IAB Report - Mazda CX-3 compact SUV (Ford EcoSport rival) leaked ahead of debut

Debuts tonight in LA.

Seen here are the first images of the new Mazda CX-3 compact SUV which will be revealed later tonight (Indian time) at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The CX-3 is Mazda's long awaited compact SUV that will rival the likes of the Ford EcoSport and Nissan Juke.

Technical details about the CX-3 will be released later tonight, but it can be stated for sure that the car is based on the new Mazda2 hatchback. Instead of a high-riding Mazda2, designers have actually created a new top-hat borrowing styling cues from larger Mazda SUVs like the CX-5 and CX-9.

The front section sports a bold design with wide creases, large wheel wells and protective side body cladding. There on, the CX-3 gets an attractive side with a nicely designed rear quarter glass window and sharply cut taillights.

The interior of the CX-3 compact SUV borrows parts from the Mazda2, but looks very promising. The uncluttered center console sees a small display unit which will no doubt come with integrated navigation.

Also read: Honda City rivaling Mazda2 Sedan to be unveiled on November 28

The CX-3 would be powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder SKYACTIV gasoline engine for the American market, though for countries in Europe, a diesel motor will certainly be offered. Transmissions would be 6-speed manual and automatic units, but it remains unconfirmed if the CX-3 is purely a front wheel drive car.

Competitors: Nissan Juke, Honda Vezel, Ssangyong X100, Ford EcoSport
Expected Price: From 15,000 UK pounds (INR 15 lakhs)
Launch date: 2015 in Europe