Mazda is gearing up for what will be the sexiest month of 2016. In New York, they are rumored to present the roadster coupe version of the new MX-5 while the upcoming Beijing car show will be the host of the all-new CX-4.
This is an exciting new type of crossover that we've been following for a few months. It's coupe-like and has been testing in China for a while, even revealing its full production body recently.
The CX-4 is inspired by one of Mazda's recent Koeru concept cars and fills the gap between the CX-3 subcompact and its more practical 5er big brother. But the way in which it does this is completely unexpected, as the coupe-like body is aimed squarely at the young customers who love the BMW X6 but can't afford it.
Mazda chose not to call it a sports activity coupe and instead use a term that translates as "Exploring Coupe." If we understand the press statement correctly, there will also be racing versions of the Mazda3 and Mazda6 for the China Touring Car Championship (CTCC) being presented in Beijing.
"With a striking presence that sets it apart from other SUVs, the modern functionality users expect and Jinba Ittai (horse and rider) driving thanks to Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, this is new type of crossover SUV designed to help customers live more creative lives," the Japanese automaker says in a press statement.
For now, there are no available details for the CX-4. But we've analyzed it in detail before and have come to the conclusion that it's a raised and stretched version of the Mazda3 hatchback. Parts of the interior have been left untouched, such as the steering wheel and center console.
The fact that it's being presented in China indicates that the CX-4 will be produced locally. That could mean it's not coming to the US, Europe or Japan. But we will put off begging Mazda to reconsider until the actual debut.
The CX-4 is inspired by one of Mazda's recent Koeru concept cars and fills the gap between the CX-3 subcompact and its more practical 5er big brother. But the way in which it does this is completely unexpected, as the coupe-like body is aimed squarely at the young customers who love the BMW X6 but can't afford it.
Mazda chose not to call it a sports activity coupe and instead use a term that translates as "Exploring Coupe." If we understand the press statement correctly, there will also be racing versions of the Mazda3 and Mazda6 for the China Touring Car Championship (CTCC) being presented in Beijing.
"With a striking presence that sets it apart from other SUVs, the modern functionality users expect and Jinba Ittai (horse and rider) driving thanks to Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, this is new type of crossover SUV designed to help customers live more creative lives," the Japanese automaker says in a press statement.
For now, there are no available details for the CX-4. But we've analyzed it in detail before and have come to the conclusion that it's a raised and stretched version of the Mazda3 hatchback. Parts of the interior have been left untouched, such as the steering wheel and center console.
The fact that it's being presented in China indicates that the CX-4 will be produced locally. That could mean it's not coming to the US, Europe or Japan. But we will put off begging Mazda to reconsider until the actual debut.