Mazda counts on design, driving dynamics for CX-30 success

GENEVA -- Mazda hopes design and driving dynamics will give its CX-30 an advantage over rivals in the booming compact SUV segment.

The CX-30 has the "flowing beauty of a coupe" despite its SUV proportions, Mazda said, as the SUV was unveiled at the auto show here on Wednesday.

Mazda said the CX-30 will be a 'core model' in its range, positioned between the CX-3 and CX-5.

It will go on sale in Europe in the summer and will be rolled out to global markets. The SUV will reach the U.S. early next year, motoring press reports said.

Mazda said a U.S. sale date has not yet been announced.

Mazda said the CX-30's improved all-wheel-drive and vectoring control systems enhance traction and grip while offering real-world fuel economy almost as good as a front-wheel drive vehicle.

The CX-30 is 4395 mm long, 1795 mm wide and 1530 mm tall. Its luggage capacity is 430 liters.

Like the new Mazda3, the CX-30's powertrain lineup offers a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a mild hybrid system and a 1.8-liter diesel engine.

A Skyactiv-X engine with spark-controlled compression ignition technology will debut by the end of this year, Mazda CEO Akira Marumoto said.

Mazda says Skyactiv-X combines the best traits of diesel and gasoline engines.