It was rumored a while ago that Mazda is working on yet another small crossover to add to its existing lineup, the CX-5.
Well it was originally thought that the CX-5 would share its platform with the Mazda3, but now according to new information from the guys over at Pistonheads, Mazda may be looking at a rear-wheel-drive platform for the small crossover.
Mazda’s European boss, James Muir told Pistonheads “I do see SUVs getting smaller and being more car-like in their behavior. Maybe we can look at rear-wheel-drive platform sharing and we have a rear-wheel-drive platform with the MX-5.”
The crossover is expected at the Paris Motor Show next year. The good news is that the CX-5 should replace the boring Tribute in Mazda's lineup.
Full Story: Pistonheads
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Comments (9)
SUV Miata (yea, I'll keep calling it that till i die)? how wonderfully perverse... mazda just may pull that off...
Posted by SVT | November 27, 2007 6:52 PM
Posted on November 27, 2007 18:52
@SVT:
Mazda may had hit pay dirt with this. Plus it can share the costs of the miata platform
Posted by longdxcommuter | November 27, 2007 9:42 PM
Posted on November 27, 2007 21:42
Just try to look out of the front window.... No way could they build anything like that.
Posted by Steve | November 28, 2007 6:27 AM
Posted on November 28, 2007 06:27
YACS. Yet Another Crossover SUV.
Sigh. What the heck happened to the Kabura? Make that instead!
Posted by Dan | November 28, 2007 6:56 AM
Posted on November 28, 2007 06:56
I don't see anything particularly wrong with a small rear-wheel drive SUV but this thing is ugly. The front reminds me of a humpback whale
Posted by D! | November 28, 2007 7:42 AM
Posted on November 28, 2007 07:42
I do balk at the idea of yet another crossover SUV, and would normally shake my head at the idea of using the MX-5 (Miata) platform.
However I know that when they made the new Miata, they were looking at it from a platform-sharing point of view. So may have had this in mind for years.
Now, with that bit of rationality out of the way, I will rail against the whole concept of platform sharing in general, and this one in particular. A lightweight sports car should be designed for that purpose, and only that purpose. An SUV, even a lightweight 'crossover' one, should be over engineered for more rugged use, which means more weight, the arch nemesis of any sports car. Platform sharing betwixt the two is an atrocious idea.
Ah, I feel better now. :)
Posted by kw | November 28, 2007 9:38 AM
Posted on November 28, 2007 09:38
Getting rid of the Tribute is a good move. This thing needs a redesigned front end, though. It could be nice after that. I also agree that sharing a sports car chassis is a compromise at best, unless they accept from the outset that this vehicle will never see a dirt road. Maybe a high-riding, small station wagon? Bleh. I understand the affinity for viewing height in a vehicle, but to me it isn't worth the sacrifice in handling and survivability.
Posted by Kell | November 28, 2007 10:17 AM
Posted on November 28, 2007 10:17
What is it smiling at?
Posted by Peanut | November 28, 2007 5:08 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 17:08
Just to let you guys know, that picture is of a concept that will never see the light of day. The CX-5 may have the same basic shape but won't look anything like that.
Posted by Mathew | November 28, 2007 8:50 PM
Posted on November 28, 2007 20:50