Looking like a mix of a 2010 Volvo xc60 and the 2015 Nissan Murano, Mazda has introduced the all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3, a compact crossover aimed to compete with the Nissan Juke, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tuscon, and new Honda HR-V.

Sharing a platform with the new Mazda 2, the CX-3 features an aggressive snout and a muted back end making it appear to be the gnarly little brother of the CX-5.

CX-3 is, says Mazda, “a vehicle to suit the customer’s creative lifestyle in any scene, from inner-city driving to enjoying the great outdoors.”

The new compact crossover has a wheelbase of 101.2″ on 18″ wheels driven by Mazda’s 2-liter Skyactiv naturally aspirated four-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic and will not be available in a manual transmission.

Its interior is styled to be upscale looking featuring a driver-oriented layout and 7″ high-resolution infotainment touch-screen controlled by a knob with much styling nearly identical to the Mazda 2. Second row stadium seating is said to be a “cozy fit for two,” by USA Today.

The CX-3 is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in mid-late 2015.

images courtesy of Mazda