Mazda Australia Managing Director Martin Benders has confirmed that an entry-level Mazda CX-3 crossover is on the way.

Mazda CX-3 Crossover ‘not far away’

Speaking with The Motor Report, Benders said that SUVs are a compelling segment for the company. “There’s opportunity there (in the compact SUV segment), absolutely. We’ve made it clear that it’s an area we’d like to be represented in.”

Although Benders didn’t give a specific time when this model will come, other reports have pointed to the model coming out in 2015 or 2016, together with five other new models from the company.

Official details are yet to be released, but it’s believed the model will come with a range of new high-compression 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and turbo-diesel engines in six-speed manual and automatic transmission guise. It might also share its platform with the new Mazda2, and its styling cues are likely be taken from the ‘Kodo’ styling language now common across the Mazda range.

We will keep you updated on any new developments regarding the launch of the model.

*Pictured is the 2013 Mazda CX-5.