Mazda unveils new CX-5 crossover SUV
 Mazda Motor Corp. took the wraps off the “next generation” of design for its vehicle lineup with the introduction new 2017 CX-5 crossover Tuesday on the eve of unveilings for the Los Angeles Auto Show. The CX-5 features a smoother, massaged exterior and enhanced interior compared to the current generation, which was originally released in 2012. “The CX-5 is the introduction of the next-generation of Mazda car. And although its design allotment was a daunting task, I think we created even something more special here that will compete with the very best,” said Julien Montousse, Mazda-North America director of design during the vehicle’s unveiling at a Hollywood studio. Montousse said the company was “searching for pure, emotional expression” when it came to the popular vehicle. The CX-5 will be introduced in Japan in February before being rolled out to global markets. It is expected to arrive in the United States in the spring. It will be available with three, four-cylinder engine options: SkyActiv-G 2-liter and 2.5-liter gasoline engines, as well as a SkyActiv-D 2.2-liter diesel engine. The company didn’t specify which engines will be available for the U.S.; however the current vehicle is available in the SkyActiv-G 2-liter and 2.5-liter gasoline engines The CX-5 was the first new-generation model featuring SkyActiv technology and Kodo, a design theme of Mazda meaning “Soul of Motion.” SkyActiv is an umbrella term for Mazda’s next-generation technologies developed to provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance. “I hope you agree this new CX-5 is so refined that it makes you feel something very special by looking at it,” Montousse said. The CX-5 accounts for about 25 percent of Mazda’s global sales volume, according to the company. Mazda sold more than 91,000 of the vehicles in the United States through October, accounting for 37 percent of its domestic sales. It is the best-selling vehicle in Mazda’s lineup. Mazda has sold more than 1.5 million of the vehicles since its introduction. |
