Mazda has announced that it will unveil a new compact SUV at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Likely to be an all-new SUV with the same footprint as the Mazda 3, the new model will sit in the gap between the CX-3 and CX-5, as a smaller C-segment model designed to rival the Volkswagen T-Roc and SEAT Ateca.
So far, Mazda has only issued a single teaser image, hinting at the new model’s design. Mazda says the compact SUV will use the latest iteration of the brand’s trademark Kodo design language, and it looks like the new model’s rear-end will be more rakish than the larger CX-5.
The taillights are different to the ones fitted on the new Mazda 3 hatchback, however, suggesting this will be a new model in its own right – rather than a jacked-up and cladded version of the brand’s latest Volkswagen Golf rival.
It’s not clear what badge this new SUV will be given. Mazda already produces a CX-4 for the Chinese market, which is a coupe shaped version of the CX-5. Whether this different European model could also take on the CX-4 name isn’t known, but it’s not out of the question. Skoda has just confirmed its new European small SUV will take on the Kamiq name, for example; a different model using the same nameplate already exists in China.
Like the new Mazda 3 hatch, the SUV will sit on Mazda’s latest Skyactiv Vehicle architecture. As a result, Mazda’s latest Skyactiv-X 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) will eventually be offered under the bonnet.
The new Skyactiv-X 2.0-litre petrol powertrain combines spark-plug ignition (as used in petrol engines) with compression ignition (as used in diesel engines) in a bid to maximise efficiency.
Mazda’s new SkyActiv-X engine also offers a much leaner fuel-air ratio than a conventional petrol engine, with Mazda claiming a 20 to 30 percent improvement on fuel economy when compared to the company’s current SkyActiv-G petrol engines.
The 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engines featured in the Mazda 3 should be offered, though, while a 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D diesel option from the hatchback also seems likely.
Mazda’s Geneva show stand will also feature the limited edition MX-5 50th Anniversary edition, the latest version of the CX-5 SUV and the latest Mazda 3 hatch and Saloon.
We’ll have more information and images of the new Mazda 3 SUV in the run up to the show.
Want to know more about the Geneva Motor Show? Read our preview of the event here…