Mazda’s CX-5, its first production car to come equipped with both its radical range of SkyActiv chassis, engine and transmission technologies and its new Kodo design language has been revealed at the Frankfurt motor show.
The new CX-5 is based on Mazda’s new modular platform and suspension set-ups that can be used as a base on any Mazda between the 3 and CX-7 in size.
See pics of the all-new Mazda CX-5
Powering the CX-5 will be a new 173bhp, 310lb ft 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that, when mated to a new six-speed manual transmission, will have CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km, a remarkable achievement for a car with the same footprint as an Audi Q5.
Autocar understands the engine will also be 20 per cent more economical than the 2.2 diesel it replaces. The ultra-low economy and CO2 figures are in part down to an optimised compression ratio of 14:1. Mazda will also offer a higher power version of this diesel engine, as well as as-yet unspecified SkyActiv petrol engines.
Mazda previewed its new design Kodo language on last year’s Shinari concept and again on the Minagi concept at Geneva in March, which inspired the CX-5. The handsome CX-5 retains the concept’s looks, including its bold front end, sculpted sides and sloping roofline.
The CX-5 was joined at Frankfurt by a facelift for the 3 hatchback. The first examples of the CX-5 are expected to reach the UK by spring 2012.
Read our full review of the Mazda CX-5 SUV
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