New Mazda CX-4 only for China

Mazda has confirmed it will reveal an all-new SUV called the CX-4 at the Beijing motor show on April 25, but it won't slot between the popular CX-3 and CX-5 in Australian showrooms.

This single teaser image confirms the new crossover, which Mazda has described at its answer to the Subaru Outback, will be a production version of the sleek Koeru concept that debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt show.

Mazda has now confirmed the vehicle, based on the larger CX-5, will indeed be called the CX-4 rather than CX-6, and that it will only be available in China at this stage.

"The CX-4 is the latest addition to Mazda's new-generation line-up of models featuring the full range of SKYACTIV Technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design," said the company today.

"With a striking presence that sets it apart from other SUVs, the functionality modern users expect and Jinba-ittai driving thanks to Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, this is new type of crossover SUV designed to help customers live more creative lives."

It's not clear where the CX-4 will be produced, but Mazda's CX-5 factory in Japan is running at full capacity and the company has previously indicated it will increase production at its facilities in China, Thailand or Mexico to meet demand.

As we reported last month, when we learned of the production Koeru's debut in China later this month, Mazda Australia says there's no space for the CX-4 in its line-up right now anyway.

“It’s a good looking car so why wouldn’t you want it on your forecourt. The issue is you have to figure out how it fits into your line-up," Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders told motoring.com.au.
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“If it’s incremental business then I’m very interested in it. If it’s substitutional then I have to look at what it substitutes and whether we’re better off or not from a profit point of view.

“So yes we would like it, but we have to see how it fits into everything else we’ve got.”