In the automotive industry, secrets rarely remain secret for very long. Given the lightning-quick pace with which information careens around the internet today, it’s getting pretty difficult for manufacturers to spring surprises on fans and consumers.
Mazda though is doing its best to do just that at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show taking place in early March.
The Japanese automaker will be presenting a new model at the show, and still no one knows exactly what form it will take. Today the company stated simply that it would introduce a new SUV, and accompanied that announcement with a single teaser image.
Just to add to the mystery, the company described the vehicle as “the second model in its new-generation lineup”.
The only other clue? It will be compact-sized.
Now, the first thing that comes to mind is that this could be the next-gen CX-3. Logically the model is due to be refreshed with the adoption of the new Mazda3’s revised lines and vital organs under the hood. At the same time, rumours to the effect that the new generation will take on volume leads us to explore another possibility.
It’s possible, in other words, that Mazda is previewing the unveiling of a model that could carry the CX-4 nameplate. It’s worth noting that the current CX-3 offers less interior space than the Mazda3. Now that that model has been fitted with all-wheel drive, there could be no more room at the Mazda inn for the CX-3 as it currently exists.
A reworked, larger version would seem to make sense.
Mazda provided a few other crumbs of information, namely that the new model would be infused with the Kodo design language that spans the company’s new lineup, and that it would feature the latest advances in SKYACTIV technologies.
Stay tuned for the Geneva show next month (and maybe a few more teasers along the way!).