Another Mazda Crossover Coming Soon
Mazda has no shortage of crossover offerings worldwide. If anything, most of its lineup consists of those, leaving just the 3, MX-5, and, in some markets, the 6e as its non-crossover models. From subcompact to midsize, the Hiroshima-based company has it all and is squeezing into the gaps in between to make sure all bases are covered.
Now, there’s another one coming, and Mazda has confirmed it. It’s the next-generation CX-3, and the brand hopes to achieve higher sales volume once the model is out.
It Lives for Another Generation
We’re genuinely surprised that Mazda kept the CX-3 nameplate. Introduced in 2014, it’s well over a decade old now, and even the facelifted model from 2018 isn’t getting any younger. It was initially thought that the model would be replaced and carry a different name. With the recent announcement, the subcompact smaller than the CX-30 will, indeed, live to see an all-new model.
So, why keep the CX-3? Although it was discontinued in the U.S. in 2021, the model remains hugely popular, particularly in Asia and Oceania. If anything, the CX-3 was kept alive primarily by the Australian and Thai markets, proving a strong seller despite its age and the arrival of the CX-30. The name holds strong equity, and it’s the least expensive Mazda crossover anyone can buy. That’s despite it actually offering only slightly more ground clearance or space than the Mazda2.
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Launch Year Locked-In
Aside from the model’s announcement, the launch year has also been locked in. The all-new CX-3 will make its world premiere in 2027, likely for the 2028 model year. The car will be built at the AAT plant in Thailand, and will likely serve as the model’s main production hub. Mazda even said that Thai-built second-gen CX-3s will be exported to Japan, similar to what Honda has been doing with the CR-V and Accord, and what Toyota has been doing with the Hilux and Land Cruiser FJ.
The AAT plant in Thailand recently received further investment, mainly to build hybrid vehicles for Southeast Asia. With that in mind, there’s a good chance the CX-3 will be electrified, like many of its rivals in the class. Specifics haven’t been given about the powertrain yet, but it could benefit from Toyota tech like the CX-50.
As for the look, we expect it to draw some cues from the Vision X-Compact shown at last year’s Japan Mobility Show. Of course, it won’t look as radical as the concept, but it’ll be interesting to see how Mazda applies the new design philosophy for its future subcompact crossover.
Mazda
Mazda
