First crossover launches new era for Mazda

Mazda’s CX-5 compact crossover goes on UK sale on the 18th May, debuting new technologies and a new direction for the brand.

The CX-5 is the first Mazda with the brand’s SkyActiv technology, combined with the latest ‘Kodo-Soul of Motion’ design direction.

It will be offered with an 18-strong model lineup, at prices ranging from £21,395 to £28,795. Mazda management expects the car to account for more than 4,000 UK sales in its first year.

Mazda UK Sales Director, Peter Allibon believes that the arrival of Mazda’s first vehicle with SkyActiv technology will; “transform the Compact SUV segment in Britain.”

SkyActiv works on three key areas: lightweight chassis technology, advanced engines with competitive compression ratios and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The technology will be applied across all future Mazda models.

The CX-5 features both a SkyActiv-Chassis and SkyActiv-Body, integrating lightweight engineering, advanced materials, more efficient structures and new production processes to an ultra-stiff, yet lightweight chassis.

CX-5 buyers will have a choice of two new engines with three power outputs, the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine with 162bhp, or the 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbo diesel with 148bhp or 173bhp. The diesels are expected to account for 85 percent of UK sales.

Mazda says the trio of SkyActiv engines offer great performance without compromising on fuel economy, delivering both class-leading emissions (down to 119g.km) and combined fuel economy (up to 61.4mpg). All cars have Mazda’s idle-stop, fuel saving iStop system.

Petrol CX-5s will be available in two-wheel-drive form with a new six-speed manual gearbox while diesels will also be offered with all-wheel-drive and an also new auto transmission.

There are four different trim levels, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav. Standard equipment across all models includes 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 R19 tyres, Bi-Xenon headlights, a reversing camera and a Bose audio system with nine speakers.

Every CX-5 will also be equipped with Smart City Brake Support, which helps to avoid low speed (up to 19mph) frontal collisions by reducing the engine output and applying the brakes if it detects a possible frontal collision.

“New tech will boost Mazda” – MD interview here

Words by: James Charman