Mazda CX-4: The Beautiful Stranger
I am behind the wheel of a new Mazda model, fresh out of inspection and showing only 250km on the odometer. Sadly, the old days of official imports have not returned. Instead, thanks to parallel imports, dealers have brought in hundreds of cars from China, making them available in cities across the country.
The story of the Mazda CX-4 began in 2015 with the Koeru concept car. For Mazda, it was the first crossover-coupé, and among the pioneers in the mainstream segment. The production version, known as the CX-4, debuted in 2016—but oddly, it was made exclusively for the Chinese market, leaving the rest of the world without Mazda’s stylish cross-coupé.
Is it possible that a seven-year-old car feels new to us? Surprisingly, yes. The CX-4’s sleek, dynamic silhouette still looks impressive today.
In terms of size, the CX-4 is 87mm shorter than the standard CX-5. The wheelbase remains the same at 2,700mm, but the CX-4’s height is just 1,524mm—much closer to the Mazda 6 sedan (1,450mm) than to the taller CX-5 (1,680mm).
Interior and Features
The dashboard closely resembles that of the previous-generation Mazda 3 (2013), featuring decent material quality: a soft-touch upper section and eco-leather trim on the sides of the center console. The central armrest, however, is notably short, often leaving your elbow resting near the cupholders.
A distinctive element is the protective black plastic cladding encircling the lower body—not a karate black belt, but practical nonetheless.
Upon measuring, ground clearance to the plastic engine guard is an impressive 210mm—5mm more than a Patriot! Official specs confirm: 206mm for the front-wheel-drive version, dropping to 188mm on AWD models.
How Chinese Is It?
There is little to distinguish the Chinese origin at first glance—no extra chrome, no Chinese badging. Only the FAW logo, Mazda’s Chinese partner, is visible on the glass, next to the familiar Mazda insignia.
The AWD version is paired with a naturally aspirated 2.5L engine (192hp), which is not yet imported. The model reviewed here is a front-wheel-drive CX-4 with a 2.0L engine producing 158hp. In Chinese specification, it is actually eight horsepower more than the Russian SkyActiv version, but with 8Nm less torque (202Nm). On the road, the difference is negligible, with acceleration to 100km/h matching the 2.0L Mazda 6 sedan at 10.5 seconds. While not a sports car, the combination with a 6-speed automatic delivers steady, confident performance.
A notable Chinese feature: the CX-4 is rated for AI-92 fuel. However, with a 13:1 compression ratio, it would be wise to use higher-octane AI-95.
Chassis and Comfort
The suspension setup is well-balanced, absorbing bumps and speed bumps effectively, aided by high-profile tires. Steering feel is difficult to assess in snow and icy ruts, but the ESP system intervenes reasonably, allowing controlled sliding.
Acoustic comfort is average for Asian cars—wheel arches could use better insulation, but wind noise is well controlled, thanks in part to double-glazed front windows.
Equipment and Trims
In Russia, the Mazda CX-4 is priced from 3 million to 3.5 million rubles, depending on configuration. Considering that almost no new foreign car costs less than 2 million rubles in Russia outside Chinese brands, the CX-4 is particularly appealing.
Base models feature manual climate controls and a standard radio (not a touchscreen), but include six airbags, ESP, blind spot monitoring, a sunroof with a black headliner, LED headlights, and cruise control.
The mid-level trim (as tested) adds multimedia, dual-zone climate control, front parking sensors, and four cameras. However, features like steering wheel heating, automatic headlights and wipers are absent, and the steering wheel itself is plastic—even in cars with leather interiors, which, lacking seat heating, is a questionable trade-off.
Higher trims exist (with head-up display, automatic high beams, heated seats, etc.), but these are rare here.
Reliability
The naturally aspirated engine and conventional automatic transmission are hallmarks of Mazda’s reputation for reliability (personal experience: the brand has been in my family since 2005). Mechanically similar models have been sold officially for years, ensuring the availability of service and spare parts. While these cars arrive without a factory warranty, dealers offer two years of free repairs if serviced at their centers.
Distinctive Features and Pricing
The CX-4’s liftback body provides style and 210mm of ground clearance (with 215/60 R17 winter tires; switching to the original 225/65 R17 increases clearance by another 10mm). Its design includes a “floating roof” effect, thanks to blacked-out A-pillars.
Mazda’s Chinese lineup is broader than what’s officially available elsewhere, including models like the Atenza (Mazda 6), CX-5, CX-8, and CX-30, alongside the CX-4.
Russian versions are priced at 2.99 million rubles and up, while in China, similar CX-4 models range from 1.5–1.7 million rubles for base to mid-level trims, and 2.5 AWD versions cost less than 2.2 million. After import, nearly all prices double, which seems to be standard practice regardless of the car’s status.
Specifications (Mazda CX-4 2.0 2WD)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Length/Width/Height | 4,637/1,855/1,524mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700mm |
| Trunk Volume | 400–1,228L |
| Curb Weight | 1,493kg |
| Engine | 2.0L, I4, 16 valves |
| Power Output | 158hp at 6,400rpm |
| Torque | 202Nm at 4,000rpm |
| 0–100 km/h | 10.5s |
| Top Speed | 192km/h |
| Fuel Type/Capacity | AI-92/45L |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 6.3L/100km |
| Drivetrain/Transmission | FWD, 6-speed auto |
| Ground Clearance | 206mm (claimed) |
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Reliable powertrain, tuned suspension, generous ground clearance.
- Cons: Unusual equipment combinations, no factory warranty.
While the Mazda CX-4 is officially produced and sold only in China, thanks to parallel imports it is now available in Russia. For now, it combines style, practicality, and proven reliability, albeit at a premium price by the time it reaches Russian roads.