Photo: Mazda
Ever since it introduced this new Kodo design language, Mazda has been on a roll. We can still recall the time when we first saw the current Mazda6 and we just couldn't believe how similar it was to the concept car that previewed it. It actually took a second look to make sure it wasn't in fact a new version of the concept.
Since then, it's been a hit after hit for Mazda, at least as far as design is concerned. There are still some issues with the quality of the interior (especially in the smaller segments), but the Japanese brand has made huge leaps forward in this respect as well. And the fact that it still uses naturally aspirated gasoline engines makes it a unique option on the market, not to mention they're also quite frugal when it comes to fuel consumption.
Given this tendency to stick close to the concept's lines, we should probably know what to expect from the CX-4 having already seen the Koeru design study shown in Frankfurt. The crossover-coupe did exactly what it said on the box, taking the already sporty silhouette of Mazda's SUVs and applying the coupe treatment: narrower glasshouse, wider wheel arches, dropped roofline and heavily sloped tailgate. Out goes practicality, in comes style.
The new teaser released by Mazda Japan shows how the CX-4 - confirmed to make a full debut at this month's Beijing Motor Show - will be virtually identical to the Koeru concept from the waist up. Ignore the larger-than-life wheels and the exaggerated front and rear bumpers that would never cut it in the real world and you're looking at a new compact-sized SUV-coupe - the first of its kind outside the premium segment, in fact.
Mazda hasn't made it very clear when or if the CX-4 will become available in other markets apart from those in Asia, citing the fact that every region has its own needs and attending to them takes time and resources. But judging by how well SUVs and crossovers are selling in Europe and the USA, Mazda clearly has something to think about. And it's also got the necessary resources: strap the 230 hp 2.5-liter engine from the CX-9 for the American market, give the Europeans a more powerful version of the 1.5-liter diesel, and Mazda could be on to a winner. As the X6 has proven before, being the pioneer of a segment can be extremely beneficial.
Given this tendency to stick close to the concept's lines, we should probably know what to expect from the CX-4 having already seen the Koeru design study shown in Frankfurt. The crossover-coupe did exactly what it said on the box, taking the already sporty silhouette of Mazda's SUVs and applying the coupe treatment: narrower glasshouse, wider wheel arches, dropped roofline and heavily sloped tailgate. Out goes practicality, in comes style.
The new teaser released by Mazda Japan shows how the CX-4 - confirmed to make a full debut at this month's Beijing Motor Show - will be virtually identical to the Koeru concept from the waist up. Ignore the larger-than-life wheels and the exaggerated front and rear bumpers that would never cut it in the real world and you're looking at a new compact-sized SUV-coupe - the first of its kind outside the premium segment, in fact.
Mazda hasn't made it very clear when or if the CX-4 will become available in other markets apart from those in Asia, citing the fact that every region has its own needs and attending to them takes time and resources. But judging by how well SUVs and crossovers are selling in Europe and the USA, Mazda clearly has something to think about. And it's also got the necessary resources: strap the 230 hp 2.5-liter engine from the CX-9 for the American market, give the Europeans a more powerful version of the 1.5-liter diesel, and Mazda could be on to a winner. As the X6 has proven before, being the pioneer of a segment can be extremely beneficial.
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