way into the crossover. On the petrol side, this means we’ll get an 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G that delivers 115 hp and comes with an i-ELOOP regenerative system that uses a dedicated electrical circuit, battery included. As far as the diesel part is concerned, we’re talking about a 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D, a 105 hp mill that is currently seen as the most efficient non-hybrid powertrain on the Japanese market.

Notice that one of the two prototypes spied above features two tailpipes, one on each side of the rear apron, which could mean a spicier version is also in the works.

The Mazda CX-3 may be late to the baby crossover party, but this hasn’t stopped the Japanese automaker from succeeding in the past and we’re referring to the CX-5 here.