- Mazda says second-generation CX-3 goes into production in Thailand in 2027.
- Tiny SUV should get mild-hybrid power and Vision-X Compact concept looks.
- Current CX-3 survives in some markets but vanished from US, Europe years ago.
Mazda’s smallest SUV is officially getting a second act. After more than a decade on sale and years of rumors predicting its demise, the automaker has confirmed an all-new CX-3 will arrive in 2027.
The announcement appeared in Mazda’s latest financial presentation, where the company confirmed it will “introduce the next-generation CX-3” next year to strengthen its position in the high-volume compact SUV segment. Another slide revealed production plans for the model at the AutoAlliance Thailand plant are “progressing smoothly.”
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The current CX-3 has become something of an automotive survivor. Introduced in 2014, the crossover disappeared from Europe and the United States in the early 2020s, largely overshadowed by the larger CX-30. But markets including Australia, Southeast Asia, and Mexico kept demand alive long enough for Mazda to justify a complete redesign.
Mazda still isn’t saying much about the hardware underneath. However, the company has repeatedly emphasized a “multi-solution strategy” blending electrification, hybrid technology, and combustion engines depending on regional demand. That strongly hints the new CX-3 will feature at least mild-hybrid, and possibly full-hybrid options, but definitely nothing fully electric.
Design Teasers
There are also clues from Mazda about how it might look. Earlier sketches shown during Mazda’s Thailand investment announcement in February 2025 (seen above) previewed a small crossover with smoother surfacing than today’s CX-3, rounded taillights, and styling cues inspired by the latest CX-5.
The Vision X-Compact concept shown later that year in Japan (see gallery below) added more hints, and though Mazda officially described that vehicle as a tiny city hatchback, you can bet the basic design themes will form the basis of the CX-3’s look. The Vision-X’s 99-inch (2,515 mm) wheelbase is slightly smaller than the 101.2-inch stretch (2,570 mm) of steel between today’s CX-3’s axles.
Mazda’s own documents say the new CX-3 is being developed partly to reinforce Thailand’s role as an export hub for Japan and ASEAN markets. Australia will almost certainly remain a priority too, especially since the current model still sells surprisingly well there despite its age. But don’t count on it appearing on US roads.
