Mazda Readies China-Only CX-4 Sporty Crossover

Mazda Motor Corp. will introduce a sporty new crossover, the CX-4, at the Beijing auto show next month that will be produced locally and sold only in China.

The vehicle is based on Mazda’s Koeru concept (pictured), which was unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show last September. The CX-4 is expected to go on sale in China this summer.

The new model, which is longer and lower than Mazda’s CX-5 crossover, will be built by Chinese partner FAW Group Corp. in Changchun, according to The Nikkei. The Tokyo-based newspaper says Mazda aims to sell 2,000-3,000 units per month.

Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai has described the wagonlike CX-4 as a new model type for the company, comparing it to the Subaru Outback crossover. Mazda also makes the CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9 crossovers.

The company says it has no immediate plans to export the CX-4 or build it in other countries. But The Nikkei reports that Mazda believes the model could prove popular in the U.S., Australia and other markets where relatively large crossovers are popular.