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Mazda's slick new CX-4 crossover is sadly only for China

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Mazda just unveiled the CX-4 crossover at the Beijing Motor Show, introducing the sleek new crossover exclusively for the Chinese market. The CX-4 rides on the same wheelbase as the CX-5, and is just as wide. It even packs the same powertrain options: 2.0- or 2.5-liter inline fours from Mazda's Skyactiv-G series, mated to the same six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

It measures a little longer from bow to stern than the CX-5 (albeit shorter than the CX-7), but the key part here is that it's shorter in height – shorter even than the smaller CX-3 – thanks to its sleek coupe-like roofline. The resulting impediment to interior space may make little sense from a practical standpoint, but it sure does make it look good. Consider the CX-4, then, to bear a similar relationship to the CX-5 as the BMW X4 does to the X3, or the Coupe versions of the Mercedes GLC and GLE to their conventional counterparts – albeit with styling more similar to the Infiniti QX70, particularly at the back.

The question is whether the US market is ready for a more budget-oriented five-door crossover coupe in the same way that it has embraced those more upscale offerings. Mazda doesn't seem to think so; at least not for the time being. For our part, looking at the CX-4, we're not so sure. What do you think?

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Mazda Unleashes New Mazda CX-4 Crossover SUV
- On display now at the Beijing Motor Show, sales in China start in June -

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has unveiled a new crossover SUV, the Mazda CX-4, at the Beijing Motor Show (Auto China 2016).*1 The latest edition to Mazda's new-generation lineup adopts SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO—Soul of Motion design throughout and goes on sale in China in June.

The CX-4 was made to exceed existing categories and stereotypes. The dynamic design is unmistakably KODO in form and the planted stance and sleek, coupe-like cabin combine to give the model an outstanding presence. Customers will appreciate the exceptional functionality and user-friendliness, including the ease of entering and exiting the vehicle and the flexible cargo space. With SUV-like ground clearance and Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD*2 all-wheel drive system, the CX-4 is ready to take on a wide range of road conditions and offers a combination of outstanding environmental and safety performance (Sustainable Zoom-Zoom) and a Jinba-ittai driving feel with excellent handling thanks to its low center of gravity.

"The CX-4 is our fourth new-generation model in China," said Nobuhide Inamoto, Senior Managing Executive Officer overseeing operations in China. "Demand for SUVs here is remarkably strong and we expect this model will play a big part in expanding the Mazda brand in this market. We will continue working to strengthen our brand in China, aiming to become a brand which enriches people's lives through cars."

Mazda CX-4 Key Specifications
Overall length mm 4,633
Overall width mm 1,840
Overall height mm 1,535 1,530 1,535
Wheelbase mm 2,700
Ground clearance mm 197 196 194*3
Drive system FWD i-ACTIV-AWD
Engine SKYACTIV-G 2.0
(2.0-liter gasoline)
SKYACTIV-G 2.5
(2.5-liter gasoline)
Transmission SKYACTIV-MT
(6-speed manual)
SKYACTIV-DRIVE
(6-speed automatic)
Fuel consumption
(combined)*4
liters/
100km
6.4 6.3 7.2*5
Suspension type (front/rear) MacPherson strut/multi-link
Steering Rack and pinion
Brake type
(front/rear)
Ventilated discs/solid discs
Tires 225/65R17 225/55R19
Equipment i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies, MZD Connect*6 car connectivity system, auto-hold function, etc.

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