Earlier this year Mazda came up with a concept for its smaller-sized SUV known as the Minagi Concept. It is one of the two concept vehicles that Mazda has designed with its Kodo-Soul of Motion design styling theme. On top of that, it is also the first Mazda car that will be featured with Mazda’s SkyActiv technology.
Minagi Concept (pictured above)
Usually when an auto firm releases a conceptual vehicle, it would sometimes take a couple of years for them to release a working production model. And at times the concept idea would not even materialise as a production model. But in less than one year, Mazda has kept true to its promise and released the CX-5.
Many would say that the CX-5 is the replacement model for the Mazda Tribute. The Tribute is a rebadged version of the Ford Escape and many felt that the CX-5 would be related to the upcoming new Ford Escape. But Mazda has assured that the CX-5 shares no relation to any car and every single part is considered brand new.
Styling is the key point in the CX-5’s newness. It features Mazda’s new design styling theme and expect more of it in future models. At the front, if you look at the headlights, it appears to be that it has a reptilian-like shape. The large trapezoidal grille extends towards the headlights, giving it a wing-like effect. At the rear, it has the usual offerings such as dual exhausts tips, roof spoiler and trapezoidal rear lights cluster.
From the side view, we can see a raising line (just above the door handles) on the body of the car which ends towards the rear light cluster. Mazda said that this gives the vehicle a hunched look, just like an animal ready to pounce on its prey. The side skirts feature a similar line that is parallel with the abovementioned line, in order to accentuate the hunched look. Other than this, the car will get either a 17 inch or 19 inch wheels (pictured), depends on the model trim.
Interior wise, the car looks rather spacious. There is an optional rear-folding seats which offers up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The dashboard is trimmed with a piano-black segment which is lined across the dashboard. The centre console gets the usual items such as a touch screen navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and simple stereo controls.
The CX-5 uses the new SkyActiv engine which comes with new transmission options (either 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto) that has been tweaked to use with Mazda’s new engine technology. Even the chassis is lightened with the SkyActiv treatment. Mazda has promised that every of its new model will weigh less than 100kg compared to its predecessor.
The 2.0 litre engine delivers around 155 bhp and around 203Nm of torque. It does not appear to be huge on horsepower but Mazda said that the 14:1 compression ratio will give the car decent performance.
The CX-5 reveals styling cues that gives Mazda a new fresh look. We can expect more new models in the future (Mazda6, based on the Takeri Concept) and with this new design styling theme, consumers can also expect the same mode of styling in them.
Photo credit: Net Car Show and Auto Blog
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