Mazda CX-3 Confirmed, Mazda5 Axed
Mazda is shaking up its lineup in the next two years, introducing one all new model and killing off another.
According to Automotive News, Mazda will be phasing out the Mazda5 small van in 2015, while in 2016, the brand will introduce the CX-3 subcompact crossover.
With the rise of the crossover, the entire van segment has shrunk, and Mazda5 sales have been on the decline since 2011, the ultimate reason for its demise. On the flip side, the subcompact crossover segment where the CX-3 will compete is growing rapidly right now. Cars like the Buick Encore and Nissan Juke are already on the market while Honda is getting ready to enter with the HR-V.
SEE ALSO: Mazda Poised to Introduce CX-3 Small Crossover
The CX-3 will be based on the Mazda2 platform, and will get its power from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It will have upright SUV style traits to differentiate it from the five-door Mazda3. The CX-3 will go on sale in North America by June of 2015 as a 2016 model year vehicle.
[Source: Automotive News]
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