These are the latest spy pics of the Mazda CX-5 crossover in winter testing, a car that's set to be launched in production form in April 2012.
The CX-5 was previewed by the Mazda Minagi concept at last week's Geneva motor show. This mule pictured here is running a chopped-down version of the CX-7's body and Mazda insiders have told Autocar that the final production car will be smaller than the Minagi concept.
See spy pics of the Mazda CX-5 in action
It will be the first model to get Mazda’s next-gen Skyactiv engine, transmission and lightweight chassis technologies. Mazda claims that its Skyactiv tech will improve the average fuel economy of its global range by 30 per cent by 2015, compared with 2008’s figures.
Read our full review of the Mazda CX-5 SUV
The CX-5 will give Mazda a genuine rival for the VW Tiguan and Audi Q5, particularly important in the SUV-loving US, where the Q5 in particular is proving a hit for Audi. Test mules carrying the bodywork from the larger CX-7 were recently spied undergoing winter tests.
The finished car is expected to be shown at the Frankfurt motor show in the autumn and will be first production car from Mazda to sport its new Kodo design language.
Add your comment