Mazda has today revealed a brand new crossover SUV – named the CX-3 – prior to the opening of the 2014 L.A Auto Show. The CX-3 is the fifth addition to the rather stunning ‘KODO’ designed range of Mazda’s, and heralds the arrival of the Japanese automaker into the blossoming crossover SUV sector.
Mazda CX-3
As well as being the latest member of the ‘KODO’ family, the Mazda CX-3 is also the fifth car to be using the impressive SKYACTIV technology. European buyers of the CX-3 will be given a choice of three engines to choose from: the 2-litre petrol in two power versions, and the new 1.5-litre diesel. Both six-speed automatic and manual transmissions will be offered either in front-wheel drive guise, or buyers will instead be able to opt for Mazda’s latest generation all-wheel drive system.
Advances in safety systems are crucial to drivers in all segments, but the SUV market in particular has its eyes on protecting the families that are so often the buyers of these cars. It’s for this very reason SUVs tend to be blessed with the latest in safety technology. The new CX-3 is no different and will come with Mazda’s latest active safety systems, designed to prevent collisions at lower speeds.
With Mazda’s rivals doing very well already in this segment (the controversially styled Juke springs especially to mind) the pressure is really on the CX-3 to be a success. Mazda is on strong form in both the design and engineering departments at the moment and if the CX-3 is anything like the other cars in its latest line up, then they are sure to have a hit on their hands. The sleek yet angular styling delivered by the ‘soul of motion’ design language is sure to catch the eye of the buyers in particular.
The Mazda CX-3 will be displayed for the duration of the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, along with the very pretty new Mazda MX-5 and it’s bigger SUV brother – the CX-5 – and the Mazda 6, which are also making their debuts.
Mazda CX-3