Mazda CX-3 SUV ‘Not Far Away’

Mazda is moving closer to entering the growing compact SUV market, with new confirmation this week of a smaller companion to the midsized CX-5.

Known in the press as the CX-3, the new crossover has been the subject of speculation for some time, with reports pointing to a 2015 or 2016 debut.

Speaking with TMR this week, Mazda Australia boss Martin Benders said that compact SUVs are a compelling segment for the company.

“There’s opportunity there [in the compact SUV segment], absolutely. We’ve made it clear that it’s an area we’d like to be represented in.”

A small CX-3 model could provide Mazda with a significant boost, with sales in the segment passing 50,000 year-to-date - compared to 42,958 for the same period in 2013. 

Responding to speculation that such a model could still be some time away, Mr Benders added, “Oh, it’s not that far away”.