Mazda CX-3 closer
All-new baby-crossover signed off as Mazda's redesigned CX-9 also approaches green lightKey Mazda project teams have signed off on the company’s all-new small crossover. Dubbed CX-3, though not officially named, motoring.com.au understands the car has now passed key pre-production gateways.
Although officially tight-lipped, Mazda sources have confirmed that the CX-3 is close to production-ready.
While nothing is clear on when the car will debut, it now seems likely the CX-3 will follow the new Mazda2 on sale late next year or in early 2015. A concept car could appear as early as March 2014, perhaps at the next Geneva motor show.
Mazda’s European design centre has led the look and feel of the car. It draws on lessons learned on new Mazda3 and Mazda2. Indeed, one senior MME official told motoring.com: “The car has a lot of [3] about it. It’s no box on wheels…”
The same Mazda exec was also bullish about a replacement for the aging CX-9.
“It will be built,” he said.
“America wants it. Russia wants it. You [Australia] want it… And we think there’s a market here [Europe] for it. Europe is almost over the line,” he opined.
To date Mazda Australia has been unable to publicly confirm plans for a new CX-9. Recently facelifted, the seven-seater has sold well for the brand but is often criticised for the thirst of its V6 petrol engine.
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