Mazda considers cut-price BMW X6 rival

Mazda is considering production of a coupe-like SUV to capitalise on the latest trend for stylish crossovers.

Following in the footsteps of BMW's X6, the Japanese brand is set to reveal its own take on a fastback SUV at next month's Frankfurt motor show.

The brand says its upcoming Koeru concept car "offers sporty yet refined styling and driving performance".

Such a model would be a clever addition to the Mazda range, building on the CX-5 and CX-3 SUVs that are on top of sales for their classes.

The concept features large wheels stretched to the corners of its platform along with the latest take on Mazda's "Kodo" school of design, with heavily sculpted bodywork that has proved a hit with customers.

If put into production, a swoopy spinoff based on the CX-5 would be the first of its kind to migrate from the luxury segment to a more affordable price point.

 Originally derided as a nonsensical indulgence, BMW's X5-based X6 four-door SUV coupe has forged an important niche for the brand, one set to be followed by Mercedes-Benz and Audi with the GLE Coupe and Q6 respectively.

Mazda's foray into the segment makes sense, as it would allow the independent marque to make the most of its investment in the scalable Skyactiv platform shared by the Mazda CX-5, Mazda3 and Mazda6.

A sports SUV would be a spiritual replacement for the turbocharged Mazda CX-7, sitting between the family-friendly CX-5 and larger CX-9- a model set to be replaced at the Los Angeles motor show in November.

Details surrounding the concept are sparse. It could be powered by an existing petrol or diesel engine produced by the brand, feature a hybrid driveline produced as a result of Mazda's new partnership with Toyota, or be home to a heavily rumoured turbo motor tipped to revive the brand's MPS performance arm.