Photo: Mazda
The Mazda Motor Company has a concise lineup of SUVs and crossovers — from the compact CX-3 to the spacious and luxurious CX-9, the automaker seems to have its bases covered. That’s why some Mazda fans are wondering about the CX-30’s place in the lineup. How will this freshman SUV differentiate itself from its siblings? And will it cannibalize sales from Mazda’s other vehicles?
Just as Mazda thoughtfully engineers its vehicles, the company has thoroughly considered this possibility. When asked if the release of the CX-30 will tarnish the sales of its fellow Mazdas, CEO Akira Marumoto responded, “Rather than cannibalization, I think the car will help generate growth. I am positive about that.”
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Of the existing Mazda lineup, the CX-30 shares the most with the CX-3 — right down to its name. But Marumoto and company have a different sales pitch for the CX-30. While the CX-3 is aimed at single women in their 20s and 30s, and the CX-5 is for large families, the new CX-30 is aimed at young, small urban families. To drive home this message, Mazda is showcasing the CX-30 at various venues that young couples and families often visit, including railway stations and upscale shopping malls.
According to Marumoto, many of these shoppers would be first-time SUV buyers. Instead of wading through countless options in the SUV/crossover market, buyers can simply zero in on the sporty, refined CX-30 and get a vehicle with fun driving dynamics, sporty styling, and loads of practical features.
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“There is growing demand for SUV/crossovers more than we expected in markets other than the U.S.,” Marumoto commented.
In Europe, the new model will boast the Skyactiv-X engine, alongside a 2.0-liter traditional gas engine and a 1.8-liter diesel. The Japanese edition will have the 2.0-liter and 1.8-liter at launch, with the Skyactiv-X mill arriving in January.
However, there’s no timeline for when the CX-30 will reach the United States.
Source: AutoNews
