Mazda will be building what we think is the CX-4 and the return of the CX-7 in North America for our market before long.
Just last week, Mazda revealed that they are planning on introducing a new compact crossover at this upcoming Geneva motor. We suspect that it will be the new generation of the CX-4, a vehicle that is already sold in China.
The other CUV is not quite so obvious. The current CX-3 was the recipient of a recent mid-cycle refresh and although sales are not as strong as they could be, we think it deserves its spot in the lineup so it won’t be replaced. The CX-5 and CX-9 are solid and doing well so they’re good too.
Like the CX-4, there is such a vehicle as the CX-8 elsewhere on the Globe but we’re going to venture out on a limb and guess that the CX-7 might make a comeback. It was, after all, the first “CX” in our market and although it wasn’t the best CX, it still left its mark.
The main reason for a CX-7 is its numerical standing. In other words, it’s obviously bigger that the CX-5 but smaller than the CX-9. The story goes that this other new SUV will be reserved for the US and Canada so a 2-row (likely with optional 3rd row) SUV would be an alternative to the Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Outlander, both “larger” compact SUVs. It could turn out to be one of Mazda’s promised electrified vehicles at the same time.
This “CX-7” sits in the concept and development stages so it could be a while before we see something concrete. At the earliest, we think a concept at this year’s LAAS is possible as production is slated for mid-2021.
