Mazda just unveiled a brand new crossover at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It's called the CX-30, it's based on the latest Mazda3 hatchback, and it's a really cool addition to the lineup. But why isn't it called the CX-4? Because it would make a lot of sense.

It Slots Between the CX-3 and CX-5

At 4,395 mm long, the CX-30 is 120 mm longer than the CX-3 and 155 mm shorter than the CX-5. It's also 30 mm wider than the CX-3 and 47 mm narrower than the CX-5. Likewise, it's wheelbase is 85 mm longer than the CX-3 and 43 mm shorter than the CX-5. Sounds like a pretty good reason to give this crossover a proper name that's not confusing.

It's already very similar to the CX-3

The CX-30 looks a lot like the Mazda3, which makes sense since the crossover is based on the hatchback. But so does the CX-3, although the latter has yet to borrow features from the latest Mazda3. It will happen soon enough though. And even though it makes sense in the lineup as far as size goes, the CX-30 name is an awkward choice. A CX-4 nameplate would much more sense. What's "0" supposed to mean here? Larger than the CX-3? Does this mean that the Mazda that will slot between the CX-5 and CX-9 will be called the CX-50 instead of CX-7? If this is the case, it's a weird strategy.

Mazda Already Has a CX-4

The fact that the CX-4 exists since 2016 is actually a good thing. European customers are well-aware of the nameplate and Mazda could benefit from the exposure it had in Asia to bring it to Europe. Sure, the CX-4 looks a bit different due to its coupe-like roof, but it's old enough for a mid-cycle facelift. This facelift could have been the CX-30. An upgraded SUV for China and a brand-new model in Europe. It's as simple as that.

The CX-4 would be part of a good naming strategy

The CX-30 disrupts what could have been a good naming strategy. With the existing CX-3, CX-4, and CX-8 and CX-9 and the upcoming CX-7 and possibly a CX-6, Mazda would have adopted a strategy that's already successful with automakers like BMW, which names its crossovers from X1 to X7. But as it stands, Mazda's gameplan is a bit strange as the CX-4 is only offered in China, while the CX-8 is sold in Japan, Malaysia, China, and Australia only.

What do you think? Is the CX-30 an inspired name given that Mazda already offers a similar CX-3? Let me know in the comments section.

2019 Mazda CX-30 Specifications

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Mazda 3.

Read our full review on the 2019 Mazda CX-3.

Read our full review on the 2019 Mazda CX-5.