Mazda's compact CX-5 is still in its early stages of development, so its unsurprising to still see cut-and-shut CX-7-based test mules roaming around in Germany.
Anyway, we know the CX-5 will take its design inspiration from the Minagi concept that debuted at the Geneva motor show. It will also be the first Mazda vehicle to adopt ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme. Inside, the air-vents slot below the top-up integrated satellite navigation system, which has been taped off, and below the vent are heater controls.
Under the bonnet, expect a wide-range of SKYACTIV engines and transmissions with standard stop/start. The 180bhp (178PS/134kW) 2.2 diesel should return around 75mpg (3.8l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 120g/km. The trade-off is the small reduction in torque output. The larger 2.0 litre petrol engine will average 47mpg (6l/100km) and emit less than 140g/km. Mazda has said if British customers aren't 100% happy with a test-drive, the brand will refund deposits.
A spokesman said: "The aim is to make our cars meet all our customers' needs. The SKYACTIV technology will not compromise the driving experience."
The spokesman added: "The current internal combustion engines are only around 30% efficient - we think that by concentrating our efforts on improving this we can drastically decrease fuel consumption and CO2 emissions."
Mazda UK managing director Jeremy Thomson said: “We've never made special eco versions of our cars; we don't believe in it. Every CX-5 customer will get our Skyactiv drivetrains as standard, in much in the same way as every BMW customer gets Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving modifications.”
The CX-5 will premier at the Frankfurt motor show in September, in which order books will open, with prices starting from £21,000 in the UK when it goes on sale in March 2012. Look out for a $20k in the U.S.
