Photo: Mazda
The wait for Mazda's first small crossover is finally over, as the makers of the Miata have just released a teaser photo and promised all will be revealed next month during the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19th.
The baby model of the CX family is widely expected to be based on the new Mazda2 platform and be assembled in at least one factory: Mazda Mexico. Powertrain details are not available at the moment and could actually take until 2015 to be revealed.
Besides the image itself, the only piece of information we have about the CX-3 is that it used the Kodo design language to deliver a "sharper form with an enhanced sense of speed." This could very well mean that a concept car is actually on its way, not the real production crossover. Before its launch, the Mazda2 was also previewed as a concept. It was called the Hazumi and made its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show, just a few months before the real deal arrived.
As for the engines, it's likely that the whole range of 1.5-liter mills will be carried over from the Mazda2 to the CX-3. This would include the 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D diesel with 105 horsepower, which is currently considered the most efficient non-hybrid system on the Japanese market. There's also a petrol 1.5 Skyactiv-G that makes 115 horsepower and is fitted with the i-ELOOP regenerative system.
All-wheel drive and automatic gearboxes are both possible on the CX-3. It just depends on how cheaply Mazda wants to market its new car. Along with the baby crossover, the company is also going to display facelift versions of the CX-5 SUV and Mazda6 mid-size. Not many details are available at moment. However, updated headlight technology and revised suspension systems are expected.
We eagerly await the arrival of the CX-3 in a segment that's already packed with innovation and clever design. Based on the sketch, at least, Mazda could have a winner on its hands.
Besides the image itself, the only piece of information we have about the CX-3 is that it used the Kodo design language to deliver a "sharper form with an enhanced sense of speed." This could very well mean that a concept car is actually on its way, not the real production crossover. Before its launch, the Mazda2 was also previewed as a concept. It was called the Hazumi and made its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show, just a few months before the real deal arrived.
As for the engines, it's likely that the whole range of 1.5-liter mills will be carried over from the Mazda2 to the CX-3. This would include the 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D diesel with 105 horsepower, which is currently considered the most efficient non-hybrid system on the Japanese market. There's also a petrol 1.5 Skyactiv-G that makes 115 horsepower and is fitted with the i-ELOOP regenerative system.
All-wheel drive and automatic gearboxes are both possible on the CX-3. It just depends on how cheaply Mazda wants to market its new car. Along with the baby crossover, the company is also going to display facelift versions of the CX-5 SUV and Mazda6 mid-size. Not many details are available at moment. However, updated headlight technology and revised suspension systems are expected.
We eagerly await the arrival of the CX-3 in a segment that's already packed with innovation and clever design. Based on the sketch, at least, Mazda could have a winner on its hands.
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