New Mazda CX-4
The Mazda CX-4 debuted last month on
the Beijing Auto Show and today here is the new Mazda in the real world. The CX-4 is a very
good looking crossover SUV that will be positioned below the Mazda CX-5. It is
for China only, but Mazda hasn’t ruled out export to other countries.
The CX-4 is manufactured by the long
running FAW-Mazda joint venture,
based in the cold north eastern city of Changchun. It will be launched on the
Chinese car market in June. Price will start at 159.800 yuan and end at 198.900
yuan.
There will be two ‘SkyActive’
four-cylinder petrol engines available:a 2.0 with 158 hp and a 2.5 with 192 hp.
Mazda strangely stays put with big engines, instead of going for the popular
and tax-friendly small turbocharged engines. Lone transmission is a six-speed
automatic. Dimension size is 4633/1840/1535 mm, and wheelbase is
2700 mm.
The CX-5 will be positioned as a
slightly smaller and more sporty alternative to the CX-5. The cars are very
close, the CX-4 is 78 mm longer, width is the same, 175 mm lower, and wheelbase
is the same too.
Sadly, the interior isn’t as beautiful
as the exterior. Design not overly exciting, and the place looks rather dark.
Touch screen is a tad too small for mid 2016. The main dial should have been a rev
counter, but it is a boring speedo instead. The rev counter is on the left,
looking very small.
Back outside again, and happily so.
Lights are a work of art connected by a trendy shiny strip. Pipes are poorly
integrated in the bumper, the only letdown of the exterior design.
