mazda cx x 003
mazda cx x 001
mazda cx x 002
mazda cx x 004
mazda cx x 005
Feann Torr2 Dec 2017
NEWS

Mazda CX-X SUV confirmed

All-new North American SUV part of Toyota Mazda joint venture - and it's on the Aussie hit list

SUVs have become the dominant force in the automotive world. With three popular SUVs in its portfolio, the small CX-3, medium CX-5 and large seven-seat CX-9, along with the swoopy CX-4 and CX-8 in overseas markets, you'd think Mazda has all bases covered.

Think again, because there's another SUV on the way.

The mysteriously named CX-X, which will be developed for and built in the USA at the new $2billion factory Mazda and Toyota are establishing as a joint venture, is the first new vehicle confirmation for the ambitious new alliance.

It's not yet clear if Toyota will develop a sibling SUV to match, but the Big T brand will build Corolla vehicles for the Americas there.

mazda cx x 002

As it stands the Mazda CX-X will be sold initially in North American markets but Mazda Australia is excited about the prospect of a fourth SUV, or crossover as they're sometimes called.

The head of Mazda North America, Masahiro Moro, told motoring.com.au the CX-X could be sold in Australia, Mazda's fifth largest market.

"That will depend on how much Vinesh [Bhindi, Mazda Australia manager director] needs to get it. We are a business, we can try," he smiled.

Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi indicated that he's very interested in offering another SUV in Australia but observed that it was still early days.

mazda cx x 001

Expect a concept study of a new SUV in the coming years to provide more clues as to the size and style of the CX-X, such as the Koeru concept (pictured) from 2015.

Moro-san said the company has "not decided yet" on the size of the SUV but given the North American market's predilection for larger vehicles, it may not be a teeny tiny crossover. Perhaps a CX-10?

"I need to see how our customer is making the transition from CX-3 to CX-5, then from CX-5 to CX-9, to Mazda6. We are going to study this. Around 2021 [we will see] how our customer portfolio looks like. Then we are making a decision on what sort of crossover we will make," he stated.

Moro explained that in terms of timing, the joint venture would be "up and running in 2021" but the on sale date of he CX-X wouldn’t be too long after that.

mazda cx x 004

"But once we decide [which type of SUV to make], we do it very quick because our common architecture allows us develop those [SUVs] very quickly."

The Mazda North America boss said the shift towards SUVs is significant and now it's shaping the company's future strategy.

"So CX-5, CX-9, CX-3, those three crossovers make up close to 60 per cent [Mazda sales in the USA]. We are making a clear shift [towards SUVs]."

The same effect is taking place in Australia, as passenger car buyers jump into SUVs that are easier to climb in and out of and provide better views of the road.

mazda cx x 005

In Los Angeles to talk about the just-launched new-look Mazda6, which is coming to Australia later in 2018, the Mazda executives were peachy keen to talk about SUVs.

Mazda North America's design chief, Julien Montousse, explained how the company approaches SUVs and why they're so popular.

"People want to sit higher in SUVs, they want to go up, see more of the road and it's our job to empower the driver and reduce stress.

"So following that logic, all the SUVs coming in the future, the idea is to empower the driver through cabin architecture and vision angle. Because Mazda is a driver-centric type of car maker, it plays out very well for us," said Montousse.

mazda cx x 006

The name of Mazda's new SUV has not been locked in. Nevertheless, it's certain to retain the 'CX' naming convention. Masahiro Moro revealed that Mazda's global president and CEO, Masamichi Kogai, has already started calling it the CX-X.

Toyota and Mazda will are also working on a new electric vehicle or EV platform, but it’s unclear if this will form the underpinnings of the Mazda CX-X.

Share this article
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Looking for a family car?Get the latest advice and reviews on family car that's right for you.
Explore the Family Hub
Family
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.