The teaser image does a good job of hiding the CX-4’s overall design, but earlier spy shots taken in China reveal the Koeru’s distinctive, almost fastback-like silhouette has made the transition from concept to production with only minor modifications. Its front end is markedly toned down, but it remains faithful to Mazda’s Kodo design language by adopting styling cues such as thin, swept-back headlights and a shield-shaped grille accented by a chrome frame. The rear fascia is characterized by slim tail lamps connected by an elegant strip of chrome trim.
- 1. Mazda Koeru Concept
- 2. Mazda Koeru Concept
- 3. Mazda Koeru Concept
The cabin gets a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, Mazda’s familiar three-pod instrument cluster, and an infotainment screen that pops up from the top of the dashboard. Billed as the most style-focused member of Mazda’s high-riding lineup, the CX-4 is expected to be a little less spacious than the CX-5, which offers 34.1 cubic feet of trunk space with five adults on board.
Rumors claim the CX-4 will ride on the same basic architecture as the CX-5. Entry-level models are expected to use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and more expensive variants will benefit from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder tuned to generate 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. An automatic transmission will be the only unit offered.
Mazda will fully introduce the CX-4 online in the days leading up to this year’s Beijing show, which opens its doors in late April. The crossover will be built in China, and will go on sale locally shortly after it greets the show-going public in the Chinese capital. Eric Booth, the senior manager of Mazda’s PR department, has told Digital Trends that the CX-4 will not be sold in the United States.
