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| The next Mazda CX-5 does not park, it poises. |
MAZDA Motor Corporation has unveiled the all-new Mazda CX-5
crossover SUV, and promises a turbo diesel for the model early next year.
The new CX-5 refines every element of Mazda’s design, which we at
Wheels already rate as the current
standard and, on the eye at least, is a worthy competitor for the Hyundai
Tuscon, SA’s best-selling medium sport utility vehicle (SUV), but is expected to
arrive in local showrooms only mid-2017.
The slogan for development of the Next-Gen Mazda CX-5 is “an SUV
all customers will enjoy”, which means Mazda’s designers aimed to ensure the
passengers will also enjoy the ride. Hence, as with all Mazdas, the ergonomics
are excellent. Not that this means the CX-5, which in the current model range
blew the socks off all enthusiastic drivers with its handling, are no longer a
driver’s medium ute.
Mazda said it is still engineered to deliver responsive performance
“that conforms to the driver’s expectations”.
These expectations can be pretty high, while this is not the
sporty, two-seater MX-5 that hugs the tarmac, this ute has that “car-like
handling” the marketers like to proclaim, alongside the slightly higher seating
position which drivers enjoy.
South Africa can expect the same powertrain lineup as Europe, which
comprises the Skyactiv-g 2.0 and 2.5 petrol, and Skyactiv-d 2.2 diesel
engines. All three engines provide smooth power delivery and despite the dangers
of making any type of claim of low diesel emissions these days (see the latest
bout of litigation on page 4), Mazda said all its engines deliver “outstanding
environmental performance”.
Maybe that just means they stand out for not having any cheating
devicces or inflated fuel consumption claims? The CX-5 is the
second-best-selling medium SUV in South Africa, and it looks to be a ding-dong
battle with specials on the showroom floors when it arrives next year. We
recommend that even specials on the current model are worth snapping up.—
WR.
