Filed under: Concept Cars, SUVs, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Mazda
Mazda considering CUV based on MX-5
The idea of an MX-5 derived CUV/SUV might seem like a bit of a stretch (literally), but Mazda's European head, James Muir, says that a concept of the rear-wheel-drive crossover is bound for the Paris Motor Show next year. The basis for the concept stems from Mazda's assertion that SUVs are going to shrink in size over the coming years with a focus on car-like driving dynamics that still have many trappings of their high-riding counterparts. Lightweight components, including high-tensile steel and smaller engines with higher outputs (read: new diesels and hopefully more turbocharged mills) should strike a balance between engaging the driver while keeping fuel-consumption and emissions in check.
Muir goes on to say that an environmental focus "is the best thing that has happened to the automotive industry in 50 years," and that a city car concept might share the stage with the MX-5, or what might be called the CX-5, in Paris in 2008.
[Source: Just Auto – Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John R 2:33PM (11/27/2007)
"...assertion that SUVs are going to shrink in size over the coming years with a focus on car-like driving dynamics that still have many trappings of their high-riding counterparts."
Or people could buy a...car...or wagon.
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nissanfreak87 2:35PM (11/27/2007)
soooo, it'll basically be a miata station wagon?
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henrykrinkle 2:41PM (11/27/2007)
What exactly is the difference between a wagon and a CUV? Is it ride height and if so, what is the cutoff point? If I had a CUV that was a half inch over that threshhold could I lower my tire pressure and get the haters off my back?
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Guenther 4:05PM (11/27/2007)
If you run around with underinflated tires in ANY car, the haters should pursue you relentlessly.
John 2:45PM (11/27/2007)
So, basically a Mini Clubman or SUV, or whatever they're doing.
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grrllikethat 2:57PM (11/27/2007)
I'm guessing this won't be very good at Auto Cross...
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Todd 3:03PM (11/27/2007)
First thing I thought was is this going to be like a new Suzuki Samurai?? That was small and rwd...
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mikomi 3:04PM (11/27/2007)
It's all marketing. Personally, I think the CX-7 is a wagon. And yes, I own a CX-7. A CUV/SUV/Wagon based on the Miata platform would not be far fetched. Various automakers have "micro" SUVs; Toyota has the Daihatsu Terios/Toyota Rush, Suzuki has the Jimny, Renault has the Kangoo and the list goes on. Some of these mini-SUVs have the same size footprint of a Yaris/Mazda2/Honda Fit.
Is there a market? There is everywhere else outside of USA. So I don't see why not.
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Corey W. 3:09PM (11/27/2007)
For the love of Gawd!!
Just bring back the wagon, with a higher ride height.... like the first AWD AMC wagons. Most CUV's can't match their "look" with actual functional ability anyway.... What's the point?!?!?
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Billy 3:15PM (11/27/2007)
Damn that's ugly.
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mooj 3:21PM (11/27/2007)
what, if they start making wagons out of small little sports cars, that can't be bad, right?
i have been fantisizing about a hatchback based on a honda S2000 recently. think about it, that would be tight.
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nissanfreak87 3:28PM (11/27/2007)
see the Z3 coupe, heavier, no room to throw stuff, and uglier than the 'vert
Flexcalibur. 3:29PM (11/27/2007)
No torque and a bin-part interior? Just get a CR-V and remove the shocks...
Doogs 5:39PM (11/27/2007)
Okay...for some reason that just gave me a mental image of a Lotus Elise-based CUV. Which I find both ridiculous and hilarious at the same time.
lauralemay 3:49PM (11/27/2007)
Ahhh! That photo is so wrong!
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Guenther 4:07PM (11/27/2007)
Can you say "X-90"?
In design it was more delSol than Miata, but hey....
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theSAWzall 5:22PM (11/27/2007)
I thought the same thing. I only ever saw ONE of those on the streets.
Kevin White 4:09PM (11/27/2007)
I like it. I liked the Hyundai Hellion concept (the idea, not the looks). A small, two door SUV with the emphasis on the SPORT, but able to handle the awful roads without feeling like it's being hammered and shaking to pieces or scraping on the huge speed bumps at my apartment complex. I'd buy it!
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Doogs 5:38PM (11/27/2007)
Not to mention, you know, having the ability to CARRY stuff.
I'll be curious to see what comes of this.
AltairDusk 8:08PM (11/27/2007)
Stiffer suspension and lower center of gravity does do a lot to improve handling though. I don't see this driving anywhere near as sporty as the Miata.