Mazda Plans Small RWD SUV

What you would think is inconceivable may just become reality. Mazda, according to Pistonheads, is planning to build a small SUV on the rear-wheel-drive Mazda MX-5 platform. The new RWD SUV is set for a 2008 Paris Motor Show world premiere.

Pistonheads seem to have had a brief talk with European Mazda boss James Muir and quote him saying: “I do see SUVs getting smaller and being more car-like in their behaviour. Maybe we can look at rear-wheel-drive platform sharing and we have a rear-wheel-drive platform with the MX-5.”

Mazda has been developing light-weight high-tensile steel and lighter weight powertrains in order to build a small, and ultmately lightweight SUV.

In our archives we found an artist rendering of the CX-5 which seems to fit reasonably well with the description James Muir gives, although styling may be entirely different of course.


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Whelan - 11/27/2007 10:39:46 AM

-2 Boost

Once again Ford misses out. They should seriously start putting different sheet metal on Mazda's and call them Fords.

Like the 3 could have easily been made into a decent Focus

The 5 is the SMAXX in Europe, just give one to Ford with a regular rear door instead of a slider, just like the Euro version.

The CX-9 is a version of what the Explorer should be. But Ford decided to keep the truck roots and make it even bulkier than it's ever been. A cheap oversized bad mpg loser.

The Miata would make a sexy Ford variant if they wanted. A small coupe roadster, something Ford has not done at least in my time. Oh wait the Mercury Capri which was a good seller.

Luxurious - 11/27/2007 10:51:09 AM

+1 Boost

Mazda CX-9 = Ford Edge = Lincoln MKX

M35MT - 11/27/2007 12:40:50 PM

+2 Boost

Yet I'm glad they're NOT. Mazda has their sh*t together. They've found their niche in the market, and have distinctive design. Ford doesnt need to rip anyone off, they need to figure it out themself. Oh, and the euro-Focus does share components with the Mazda3, although the US spec is completely different.

Rupert - 11/28/2007 11:59:44 AM

+1 Boost

The 5 is in fact not related to the S-Max in Europe - both are sold here, and the S max is considerably bigger.
I think the 5 is based off the 3, and the S-max is based off the Mondeo.

Godgore - 11/29/2007 4:39:23 PM

+1 Boost

How about a Mazdaspeed CX-7?

Whelan - 11/27/2007 11:19:33 AM

+1 Boost

Oh, I thought the Edge and MKX were based off the CX-7. Either way the Edge and MKX are bland and tasteless peas on a plate of steak and lobster.

M35MT - 11/27/2007 12:44:01 PM

+1 Boost

If anyone can pull this off at a competitve price, it's Mazda. That concept CX-5 doesnt look too bad either, other than the fact that it looks a bit high off the ground.

Now this makes you think...what about a small rear drive coupe/sedan? (think BMW 1 series). That could work for them...but it would be out of place because of no real competition, unless you compare it to the 1 series, and I know no one on this website likes the sound of that.

DaHarder - 11/27/2007 4:50:25 PM

0 Boost

This vehicle certainly looks cool, but I don't consider any vehicle that isn't FWD/AWD a true Sport Utility Vehicle.

Just call it what it is... A 5-Door!

MtlMotors - 11/27/2007 6:34:51 PM

+1 Boost

Really cool idea...lightweight SUV on MX-5 platform. Maybe a low cost BMW X6 competitor (when speaking of vehicle dynamics, not luxury of course)

M35MT - 11/28/2007 8:02:04 AM

+1 Boost

Or EX35, which I believe is on a RWD platform that can be purchased in 2WD trim.

StickShiftCamry - 11/28/2007 10:07:41 PM

+1 Boost

If this RWD comes out by the time my CX-7 lease is done...DEC - '08. Also use the 6MT from the MX-5, can't wait.

StickShiftCamry - 11/28/2007 10:13:25 PM

+1 Boost

Naa, probably not gonna be RWD, and not till 2010.