Photo of 2016 CX-3 by Paul Clinton.

Photo of 2016 CX-3 by Paul Clinton.

Mazda became the latest automaker to enter the compact SUV vehicle segment with its 2016 CX-3 debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The four-door SUV slots beneath the CX-5 in its lineup and comes with a  2.0-liter, four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that Mazda says, “achieves excellent fuel economy, a direct feel similar to that of a manual transmission and powerful acceleration.”

The CX-3 can be optioned with an AWD system that employs the same active torque control coupling used on the CX-5 to achieve better drivability and stability. Mazda says the CX-3 is designed to suit a customer’s lifestyle “from inner city driving to enjoying the great outdoors.”

It also features Mazda’s i-ACTIVESENSE advanced safety technology which uses sensors to actively identify potential risks early to reduce the chance of damage or injury.

The SUV embodies what Mazda calls its KODO design philosophy which emphasizes the “soul of motion.” With a long, pronounced nose, and curvaceous body, Mazda says it was uncompromising when refining the proportions to its standards of beauty.

The Mazda CX-3 will go on sale globally in spring 2015, starting in Japan.

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