It looked so good that all the other models in the manufacturer’s line-up paled in comparison.
So, they had no choice but to work on makeovers for their other models, using their innovative Kodo - Soul of Motion design.
At the recent 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda finally unveiled its new CX-3 along with its all-new open-top two-seater sports car MX-5 (known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan) and the updated Mazda6 and CX-5 to keep up with the trend.
Both the facelifted Mazda6 and the new CX-5 are head-turners but the CX-3 was still the best-looker of the lot.
The smaller SUV comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine or the 1.5-litre diesel engine.
Sadly, though, the diesel-powered version will not be sold in Malaysia.
All new models will come with Mazda’s Skyactiv engine, which is said to deliver great performance with little impact on the environment.
At the autoshow, the Mazda folk were all smiles. Crowds thronged the booth, and the focus of attention was the CX-3.
The Los Angeles Times picked it as the best of the newbies while USA Today also had the CX-3 as its top pick among the burgeoning crossover compact SUVs.
The body remains solid, though not as solid as the CX-5, but the CX-3 promises performance that will put others to shame, with better mileage, more leg room and plenty of style.
Mazda programme manager Michio Tomiyama was among those wearing a big smile in downtown Los Angeles.
“Our planning volume is 150,00 units a year. Of that, 10% will be sold in Japan.
“What is happening now is that dealers are fighting with each other over orders. We may have to sell more in Japan.
“But there are no plans to increase production volume as 150,000 is about right for our plant in Japan,” he said.
Tomiyama believes the market for compact SUV is set to bloom and Mazda now has the headstart on its competitors.
“While we have a wide range of cars for any kind of driver, we felt that the compact SUV was a niche we had not covered. This is a car for young families and young couples.”
Car designer Yoichi Matsuda said the new CX-3 design took 13 months to be translated from the idea board to the vehicle.
He said that although it was smaller, the compact car was designed in such a way that occupants could sit comfortably.
The interior is lovingly designed with leather everywhere, and a stitched look throughout.
There’s comfort too as the sides are padded, making it easy on the thighs and knees.
The tyres are set as far to the front and rear as possible to keep the centre of gravity low, with 18-inch wheels that add style while the windows are much smaller giving a more stylish relation between top and bottom.
It’s almost like a wild animal set to be unleashed.
“Exactly!” saids Hideyuki Saito, Mazda’s Asean public relations general manager.
“The Kodo design is inspired by the cheetah coiling up and springing forward to grab its prey.
“You can see the lines in the CX-3, the Mazda6 and the CX-5.
“The CX-5 is the animal all coiled up. The CX-3 is the animal grabbing its prey,” he said, while mimicking the actions of the animal.
Predator or not, the CX-3 sure has been grabbing attention and headlines in Los Angeles.
It looks to be a sure winner when it hits the Malaysian market in January. — N. DORAIRAJ
