Mazda CX-3 crossover coming to LA

Tue, 28 Oct 2014

The Mazda booth at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show will showcase some new crossovers. In addition to the refreshed CX-5 that we're expecting, the Japanese automaker has announced plans to unveil its new CX-3 compact crossover.

According to Mazda, the brand's entry into the compact CUV market will feature "the full range of SKYACTIV technology and KODO – Soul of Motion design." We take that to mean lightweight chassis and body architectures along with fuel-sipping gasoline and, perhaps, diesel engines.

The CX-3 will have to take on a slew of upcoming competitors, including the Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax and Jeep Renegade, and reports indicate it will share a platform with the Mazda2, which is just starting production in Mexico. We don't yet know if it will be front-wheel drive only or if all-wheel drive will be optional. The CUV is also likely to share the Mazda2's engine, which isn't yet revealed for the North American market. Japan gets the 2 with either a 1.3-liter gasoline engine or a 1.5-liter diesel.

You'll have to wait for LA before we know all the details, but in the meantime, feel free to peruse the press release below.

MAZDA DEBUTING ALL-NEW CX-3 AT 2014 LA AUTO SHOW
28/10/14

Compact crossover SUV features SKYACTIV technology and KODO design
All-new Mazda MX-5 roadster also on stage at Mazda's exhibit in Los Angeles

In a world premiere, Mazda will unveil its all-new compact crossover SUV – the Mazda CX-3 – at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which is open to the public from 21-30 November*.

The Mazda CX-3 is the latest model in Mazda's line-up of new-generation products featuring the full range of SKYACTIV technology and KODO – Soul of Motion designs. In pursuing a design of beauty and sophistication, the essence of KODO – the expression of life within a vehicle – has been evolved to produce a sharper form with an enhanced sense of speed.

The all-new Mazda MX-5 roadster will also make its North American motor show debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The engine line-up will be tailored to each market, with either a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine tuned exclusively for the all-new Mazda MX-5 and mounted longitudinally for its rear-wheel drive configuration. North American-specification models will only be fitted with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre gasoline engine.

Key Exhibits at Los Angeles Auto Show

Reference exhibits

All-new Mazda CX-3 (World Premiere)
All-new Mazda MX-5

Vehicles scheduled for sale

Updated Mazda6 (World Premiere)
Updated Mazda CX-5 (World Premiere)

Vehicle currently on sale

Mazda3, Mazda6, Mazda CX-5, Mazda5, Mazda2, Mazda CX-9

Technology exhibits

All-new Mazda MX-5 SKYACTIV-Chassis
SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine
SKYACTIV-G 2.5 gasoline engine

* Press days at the Los Angeles Auto Show are November 18 through 20. The show is open to the public from November 21 through 30, 2014. Mazda will hold its press conference on Wednesday, November 19 from 10:30 – 10:55 A.M. (local time).

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By Chris Bruce