Beijing 2016: Mazda CX-4 Debuts – Hiroshima’s Interpretation Of A BMW X4

After months of spyshots overload, many of which we strongly believe were planted by Mazda themselves, the Mazda CX-4 has finally made its world debut at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. The CX-4 will go on sale in China in June this year.

Riding on the same 2,700 mm wheelbase as the familiar CX-5, the five-seater CX-4 is Mazda’s attempt to marry the stylish attributes of a coupe while retaining a high seating position that’s preferred by many urban SUV owners – Mazda’s take on the BMW X4 if you may.

Compared to the CX-5, the CX-4 has a significantly lower roofline, standing 135 mm lower (for models with roof rail). Width however, remains the same at 1,840 mm. The A-pillars are also blacked out, giving it a 'floating roofline' illusion.

Power comes from a 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine, paired to either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission driving all four wheels via Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system. However, we understand that a 2.0-litre version could be introduced later.

Inside, the CX-4 features an electric parking brake, allowing Mazda to introduce an Auto Hold function for easier driving in traffic jams. It’s also a lot more spacious than the CX-3, and the rear has an air-conditioning vent too.

For now, the CX-4 is only available in China, produced exclusively at the FAW-Mazda joint venture plant in Changchun. It’s not even available in Mazda’s home market Japan.

Mazda has not made any firm plans to introduce the model outside of China, but Carlist.my understands that understands that several Mazda distributors from around the world have expressed their interest for the model and are looking into a business case for the CX-4.