Mazda CX-3 enters the compact SUV segment

MazdaMazdaJapan, 1920 > present80 models
2325 photos
7 videos
has just released the new CX-3Mazda CX-3Japan, 2015 > present SUV at the Los Angeles Motor Show, a model that aims to join the competitive compact SUV segment which includes the Nissan JukeNissan JukeJapan, 2010 > present135 versions
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, Renault CapturRenault Captur Gen.1France, 2013 > present37 versions
89 photos
and Opel MokkaOpel Mokka Gen.1Germany, 2012 > present55 versions
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.

The Mazda2 is the model that underlies the new SUV of the Japanese brand. Moreover the CX-3 shares with the latest generation of city car various design details, has a similar cabin and will still use one of the engines used by the Mazda2. The new CX-3 will be offered in front and all-wheel drive variants.

Visually, the CX-3 turns out to be a combination of the new Mazda 2Mazda 2 Gen.4Japan, 2014 > present5 versions
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and CX-5Mazda CX-5 Gen.1Japan, 2012 > present37 versions
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. Receives the front grille, the creased edges and narrow headlight lines of the urban car. Yet the SUV model is 215mm longer and 55mm higher, but retains the same 2570mm wheelbase.

Similar to what happens with the CX-5, the new SUV has the C pillars in black, to give the impression that the roof is floating and also gets the protections of the prominent wheel arches.

The interior back will be inspired on the narrow architecture of the Mazda2 and gets a central display that can be controlled by a button placed between the front seats and can provide navigation information transmitted via satellite and Internet services.

Without going into great detail Mazda just revealed that the new CX-3 will be offered with two 2.0-liter petrol engine variants and a 1.5 liter diesel engine. A manual six-speed gearbox will be used as standard, but the two engines could also be combined with an automatic six-speed gearbox.