Mazda’s upcoming compact crossover has been spied during testing. The production version is expected to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year.
Although the CX-5 is expected to be heavily based on the Minagi Concept, which debuted recently in Geneva, the test mule was wearing bodywork from the CX-7 crossover. When it becomes available, this new model will be slated below the CX-7 in terms of size and presumably price.
The Minagi-based crossover will be the first vehicle in the Mazda lineup to feature the automaker’s new Kodo design language. It’s also expected to get Mazda’s new SKYACTIV lightweight platform, fuel-efficient engine, and transmission.
SKYACTIV is as much about weight reduction as it is about greater fuel economy. According to Mazda, these technologies will provide a 14 percent reduction in weight from the chassis. The technology will also help boost Mazda’s fleet-wide fuel economy average by 30 percent by 2015.
Expect the Mazda CX-5 to arrive in showrooms in 2012.
You must log in to post a comment.