There are no too many details on the 2021 Mazda CX-4. The concept was introduced back in 2016 and since then only Chinese buyers can purchase the crossover. We expect the expansion of the market and availability of the CX-4 in more regions, including the US.
The vehicle is pretty interesting. It is something between a crossover SUV and the station wagon. The CX-4 wouldn’t be the first such model in the market. Subaru Outback is taking advantage of its unique styling and design. Now, another Japanese company is considering entering the segment. So, the lack of competition is one of the main reasons why Mazda should take this move.
The 2021 Mazda CX-4 will be positioned between CX-3 and CX-5, which is not hard to conclude. The crossover is going to combine the best elements from both siblings. However, it will wear the pros and cons of larger/smaller vehicles, including increased fuel economy compared to the CX-3, or lack of power compared to the CX-5.
What Do We Know So Far?
Mazda has been a player for ages. However, recently other companies took over the priority in the market. The Japanese company restored its fame when the new CX-5 entered the dealerships. Cool look and new engines offered something unique to buyers. The success of the compact crossover made the carmaker move on. Now, we have a smaller CX-3 and a larger CX-9. But, the market is hungry for more vehicles. Crossovers and SUVs are killing other segments with their versatility. So, more companies are joining the party and the competition in every class is more than tough.
Still, the 2021 Mazda CX-4 will have its chances. First of all, there is a great history of the carmaker and the success of the CX-5. Then, we must underline the SkyActiv technology, which maximizes the performance of engines. Petrol units are as economical as diesels, while oil-burners are not polluting the air as much as we could expect.
The position between CX-3 and CX-5 as the station wagon is not surprising. Other companies are also creating sub-tiers and launch vehicles between standard segments. Also, we can expect more news from Mazda. The loudest one is the comeback of the CX-7, which is available in Japan as CX-8. The carmaker will slowly fill all the CX- lineup with a variety of crossovers and SUVs.
2021 Mazda CX-4 Possible Engines
In China, the crossover debuted with 2.0 and 2.5 four-cylinder engines. Both are gasoline units based on the SkyActiv technology. A 2.0-liter displacement is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to front wheels. The total output of this system is 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Compared to CX-3, the new crossover wagon is slightly more potent. The Chinese version will reach 120 mph of max speed and the small engine needs 9.5 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint.
The SkyActiv-G 2.5 model is using the same engine as the CX-5. Again, the 2021 Mazda CX-4 is going to be more powerful with 192 hp (CX-5 gains 187 ponies). The powerplant also produces 186 lb-ft of twist and accelerates to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. The same 6-speed transmission sends energy to the front or all wheels.
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2021 Mazda CX-4 Diesel and Hybrid
The new crossover might take another step to separate itself from siblings. A diesel engine is also part of the lineup and it is available for the CX-5 in the USA. In most other markets this is the most popular option when buyers are configuring their ride. 170 horsepower is not bringing some special boost, but the torque goes up to 290 lb-ft. Also, the fuel economy is exceptional and one of the reasons why it is so popular.
Nevertheless, the Japanese company is following modern trends, not only in design and infotainment technology but also the powertrain solutions. The hybrid crossover is something we can hear more often in the last couple of years. However, engineers are yet to deliver such configuration for the flagship CX-5 model. The arrival of the 2021 Mazda CX-4 Hybrid might speed up things for other vehicles as well. Since the wagon SUV is going to stand out with its design, engineers could spice it up with the unique engine setup. Mazda joined forces with Isuzu and one of the main priorities for both companies is to become competitive in the future. Hybrid and electric cars are overtaking the automotive industry, so the way of development is obvious.
Conclusion
Rumors about the 2021 Mazda CX-4 stand on thin ice. There are no signs that the Japanese company intends to move the sales outside China. But, all the other facts are indicating that lineup upgrades are required, and it will be less expensive to modify the existing model than to build a new one. Well, the CX-5 will be the fresh release for every country except China.