Photo: X-Tomi Design
Without a doubt, the CX-3 crossover model is the most important new Mazda model since the CX-5. It directly targets the fastest growing segment on the auto industry with a fresh approach that so many companies seem to lack these days.
Based on the same platform as the Mazda2 supermini, this family crossover is pleasant to look at and packs all the latest Skyactiv technology to make it go Zoom Zoom. What it doesn't have yet is a sports model, since the highest output engine available is going to be a vanilla-flavored 2-liter.
That sports model is what we're looking at in this fresh rendering created by graphics designer X-Tomi. To give the CX-3 some MPS character, he "installed" larger brakes, 18-inch wheels, planted the body lower onto the wheels and made subtle cosmetic changes to the bodywork.
Without a doubt, if we were to ask Mazda to put this car into production today, they would tell us they can't. There's simply not enough money to develop a niche model like a hot crossover. However if they start to sell hundreds of thousands of these every year, they might change their minds.
The big problem is that Mazda currently doesn't have a suitable engine to put in any hot car. The 2.3-liter in the old MPS version of the 3 is too thirsty and the company needs to develop a smaller 2-liter turbo, which they likely plan to do anyway in order to replace all V6 engines. But hybrid development and the CX-9 replacement take priority.
Too bad the Mazda CX-3 wasn't launched 5 years ago, otherwise we would probably be talking about a production date for the MPS today, not a rendering.
That sports model is what we're looking at in this fresh rendering created by graphics designer X-Tomi. To give the CX-3 some MPS character, he "installed" larger brakes, 18-inch wheels, planted the body lower onto the wheels and made subtle cosmetic changes to the bodywork.
Without a doubt, if we were to ask Mazda to put this car into production today, they would tell us they can't. There's simply not enough money to develop a niche model like a hot crossover. However if they start to sell hundreds of thousands of these every year, they might change their minds.
The big problem is that Mazda currently doesn't have a suitable engine to put in any hot car. The 2.3-liter in the old MPS version of the 3 is too thirsty and the company needs to develop a smaller 2-liter turbo, which they likely plan to do anyway in order to replace all V6 engines. But hybrid development and the CX-9 replacement take priority.
If Mazda doesn't make one… somebody else will
Nissan has pretty much confirmed that it's going to make a Nismo version of the Qashqai. It should come with a new 1.8-liter turbo engine shared with the hot version of the Pulsar hatch and maybe even with the next generation of Megane RS. With about 270 hp, we have a lot to look forward to from Nissan.Too bad the Mazda CX-3 wasn't launched 5 years ago, otherwise we would probably be talking about a production date for the MPS today, not a rendering.
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