Mazda CX-5 trumps economy scale

The upcoming Mazda CX-5 has set a benchmark in its class as the most fuel efficient compact SUV on the Australian market.

Powered by Mazda’s state-of-the-art 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D four-cylinder turbodiesel, CX-5 achieves a combined-cycle fuel economy figure of just 5.7L/100km. Mazda CX-5 is the first model to feature the company’s full complement of SKYACTIV technology, which extends to its efficient automatic transmission, all-wheel drive system and body/chassis arrangement.

It is the first time Mazda has offered an automatic transmission in combination with a diesel engine in its passenger car line-up.

“We’ve been keen to add a diesel engine with an automatic transmission to our range for quite some time. The development of the CX-5 and our new SKYACTIV Technology has given us this opportunity and, quite frankly, we can’t wait to get it here,” said Mazda Australia’s national marketing manager, Alastair Doak.

“There’s certainly demand for a diesel automatic combination, particularly in the SUV segment and with the right powertrain combinations, plus all-new technology and design we’re confident that CX-5 has the goods to become one of Australia’s most popular SUVs.”

More than a frugal fuel miser, CX-5 will also deliver class-leading power and torque. The SKYACTIV-D unit outputting 129kW/420Nm – more than competitors including Skoda Yeti and Volkswagen Tiguan (both with 103kW/320Nm), Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage (both with 135kW/392Nm) and MINI Countryman D (82kW/270Nm).

The new Mazda CX-5 will be available from late February with pricing and full specification to be announced closer to that time.

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