Mazda New Zealand today launched the CX-3, its first ever small SUV, with expectation that it will make a major impact in an increasing segment.
Priced from $31,195 for the entry level GLX front-wheel-drive petrol, to $42,595 for the Limited diesel with all-wheel-drive.
There are six variants in the line-up with two powertrains – the 2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel.
Mazda NZ expects to sell 1150 units of the CX-3 this year, and will be taking the Holden’s Trax, Ford’s EcoSport and Nissan’s Juke.
Attending the New Zealand launch is the CX-3’s chief designer, Youichi Matsuda, and programme manager, Michio Tomiyama from Japan.
The CX-3 has a bespoked design and is on an all-new platform, not shared with any other product in the Mazda line up.
“We don’t want to make a small CX-5,” Matsuda-San said. “ It has a presence that defies categories.”