More power for Mazda CX-5
Top-selling compact soft-roader gearing up for larger engine.
Mazda has confirmed its new CX-5 soft-roader will get a larger 2.5-litre petrol engine bringing more power and better performance.
And while Mazda Australia is refusing to confirm the new engine will be fitted to the car locally, history suggests it’s a strong chance.
Speaking at the 2012 Paris motor show, Mazda’s vice president of European research and development, Ichiro Hirose, confirmed the CX-5 would get a 2.5-litre version of the thrifty SkyActiv four-cylinder.
It would add to the 2.0-litre petrol engine (with up to 114kW and 200Nm) and 2.2-litre diesel engine (129kW, 420Nm) that make the CX-5 the most frugal in its class.
The same 2.5-litre engine will be available in the all-new Mazda6 that arrives here early next year. In the Mazda6 it produces 138kW and 250Nm.
“It will come soon – 2013,” said Hirose.
A Mazda Australia spokesman said the engine was not yet confirmed, although he pointed to the brand’s history of adding new engines when deemed appropriate.
“If it’s made available we’ll certainly look at it,” he said.
Hirose said there had been no negative customer feedback on the sluggish-feeling throttle response on petrol-powered CX-5s.
Drive noted the response – and the transmission’s willingness to shift into higher gears early – in our review of the Mazda CX-5.
He says there are no plans to change the throttle response.
Since going on sale in late February the CX-5 has outsold traditional rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail and Subaru Forester to become the biggest seller in its class.
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