Mazda CX-5 Crossover SUV to hit U.S. next year, diesel option in work

The CX-5 is the first in new generation of Mazda products that will adopt the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and new ‘KODO - Soul of Motion’ design theme.

Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the all new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show starting on September 13, 2011.

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Developed around the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY the Mazda CX-5 will be progressively introduced to global markets from early 2012.
Mazda will hold a press conference on Tuesday, September 13 at the Frankfurt Motor Show from 14:00 to 14:15 local time.

The CX-5 is also the first of its kind production model to showcase Mazda’s new design theme, ‘KODO - Soul of Motion.’

Mazda3 with its facelift will also be joining the CX-5 on Mazda’s stand at the Frankfurt show. Mazda3 delivers lower CO2 emissions; more sporty and stable driving dynamics with its updated interior - exterior design and higher quality levels.

The new CX-5 will be rolled out globally from early 2012 which cover almost all aspects of a vehicle. It will compete against the Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage. The European spec engine lineup will include a SKYACTIV-G 2.0 liter gas engine and a SKYACTIV-D 2.2 liter diesel engine.

It will come in both standard and a higher powered version. The standard version with its front-wheel-drive, SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission and i-stop micro hybrid technologies apparently achieves CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km which is quite remarkable for a compact SUV.

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Stretching 178.7 inches in total length the CX-5 will slot beneath Mazda’s current CX-7 and will arrive with a price tag of around $20,000.
A diesel variant available in the U.S equipped with a 2.2-liter, twin-turbo direct injection engine will produce over 160-hp and about 310 lb-ft of torque.

Interestingly, the diesel will be added to the crossover in 2014 and will make its North American debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November.