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Mazda CX-4 Finally Gets Official Debut in China

Mazda has officially revealed the CX-4 crossover... hatchback... thing in China today, ahead of the official debut at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. That's news only if you have been living under a rock for the past couple of months, as this is the most widely discussed Mazda since the all-new generation of the Miata.
Mazda CX-4 Finally Gets Official Debut in China 9 photos
Photo: Mazda
Mazda CX-4 Finally Gets Official Debut in ChinaMazda CX-4 Finally Gets Official Debut in ChinaMazda CX-4 Finally Gets Official Debut in ChinaMazda CX-4 Finally Gets Official Debut in ChinaMazda CX-4 Finally Gets Official Debut in ChinaMazda CX-4 Finally Gets Official Debut in ChinaMazda CX-4 Finally Gets Official Debut in ChinaMazda CX-4 Finally Gets Official Debut in China
The Japanese crossover has never shied away from the cameras. Even before we knew what it was called, the precise proportions had been completely revealed by spy photos. That said, we didn't have all the technical details that have become available and will be the main focus of our story.

We cannot stress enough the fact that this is a China-only car (for now). However, the engines being made available are going to be familiar to any Mazda fan. The basic one is a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G that's said to deliver 158 horsepower and 202 Nm of torque (149 lb-ft). The 2.5-liter unit that sits above it has 192 hp and 252 Nm (186 lb-ft). Chinese websites we've been reading suggest both are available with AWD and 6-speed automatic gearboxes as options, but European sources say AWD is standard on the 2.5-liter.

Even though the CX-4 looks like a bloated hatchback, it's actually pretty big. The wheelbase and overall length are similar to those of the CX-5 SUV. Mazda also promises ground clearance of up to 20 centimeters (7.87 inches), depending on the wheel size chosen (they range from 17 to 19 inches).

The interior is going to be instantly familiar to any Mazda fan. The steering wheel is small and sporty while the dash has a driver-oriented design. It's not as bold as the Mazda2 or as luxurious as the CX-9, but as long as they aren't going to sell it in America, those aren't going to be problems.

As for the exterior design, we've seen it so many times that we've gotten bored of it. The greenhouse is small squashed, like that of the Porsche Macan. Mazda also says LED lighting is used by the headlights and taillights. We still believe it's a real shame if they don't offer something like this sports activity coupe across the world, but the platform might not be up to crash test standards.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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