New compact Mazda SUV to make LA debut

The Mazda CX-3 will be the Japanese company's star car at the upcoming LA Auto Show and is yet another crossover looking to cash in on drivers' newfound love of SUV styling applied to smaller cars.

It looks as if 2014 will be remembered as the year of the mini off-roader. The Paris motor show, which only came to an end on October 19, saw several high-profile crossovers unveiled, including the Fiat 500X, and it looks as if when the LA Auto Show gets underway on November 18, we will be treated to more of the same.

Although Mazda has released the first official sketch of its car, which is clearly meant to be a competitor to the Nissan Juke, other details are sketchy although the company is hinting that the CX-3 will have a sporty feel and use the same SKYACTIVE engine and chassis technology found in its wonderful little open top roadster, the MX-5.

That also means that the car will be frugal and efficient and so a great utilitarian alternative to a city car. However, there are no clues as to whether it will boast any actual off-road capabilities other than elevated ride and higher ground clearance.

As well as the global premiere of the CX-3, the LA show will also mark the US debut of the aforementioned MX-5 and a first showing of a face-lifted Mazda6 sedan.