Mazda Unveils CX-3 Mini-Crossover

Mazda Motor Corp. is aiming its pint-sized CX-3 crossover at the fast-growing market for mini-SUVs. The all-new 2016 model, which was unveiled ahead of the Los Angeles auto show this week, will begin its global rollout in Japan next spring.

2016 Mazda CX-3 crossover

The CX-3 is about 14 feet long, 5.8 feet wide and 5 feet tall. That makes it about one foot shorter than a Mazda3 sedan/hatchback and 10 inches shorter than the Mazda CX-5 crossover.

The four-seater's long hood, rising front fender line and blacked-out D-pillar make the vehicle look longer than it is, according to the company. The car is the fifth to adopt Mazda's "Kodo" design language.

Inside, the rear seats have a taller hip point and are set closer to the vehicle's centerline than are the front seats. Mazda says the layout improves the view for rear passengers and facilitates conversation between the rows. The driver's position employs Mazda's "heads-up cockpit" philosophy, which aims to display most information high on the instrument panel and above the center stack.

Mazda CX-3 interior

The CX-3 is the latest Mazda model to adopt the company's array of efficiency-enhancing Skyactiv technologies throughout the powertrain and chassis. The company says high-tensile and ultra-high-tensile steels account for 63% and 29% of the body, respectively.

North American models will have one powertrain configuration: a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. In other markets, buyers can choose an optional 1.5-liter diesel. The company will release performance specs later.

The CX-3 also will offer an optional third-generation all-wheel-drive system and the active torque control unit that debuted in the larger Mazda CX-5. The setup includes what Mazda describes as the world's first system to anticipate front-wheel slip.