A New Mazda CX-4 Crossover Is Coming Soon, and It Will Reach the U.S.
UPDATE 2/5/19: Mazda spokesperson Drew Cary confirmed that this new model being shown in Geneva will come to the U.S., although he wouldn't say definitively what it will be called. A European-spec car will be shown in Geneva, meaning that the car that eventually reaches our shores may be slightly different in terms of its exterior design and powertrain offerings.
For a few years, Mazda has been selling a crossover called the CX-4 in China that is essentially a more rakish, coupelike version of the CX-5. Now Mazda has released a teaser image of a new crossover model that will make its debut at the Geneva auto show next month, and we're thinking it's the next generation of the CX-4.
The teaser image, which we've brightened here, shows the rear end of a low-slung compact SUV with a wide stance and circular LED accent lights in the taillights. While it's difficult to judge size based on this image, expect the CX-4 to be significantly larger than the subcompact CX-3. Mazda says the new model is based on the same new-generation Skyactiv architecture as the latest Mazda 3, which suggests to us that the CX-4 has a strong chance of coming to the United States (the China-only version, pictured below, was based on the old, first-gen CX-5's underpinnings).
This new body style, which will presumably have a more rakish roofline in the name of style, fits in neatly with Mazda's aspirations to become a premium brand. Nearly all of the European luxury automakers now make coupelike SUV models, such as the BMW X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe, so it's only natural for Mazda to imitate these creations. And for what it's worth, we put the outgoing CX-4 on our list of 14 Cars That Automakers Are Foolish Not to Sell in the U.S. last year.
A CX-4 isn't likely to be the only new crossover model that Mazda adds to its U.S. SUV lineup in the near future. We also hear the company is working on a new mid-size SUV, possibly a resurrection of the old CX-7 nameplate, that will be built at a new plant in Alabama shared with Toyota.
Stay tuned for more information to come about the new Mazda CX-4, which will make its official debut at the Geneva auto show in March.
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