Mazda Drawings Suggest Upcoming Subcompact SUV | Carscoops

      During a press conference in Thailand, Mazda unveiled teasers associated with a significant $150 million investment aimed at producing electrified SUVs.

      Official sketches reveal a mysterious Mazda model that resembles a subcompact crossover. The investment is part of a broader strategy as Mazda’s CEO commits to launching five new products by 2028, with hybrids and electric vehicles included.

      The automaker may have subtly showcased a future SUV in these sketches, which almost went unnoticed. The unnamed model appears compact and features dual exhausts, indicating it might be a hybrid rather than fully electric.

      These sketches emerged at an official event in Thailand, where Mazda announced a 5 billion baht ($150 million) investment focused on manufacturing electrified SUVs. Despite the importance of this disclosure, the teasers were not included in the official press release.

      Instead, they were highlighted in a single photograph shared by the Thailand Board of Investment, showing Mazda President and CEO Masahiro Moro alongside Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, holding the illustrations.

      A closer examination of the photograph confirms that the SUV depicted does not belong to the current lineup. The lime green vehicle showcases the latest iteration of Mazda’s design language, presenting a sporty profile. However, design sketches often exaggerate features, making it difficult to ascertain the exact model being referenced.

      From the front, the SUV appears to share design elements with the upcoming next-gen Mazda CX-5, which has been observed testing prior to its anticipated launch later this year. Nonetheless, the rest of the design diverges, with a coupe-like roofline and smaller round taillights hinting at a shift from Mazda’s traditional SUV aesthetics.

      There’s speculation that this could be a successor to the aging CX-3 or the larger CX-30. Additionally, Japanese outlet Creative Trend has suggested the possibility of a smaller Mazda CX-20, although there is no official confirmation regarding such a project.

      Mazda’s CEO hinted at the potential introduction of a new small SUV, promising unique electrified products tailored to Thai customers as the company enhances its role as an export hub for small vehicles, primarily for the Japanese and ASEAN markets.

      The automaker plans to release BEV, PHEV, and hybrid SUVs specific to Thailand. Colleagues from the Thai website Autolife reported additional details from the press conference held on February 14, where the CEO disclosed intentions to launch five new products in Thailand over the next three years, with their silhouettes visible in the background.

      The first product is the all-electric Mazda 6e sedan, set to launch in Thailand in 2025. The following year, Mazda plans to introduce a new fully electric SUV, likely based on the Changan platform, named Mazda CX-6e, alongside a larger plug-in hybrid SUV that resembles the CX-80.

      These will be succeeded by two more SUVs featuring self-charging hybrid systems, expected to be released in 2027 and 2028, respectively. It’s important to note that these launch dates pertain to the Thai market, implying that one of the hybrids could be the forthcoming CX-5, which is slated for unveiling in Japan in late 2025.

      Mazda's investment in Thailand will facilitate the production of up to 100,000 vehicles annually for both local sales and export. With an expanding lineup of electrified models and a fresh strategy for the region, Mazda’s foothold in the ASEAN market is poised for substantial growth.