What's the news?
Mazda has confirmed that it will launch a new SUV model, its third SUV range for Europe, at the upcoming Geneva motor show.
The new car will be heavily based on the chassis and engines of the just-launched new Mazda3 hatchback, and it looks set to slot in between the smaller CX-3 and the larger CX-5 in terms of size.
That would line up this new Mazda directly against the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson, and would also probably allow the CX-5 to move a little more upmarket in its pricing strategy, to become more of a natural rival to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
According to Mazda, this new SUV is the: "second model in the company's new-generation line-up features a more mature Kodo design language and Mazda's new-generation Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture. The powertrain lineup showcases the latest Skyactiv engines, including the company's revolutionary SPCCI (Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition) technology, which has a unique combustion method combining the free-revving performance of a gasoline engine with the superior response of a diesel."
Will this new model be called the CX-4? It seems likely - Mazda already has a CX-4 model in its portfolio, but that's a coupe-like version of the CX-5, and is sold only in China. Given the size of this new model, and the fact that it sits between the CX-3 and CX-5 in the range, the CX-4 badge seems inevitable.
Also on Mazda's stand at Geneva will be the new 3 in hatch and saloon form, and hopefully with an update as to when that clever new SPCCI engine will actually go on sale. The CX-5 will also be at Geneva, and for the 2019 model year, it's getting some small updates to the interior to improve its cabin quality, and the latest generation of Mazda's torque-sensing steering system, called G-Vectoring Control Plus, which is said to make the CX-5 sharper and more engaging to drive.