Mazda's next SUV model will come packing rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and a 3.0-litre straight-six engine. This is courtesy of the marque's all-new platform that will underpin most, if not all of its upcoming models. Said platform is scalable to cater to different product group sizes.

Reports coming out of Nikkei indicate that Mazda’s all-new platform is set to enter production early in 2022. Models wrought from this platform are expected to hit the markets in early 2023.

We hope this piece of news brings Mazda some respite from its current situation. This all-new platform gets us all excited as it will incorporate a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout (FR), paired to new straight-six engines to boot. 

The new engines will come in the form of petrol (SkyActiv X included) and diesel versions, ranging from 3.0 to 3.3-litres, mated to a mild hybrid 48V system. Electric powertrains will also feature at some point, partnered with Mazda’s iconic rotary engine as a range-extender.

Whilst this all-new platform was initially conceived for a sports sedan (like the Mazda 6), priority now goes into spawning high-volume SUV models to succeed the Mazda CX-5, CX-8, or CX-9. However, don’t be surprised if the new models are positioned to be more premium and sold alongside existing popular ones, like the Mazda CX-30 overlapping the CX-3. Could we see the introduction of a Mazda CX-50, or CX-80 perhaps?

Despite Mazda’s current struggles, it’s quite refreshing to see that there’s still plenty of fight in them. For the longest time, Mazda has taken the road less travelled, giving us some wonderful driver’s cars along the way. Let’s hope consumers will respond positively to this new wave of models.

There are also whispers of this platform being shared with Toyota that will form the basis of their own FR models as well. A rear-wheel-drive Mazda 6 with a Lexus IS/GS twin? Consider us intrigued.