Entering a burgeoning segment and taking on some formidable competitors, the CX-3 is likely to offer a choice between the 2's 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a possible upgrade to the company's 2.0-liter engine that will be found in the next Miata. Expect the CX-3 to be front-wheel drive, with AWD an option with the unit. Like the 2, the CX-3 is likely to be built in Mexico.
If the CX-3 is indeed slated for the American market, it will be meeting some tough competition from other leading manufacturers who have joined the fashionable small-crossover faceoff. These include the Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500X and the Honda HR-V. Mazda will also be showing facelifted versions of the Mazda6 and CX-5 in Los Angeles.