Mazda CX5 unveiled

[Wretched]

This is the new Mazda CX-5, the third addition to the Japanese car company’s SUV line-up after the CX-7 and CX-9 (the latter isn’t sold in Europe). It’s a rival for the Freelander, Kuga and every other compact SUV out there, and will officially unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show in September.

What do we know about the new Mazda CX-5?

It’s the first production car to feature Mazda’s new Kodo design language, showcased by the Minagi (a thinly veiled concept of the CX-5) and Shinari show cars. Mazda has only released a few photos so far, but first impressions are of a good-looking little SUV.

It’s also the first production car to boast Mazda’s new SkyActiv Technology, a plethora of fuel saving advancements, from lightweight bodies and chassis, to new engines and gearboxes. When Mazda showcased its SkyActiv tech earlier this year it claimed the body-in-white was 30% more rigid but 8% lighter than before, and that the front and rear running gear assemblies weighed 14% less. There are new manual and automatic transmissions too, the latter claimed to weigh 16% less and improved fuel economy by 1% thanks to reduced frictional losses.

The engines are all-new too, a SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre petrol and a SkyActiv-D 2.2 diesel. The petrol engine has a high 14:1 compression ratio to improve fuel economy, and the diesel has a lower-than-average 14:1 compression ratio to reduce NOx. Because of the lower pressures the diesel's block is aluminium, saving 25kg and Mazda hopes that the ‘Standard Power’ version (in front-wheel drive guise, with the new manual ‘box and stop/start tech) will dip below 120g/km CO2 – there will also be a High Power version.

UK sales of the new Mazda CX-5 commence in early 2012

I think it looks good. Will be a good seller, this market is growing rapidly.
Ford should have had the Kuga here a long time a go.

[graham_h]

Looks really premium. I'll be going to a launch event in march.....hopefully it'll be off road

[RHR]

Dualis anyone?

[ieatsports_cars]

i like it

[TheInterceptor]

Looks better than all the other Mazda's.

[Antwon]

interior screams BMW

[XXX747]

Originally Posted by Antwon

interior screams BMW

lol thats what i thought, looks like a 3 series interior

[ClassicServicin]

very nice.. it does look very european inside.

[Nic85]

Should be a good competitor for the Mitsubishi ASX.

[Till_Lind]

CX-7 Looks better, and CX-9 much better.

[b2tf]

Looks alright, interested to see the pricing. If its a good alternative to Nissan Dualis etc I think we will be keen on one.

[Nic85]

Originally Posted by b2tf

Looks alright, interested to see the pricing. If its a good alternative to Nissan Dualis etc I think we will be keen on one.

Pricing is in the article. Base model FWD petrol manual starts at $30,000. Top of the line automatic diesel is $55k + onroads.

[Silver Ghia]

Those seats look very flat. Hopefully they're a lot more comfortable than they look.

[graham_h]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Those seats look very flat. Hopefully they're a lot more comfortable than they look.

Seats look good in This video

[turboterror]

These things look good. Might get one if they do a manual diesel version...

[Uwish]

The missus has a 2010 cx-7 lux. that ueses more fuel then a fpv/hsv
So we will be changing to a cx5 Turbo diesel Automatic top spec.

[GT 160]

The concensus from everything i've read from motoring journos that have driven the pre-production models is that it will either be the new benchmark in the compact SUV market or at the very least set the bar very very high.

[Poetic Justice]

Shouldnt that mean the new Escape will be greatness then?

[graham_h]

stock is in the country. Our local dealer will have theirs before the end of the month. Going to have a go in the GT Diesel

[HULK EF]

inside is nice, doesnt look like a mazda on the outside.

[buggerlugs]

Getting one on tuesday. The Turbo Diesel Maxx Sport. After a long and great run with the Pajero's we wanted something a bit smaller. Tried the Territory but she who must be obeyed liked the Mazda better. As quick as the dealers get them , they are selling them.........

[Buntz]

It's got a nose like a big cat.. that is for sure. I like it also

[Polyal]

What I dont understand is who are these cars aimed at? They are really handy until you look at the boot, or lack of it.

[Fiesta God]

Originally Posted by Polyal

What I dont understand is who are these cars aimed at? They are really handy until you look at the boot, or lack of it.

People in their 50's and 60's whose kids have left home or are at least driving their own vehicles, who want the advantages of:
- Higher ride height for greater visibility in traffic
- Less need to bend & twist to get into the car which reduces strain on older backs
- Want the advantage of AWD if they choose to do some travelling into country areas/gravel roads etc.
- Want the advantage of a 4-cylinder engine (diesel or petrol) for fuel economy as most of their driving will be around the suburbs

Couples in their late 20's and 30's who are thinking of starting a family who want the advantage of:
- The height of the vehicle making it easier to get kids in and out
- Great as a vehicle for couples going away for a weekend or as a lifestyle vehicle with heaps of load space when the rear seats are folded


Considering Baby Boomers make up an extraordinary proportion of our population, the first category of people in their 50's and 60's are a big market in Australia.

Whilst I realise there are plenty of other vehicles that satisfy all these needs, my first hand experience with people who want to buy these cars is based on the above groups.

[naddis01]

It looks as though it has started well selling over 1400 last month

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by naddis01

It looks as though it has started well selling over 1400 last month

Thats the thing, the Tiguan/Rav4/CX5/Kuga (maybe) all sell ok...almost like people are buying these instead of say a corolla or fiesta type car. I dont know.

[naddis01]

I think the market is just moving away from large sedans to either suv's or small cars. I can give 3 examples where I am (population 1000) of people moving out of late model Falcons into small suv's.

[trippytaka]

Looks like the KIA

[Yellow_Festiva]

The target market for this car is broad as mentioned above. Also, drivers of Mazda 2 / 3 who wish to upgrade will go for these.

Greenies will love them due to their low consumption (one model gets in the mid 5's I hear on radio adds) and the extra ride height will let you go off the beaten track every now and again.

Oh, it's a Mazda, means they are sporty and cool... zoom zoom etc.

Someone mentioned needing Kuga earlier. Yes, would have been good to get it a few years ago, but the current Kuga is dated next to this already. If Ford want to compete next to this they need the newest model available.

[buggerlugs]

Well, the salesman warned us with the turbo diesel to be careful once it hits the 80 kph, as it just gets up and goes. Wifey has been caught twice thinking she was doing just under 100 when she was sitting on 130. We have stepped down from a seven seater Pajero to this as 2 of our kids have their licences now. One of the features is that it turns itself off at the lights when sitting. It starts itself back up within .3 of a second of lifting your foot off the brake. No key either. Wifey absolutely loves it. I'll give a full report when I am allowed to have a drive. I'm only the silly bugger who paid for it.........