Mazda has revealed the 2015 Mazda CX-3 on the eve of the LA Motor Show, announcing its compact SUV would go on-sale mid-2015.

MAZDA HAS UNVEILED the 2015 Mazda CX-3 at the LA Motor Show today, which Mazda claims “perfectly hits the target in a rapidly growing segment of the market”.

“These are heady times for Mazda, with profits and sales exceeding expectations and targets both in the U.S. and globally,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Irvine, Mazda North American Operations.

“CX-3 complements the Mazda lineup, as it perfectly hits the target in a rapidly growing segment in the industry. Customers are shopping for vehicles that are fun to drive, great to look at, fit their busy lifestyles and are an outstanding value, both at purchase and when it comes time to trade it in, making every Mazda a smart choice.”

Mazda says its CX-3 will be available with either a 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv petrol engine or a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine – power and fuel consumption will be announced closer to the launch in mid-2015 and are being tailored to suit the specific market. These will be mated to Mazda’s SkyActiv-Drive automatic and manual transmissions. The CX-3 will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive.

Following recent Mazda launches, Mazda2 and MX-5, the CX-3 features the usual KODO – Soul of Motion design language with its fluid styling, sculpted flanks and coupe-like profile. The CX-3 measures 4275mm long, 1550mm high, 1765mm wide and has a 2750mm wheelbase. Based on size, the 2015 CX-3 is likely to go head-to-head with Nissan’s Juke and Subaru’s XV.

Inside, the cabin seems to borrow from the MX-5 with its driver-focussed dashboard, there’s head-up display and Mazda’s floating touch screen multi-media unit (seven inches wide) with Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, reception of short text messages and digital radio, as well as MZD Connect which is Mazda’s in-car connectivity system.

Like other recent Mazda releases employing Mazda’s SkyActiv suite of technology, the CX-3 built out of high-strength lightweight steel (63%) with a further 29% constructed from very high-strength steel. Mazda says its tuned the CX-3 to perform in town and on “gently curving rural roads”, with a torsion beam rear suspension set-up and front and rear dampers that have been set to deliver “linear handling”. We’ll know more closer to the launch in 2015.