Mazda has confirmed that the sleek CX-4 SUV which debuted earlier this year in China won’t be available in Europe.

While speaking with Autocar recently, Mazda research and development boss Kiyoshi Fujiwara confirmed that the model was designed distinctly with the Chinese market in mind and has a bold design to suit.

“China is a market where there are all sorts of different vehicles, so you need a distinctive product,” he said.

Although it was revealed that the model won’t arrive in Europe, no word was given on whether it will eventually be offered outside of China, but it seems unlikely, as originally expected.

Compared to the recently-updated CX-5, the CX-4 has a number of styling similarities but is slightly longer and perhaps most importantly, has a steeply tapered roof line and rear window, giving it a slightly sportier vibe.

In China, it is currently available with a 156 hp 2.0-liter petrol-powered four-cylinder and a petrol 189 hp 2.5-liter four.

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