Beijing Debuts – 2017 Mazda CX-4 is New Crossover Coupe for China

Mazda has been growing their CX lineup of crossovers over the last few years and has revealed yet another new one in Beijing. Slotted in-between the CX-3 and CX-5, the CX-4 uses Mazda’s Kodo design language which incorporates a rather handsome hatchback-like design rather than a traditional SUV design. Mazda says that the CX-4 has a “sleek, coupe-like” look and their claims seem to be correct.

On the inside, the CX-4 is similar to its other Mazda siblings with a touchscreen infotainment system wedged on the dashboard along with traditional analog gauges and a three-spoke steering wheel. There are two engines choices for the CX-4. A 2.0-liter Skyactiv inline-four comes in front-wheel-drive with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. If you want all-wheel-drive, you will have to jump to the 2.5-liter engine and its automatic transmission. As always, Mazda’s array or active-safety systems such as adaptive cruise-control and lane assist will be options as well as the i-ELOOP fuel-saving system.

This all sounds very enticing right? Well, there is one catch. This time, the “C” in CX-4 really means “China” because Mazda plans to only sell the CX-4 in China starting in June. This is a pity because the CX-4 looks to blend a very stylish exterior and high-quality materials in the interior.

 

2017 Mazda CX-4

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.
Mazda CX-4 featuring SKYACTIV-G 2.5 and i-ACTIV AWD 

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.

 

  • *1 Also known as 2016 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Press days are April 25-26. Special invitation days are April 27-28. Open to the public from April 29 through May 4.
  • *2 Available only with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine.
  • *3 Applies to models with i-ELOOP. Ground clearance for models without i-ELOOP is 191 mm.
  • *4 Fuel consumption figures are measured under fixed test conditions. Customer’s fuel consumption will vary depending on a variety of factors, including traffic and weather conditions, driving style (sudden acceleration, etc.) and use of the HVAC system.
  • *5 Applies to models with i-ELOOP. Fuel consumption for models without i-ELOOP is 7.3 liters/100 km.
  • *6 The system is called Mazda Connect in Japan, USA, Canada and Mexico. China and other markets use the name MZD Connect.

Anthony doesn’t always write in the third person, but when Anthony does, Anthony likes to make it quite obvious.
Follow Mr. Fongaro @thefongo on Twitter.