![Illinois Auto Dealers Sue State Over Rivian’s Direct-Sales Model [UPDATED]](https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rivian-suv-610x407.jpg)
It’s the Chicago Auto Show this week, but some manufacturers are already teasing models for March’s Geneva International Motor Show. Despite many automakers taking a powder on next month’s event, Mazda just announced plans to unveil a new compact crossover in Switzerland.
Our best guess is that this is a preliminary concept for something that could eventually morph into the next-generation CX-9. However, there’s also an equally good chance Mazda may be testing the waters for a return of the CX-7 or possibly delivering an updated version of the CX-4 that’s only available in China right now.
While the low roofline seems to indicate something smaller and more compact, we don’t yet know how conceptual the design will be. Small greenhouses are all the rage on idea cars but even a pre-production take on the next CX-9 would probably offer more headroom than what’s seen in the photo.
All Mazda has said is that the unidentified crossover will be the “second model in the company’s new-generation line-up” and feature a more mature version of the company’s Kodo design language. The crossover will also help to showcase the brand’s newest Skyactiv engines and their features, including Mazda’s Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) technology.
We looked into what else Mazda plans on bringing to Geneva and the CX-9 was suspiciously absent from its list. So was the CX-4; however, that’s less surprising, as the model isn’t currently sold anywhere in Europe. Whatever this new car is, the wrapper will come off on Tuesday, March 5th.
[Image: Mazda]
I bet it’ll be the CX-8, which is the LWB version of the CX-5, and currently only available in the JDM.
Isn’t the Skyactiv-X a 2.0L? As good as that engine is supposed to be, it’s not quite as torque-y as the base 2.5L engine in the CX-5. Putting the Sky-X 2.0L in a longer car might not be ideal.
Skyactiv-G 2.5L: (185hp/185ft-lbs)
Skyactiv-X 2.0L: (188hp/170ft-lbs)
I understand CX-8 is actually a slightly trimmed down CX-9 (with which it shares its wheelbase) to fit the Japanese road condition. It use a thicker floorpan and a more heavy duty suspension from CX-9, but trimmed to match the CX-5’s width for the narrower roads.
It must be the new Miata based crossover.
The world could use a manual RWD CUV.
…vert
Even this cheesy, chiaroscuro glimpse of its heinie shows that there isn’t much utility in this CUV.
“Small greenhouses are all the rage on idea cars”
Because their designers are Crab People.
They’ve gotta try something; Jan. 2019 sales numbers were rough, as even the CX-5 dropped. They’re ahead of only Mitsubishi, among non-luxury Japanese brands.
Unlike Mitsu Mazda is the entry level luxury brand. At least they say so. Like Buick e.g.
Here are the spectrum of possibilities:
1) Redesigned Mazda CX-3. It’s likely due next for a redesign
2) Current China only Mazda CX-4 redone for wider international markets
3) A look at a future Mazda CX-6/7 mid-sized SUV to be built in the new joint plant with Toyota in Alabama.
4) Most intriguing, perhaps the promised Mazda EV that is anticipated to go on sale in 2020 to make Mazda compliant with Zero Emissions mandates.
It’ll be the CX-4.
Miata Shooting Brake
If the photo that Car and Driver is running is anything to go on and it comes here in time, I might seriously have to look when my lease is up. I still have a little over 2 years so it’s nothing I’m needing to contemplate too much.
My general plan is still to buy out the lease and start working toward having no car payment, but if a compelling case can be made for a dofferent car…
Given the visual size and the shape, it’s probably the next generation CX-3 or the CX-4 sharing the new Mazda3 small vehicle platform.
I doubt it will be CX-5 or anything larger since those will have to wait for the new RWD large vehicle platform.
Another CUV Zoom Zzzzzzzzzz
Ford should have kept its small shareholding in Mazda. For such a small company they make uniformly beautiful cars, can engineer platforms that are engaging and reliable and have quality down too.
Why hasn’t anyone bought into Mazda and at the very least progress form their amazing vehicle lineup?
Toyota did several years ago.
I know I am dreaming, but here is hoping it is a crossover version of the Mazda 6 wagon. That wagon is some forbidden fruit I would love here in the USA. I know people say this all the time, but I would buy it…. provided of course I was in the market for a new car. Which admittedly isnt all that often.
If it’s a crossover, even from Mazda, it’s “Guess who cares?”