Coupe De Grce? Mazda Files for 'MX-30' Name in Europe
Mazda has filed the term “MX-30” with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). While the filing incorporates broad automotive usage (including parts), the MX prefix has historically been applied to Mazda’s two-doored vehicles (including the MX-5 Miata). However, we’re urging you not to get your panties in a bunch and take a moment to seriously consider the odds.
You might be envisioning a return of the MX-6 or MX-3 coupe, but the fact that there is a 30 tacked onto the end could be indicative of ties to the new CX-30 — a crossover.
We’re hoping this will turn out to be a car, but the Mazda3 already fills most gaps a hypothetical MX-30 coupe would occupy. While a two-door variant would be exciting, traditional coupes aren’t money makers anymore. There’s little incentive for Mazda to climb out on a limb for something that will undoubtedly have limited market appeal. Besides, even if it did, there’s no reason to think it wouldn’t be part of the Mazda3 lineup.
Speculating more realistically, this will probably end up being a sexy concept vehicle or one of those crossover “coupes” with sloping backs premium manufacturers go gaga for — especially since Mazda is hoping to become one of them by gradually making its way upmarket. There’s also a chance Mazda just wanted the name and has no intention of turning it into a fully fledged product. Filed in march of this year, the document likewise stipulates the term could be used for any number of components and not just a model name. It still seems like a vehicle title to us but, hey, you never know.
As is always the case with patent filings, the automaker hasn’t said anything to steer us toward any conclusions and can’t make any comments on such matters. That probably won’t change until the time to make a product announcement comes.
[Image: Colin Hui/Shutterstock]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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I wouldn’t mind a four seat coupe since some of us would like a Miata with a bit more room and a rear seat/cargo area.
My money is on a crossover "coupe". And if I'm correct, I'm not happy about it.