Report: Mazda Koeru Concept Previews New Sporty Crossover Model

When the Mazda Koeru concept debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show in September, many thought it previewed the redesigned three-row Mazda CX-9 crossover, which was shown at the Los Angeles auto show last month. But now, a new report suggests the concept previews a possible all-new sporty crossover model.

"It's a totally new car. It's a lower, sporty SUV. It's close to a wagon," Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai toldAutomotive News. "The CX-9 rides higher. So does the CX-3 and CX-5. [The Koeru] aims to generate more driving pleasure."

See All 15 Photos15

When the Koeru concept debuted, we noted that it was much shorter than the current CX-9, which has a 113.2-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 200.6 inches. The Koeru concept rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and is 181.1 inches long -- slightly larger than the compact CX-5 crossover. Kogai said the Koeru concept is unrelated to any existing model in the automaker's lineup and would sit next to the CX-5 as a sportier option.

"That kind of genre," Kogai said referring to the Subaru Outback. "We'd like to see how it is evaluated globally, so we are collecting customer feedback."

Subaru has sold more Outback crossovers in the U.S. in the first 11 months of the year than Mazda has sold CX-3, CX-5, and CX-9 models combined.

Should Mazda make a sportier companion to the CX-5?

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

See All 15 Photos15