Mazda has revealed the new Mazda CX-3 small SUV crossover in a world debut at the LA auto show.
Mazda will start selling this rival for the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka, Chevrolet Trax, Ford EcoSport and Nissan Juke during the first half of 2015.
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The CX-3 is effectively the SUV crossover version of the Mazda2/Demio.
This additional model is likely to be manufactured at one of the two Ujina plants in Hiroshima, and at Rayong in Thailand, and in Nanjing by the Changan-Mazda joint venture. The CX-3 for Europe and certain other regions should be available with the Skyactiv-D 1.5 which Mazda revealed at the 2014 Geneva motor show.
The CX-3 is the fifth model in Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles to feature the full suite of the company’s Skyactiv technology.
Mazda says that with the global market launch set for Japan in spring 2015, the CX-3 is set to become a core member of Mazda’s model line-up.
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By GlobalDataKarl Brauer, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com said that the new model will be a high volume one for Mazda. “Mazda is on a product blitz, releasing several impressive models in the last two years. The CX-3 will continue the trend by sticking with Mazda’s winning formula – capable handling and high fuel efficiency wrapped in an attractive shell. The CX-3 will be a high-volume vehicle for Mazda, helping the brand grow revenue and awareness.”
Akshay Anand, also an analyst at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, added that the model needs to be a hit for Mazda. “With the success of the CX-5, it’s a no-brainer to introduce the CX-3 to the American market. Mazda needs the CX-3 to be a hit, especially as the Mazda3 and Mazda6 redesigns didn’t see the sales volume that the manufacturer was looking for initially.”
