Report - Mazda's EcoSport rivaling compact SUV to be revealed at LA Auto Show

27/10/2014 - 19:17 | Mazda CX-3, Mazda, 2014 LA Auto Show | Anjan Ravi

Based on the Mazda2 hatchback.

Australia's Motoring.com reports that Mazda's long awaited compact crossover, and the challenger to the EcoSport, will get its world debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show that starts on November 18. The crossover, which is named by the media as the Mazda CX-3, will go on sale next year.

2015 Mazda2 at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show front quarter — The CX-3 could borrow its powertrain from the new Mazda2 pictured here.

The CX-3 will be based on the new Mazda2's platform, and will slot beneath the CX-5 in Mazda's lineup. Interestingly, the publication reports that a facelifted CX-5, and a third surprise debut, are expected from Mazda at the LA Auto Show.

Like the new Mazda2, the CX-3 will benefit from the SKYACTIV technology which sees a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine matched to 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The engine in the CX-3 would produce power and torque in the whereabouts of 113 bhp and 148 Nm, similar to the 2 hatchback. However, Motoring says that the CX-3 would be a front-wheel drive model only.

Mazda CX-5 front at the Philippines International Motor Show 2014 — A facelift for the CX-5 will also be shown at the LA Auto Show, according to the report.

The 2015 Mazda2 and the Mazda CX-3 will be part of the company's model offensive, which will witness five new launches by March 2016.

Also read: Mazda2 sedan spotted testing in Thailand

At the moment, Mazda is not present in India in the passenger vehicles segment, and the company has made no announcement on entering the country.

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

[Source - Motoring Australia]