Compact crossover hits the road in 2015

The carmaker previewed the CX-3 ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the public Friday. The new SUV employs Mazda's Skyactiv environmental technology and will have a gasoline engine in the U.S. The company aims to sell 150,000 units a year in more than 120 countries and regions. Prices will be announced later.

Mazda is enjoying strong sales of both the CX-5 SUV and the redesigned Demio, a mainstay subcompact car sold as the Mazda2 outside Japan. It aims to make crossover SUVs, suited to urban and outdoor driving alike, another mainstay.

(Nikkei)