Mazda is also joining the compact SUV race with the development of a new model called the CX-3, which will be launched towards the end of this year.
A report on Japanese news daily Nikkei says that the CX-3 SUV will be based on the Mazda 2 hatchback, a new generation of which will debut in the concept form at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
The CX-3 will sit under the CX-5 to compete against the likes of the Chevrolet Trax, Ford EcoSport, Peugeot 2008 and the Nissan Juke. The report says that the CX-3 would first hit the Japanese markets and that there's a diesel powertrain in the works for that market. It also says that it is likely to be priced between 1.5 million and 2 million Yen (Rs 9.09 lakh to Rs 12.12 lakh.)
Dimensions for the Mazda CX-3 haven't been reported, but the car is likely to measure 4-4.2m long with a wheelbase of about 2.5m.
[Rendering source - Carscoops.com]