Mazda’s new CX-4 is half wagon, half crossover, and mostly beautiful. Alas, “sexy but unavailable” doesn’t only refer to the dating market.

BEIJING, CHINA — The Mazda Motor Corporation debuted it’s new funky crossover, the CX-4, at this year’s Beijing motor show. Though the car will be launched in China in two months, sadly, it might not make its way to Singapore. It’s currently for the Chinese market only.

The territory is obviously an important one for Mazda. Nobuhide Inamoto, Mazda’s director and senior managing executive officer for China said that the CX-4 is the fourth installment of Mazda’s new generation of products for the country — which according to Bloomberg, is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), after Russia.

In accordance with Mazda’s new design theme “Tamashido (Kodo) — Soul of Motion”, the all-new CX-4 resembles the CX-5 with a bobbed tail. But more than than, the CX-4 is essentially a toned-down version of the sleek Koeru concept (pictured below) that debuted at last year’s Frankfurt motor show.

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Apparent on the CX-4 is the Koeru’s distinctive, almost fastback-like silhouette which made the transition from concept to production with only minor modifications.

Its front end is markedly toned down, but remains faithful to Mazda’s Kodo design language by adopting styling cues such as thin, swept-back headlights and a shield-shaped grille accented by a chrome frame. The rear fascia is characterised by slim tail lamps connected by a strip of chrome trim.

Its headlights and grille evoke the 3, while the side and rear windows appear to be scaled-up versions of the 3’s greenhouse, with the CX-4 getting an extra quarter window in the C-pillar.

Inside the CX-4, you’ll find Mazda’s familiar three-pod instrument cluster, and an infotainment screen that pops up from the top of the dashboard. There is also a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel.

The new CX-4’s external dimensions are 4,633mm (length) by 1,840mm (width) by 1,535mm (height), and shares the CX-5’s wheelbase of 2,700mm. We suspect this funky crossover to be a little less spacious than the CX-5 because of its fastback silhouette.

Entry-level models are expected to use a 2.0-litre Skyactiv four-cylinder engine rated at 155hp, with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic.

More expensive variants will benefit from a 2.5-litre Skyactiv four cylinder that generates 192bhp but comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission.

There are other good looking crossovers like the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and BMW X4 that embody a similar ‘half wagon, half crossover’ feel. But we’re guessing the CX-4 will cost half as much. For now, though, you’ll have to move to China to buy one.

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