This Is Why The Mazda CX-30 Isn’t Called The CX-4

At the Geneva Motor Show, Mazda unexpectedly unveiled an all-new SUV dubbed the CX-30. Not only was the vehicle itself a surprise, but its name was too.

You see, the Mazda CX-30 has been designed to slot between the CX-3 and CX-5 in Mazda’s family of SUVs. Logically, it should be called the CX-4. There’s only one small issue. Mazda already builds a CX-4.

That’s right, the Japanese manufacturer already has a CX-4 in its line-up which happens to be sold exclusively in China. Rather than calling the CX-30 the CX-4 and selling two different vehicles with the same name in different markets, Mazda told Car&Driver that it had to think of something new.

Maybe it should be called the Mazda CX-3.5

Mazda decided to look at the BT-50 mid-size pickup truck for inspiration as the company’s only vehicle with a four-character alphanumeric badge. Eager to combine this with its existing CX prefix to denote its crossover and SUV family, Mazda tacked a 0 onto the end. Thus, the Mazda CX-30.

Confusing name aside, the Mazda CX-30 does have quite a lot going for it.

For starters, it looks good thanks to the automaker’s Kodo design language. In addition, we’re told that it will be powered by Mazda’s latest range of Skyactive engines, including the innovative Skyactiv-X powertrain. Certain specifics remain unclear but we have an inkling 1.5-liter, 2.0-liter, and 2.5-liter engines will make up the petrol family. Europe is also tipped to get a 1.8-liter diesel.

Prices for the Mazda CX-30 should slot between the $20,390 entry price for the smaller CX-3 and the $24,350 demanded by an entry-level CX-5.