Mazda has unveiled its new CX-4 crossover SUV at the Beijing motor show (Auto China 2016). It goes on sale in China in June.
"The CX-4 was made to exceed existing categories and stereotypes," the automaker said in a statement. "With SUV-like ground clearance and i-ACTIV AWD 2 all-wheel drive, the CX-4 is ready to take on a wide range of road conditions… with excellent handling thanks to its low centre of gravity."
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
"The CX-4 is our fourth new-generation model in China," said Nobuhide Inamoto, the Mazda executive in charge of operations in China. "Demand for SUVs here is remarkably strong and we expect this model will play a big part in expanding the brand in this market."
Unlike the CX-3 and CX-5 sold worldwide, the CX-4 is launching in China with only petrol engines – two and 2.5-litre with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
The CX-4 was previewed by the Koeru ('succeed' in Japanese), concept revealed at September 2015's Frankfurt show. The prototype was based on the first generation CX-5 but 60mm longer and wider – it could be considered a 'CX-5 Coupe'.
This new crossover will be made in northeast China by the FAW Mazda joint venture, taking the place of an aged Mazda 6 sedan model, sales of which have been plunging. Japan build is also expected. Exports to North America are yet to be confirmed but seem likely.
