2013 All-New Mazda CX-5 Unveiled

Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (September 13 through 25, 2011). The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda products that will adopt the full range of Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion'.

When Mazda decided to overhaul their design philosophy and begin using the Kodo design, the new Mazda CX-5 Crossover was the first production model to display it. The five-passenger crossover will carry plenty of the unique flowing lines that we first saw on the Minagi Concept a few years back. It’s got a boxier profile with a prominent grille that’s far removed from its predecessors. It also has a more muscular visual appeal with a new front bumper that was designed to improve aerodynamic performance, as well as a revised rear bumper and the inclusion of a new set of twist-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside the new CX-5, the Kodo design language continues with horizontally stretched cockpit lines and a satin metallic finish on key hardware. There’s also a 5.8-inch color touch screen at the top of the center stack for infotainment-system control and display. Mazda also has big claims as far as rear legroom for the CX-5 is concerned, the center section of the rear can be folded flat, turning the rear into two bucket seats for added space.

The Mazda CX-5 will have plenty of competition in the crossover market.mainly from the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The new Tiguan will be more powerful than the CX-5, which should be expected given the Europeans’ propensity to demand more powerful engines from their vehicles, even if they’re of the crossover variety. As such, the Tiguan will carry a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine that generates an impressive 200 horsepower between 5,100 to 6000 rpm and 207 lb/ft of torque over a much broader 1,700 to 5,000 rpm.

The Tiguan is slowly gaining some popularity in the US market with sales going up by 30%. But for all the positive vibes of the Tiguan, the new CX-5 also has its share of allure, including the already mentioned fact that the crossover will be the first to carry the company’s new ’Kodo’ design language, and the fact that the crossover ill also be the first to include Mazda’s new SkyActiv-G technology.

Mazda CX-5 Engine

Performance

The Mazda CX-5 will be the first vehicle to use the company’s new SkyActiv technology, which will manifest itself through a 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct injection gas ’SkyActiv-G’ engine, a new power train that releases a 13.0:1 compression ratio, variable valve timing and a new exhaust design. This entire setup will deliver 165 horsepower. According to Mazda, the SkyActiv-G powertrain will be 10 percent lighter and 15 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor, providing a better all-around driving experience than any of the model’s past versions.

As far as other engine options are concerned, Mazda will also be offering a 2.2-liter diesel engine that produces two sets of output figures: a 150 horsepower and 280 lb/ft of torque version and a 175 horsepower and 310 lb/ft of torque version. Both engines can be mated to a choice between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with front or all-wheel drive configurations available based on customer preference.

Price

Mazda has announced that orders for the new CX-5 crossover are already open with the first vehicles set to be delivered in March of next year as 2013 models. The base price for the CX-5 will be set at $20,695 for the entry-level CX-5 Sport with a six-speed manual transmission. If you want to get the six-speed auto transmission, that will cost you $21,995. You want all-wheel drive too? Well, that hits you at $23,245. As for the CX-5 Touring with FWD, that’s been priced at $23,895 while the AWD version pops out at $25,145. As for the top-of-the-line CX-5 Grand Touring model, that’ll set you back $27,045 for the FWD and $28,295 for the AWD.