2012 Mazda CX-5: SKYACTIV from Bumper to Bumper
Montreal’s Mazda dealerships can hardly wait to show you their new compact SUV, the Mazda CX-5, which will be displayed at the Montreal International Auto Show.
Although the CX-5 is sliding into the Tribute’s old spot, these two vehicles are worlds apart. The Tribute was essentially a cloned Ford Escape, while the CX-5 was developed entirely by Mazda.
Its exterior design echoes the Minagi concept car and includes the brand’s new front treatment, which does away with the smiling grille. Plus, the CX-5 is the first in the Mazda family to inherit the “KODO” design language (this term means “the spirit of movement” in Japanese).
Following in the footsteps of the 2012 Mazda3, this compact SUV is equipped with SKYACTIV technology, which includes the chassis, engine and transmission.
SKYACTIV technology
Mazda’s SKYACTIV engine with direct fuel injection distinguishes itself with its impressive output and high compression ratio before ignition. In fact, its compression ratio of 14:1 is currently the highest in the world. As a result, you get more torque a low and medium revs, which translates into fuel economy rivalling that of a hybrid.
Just a gas engine
In Europe, the Mazda CX-5 can be equipped with one of two SKYACTIV engines:
- SKYACTIV-G, a 2.0L gas engine with165 hp
- SKYACTIV-D, a 2.0L diesel turbo engine with 175 hp
On our side of the pond, it comes with a 2.0L SKYACTIV gas engine that produces 155 hp.
In Europe, the new SKYACTIV-MT (manual) and SKYACTIV-Drive (automatic) transmissions feature six speeds and come with the i-Stop system that cuts the engine whenever the vehicle comes to a stop.
Unfortunately, this system won’t be offered in North America.
The CX-5 is available with FWD or AWD. You can expect to see it in dealerships in Spring 2012.