New styling theme, green tech for Mazda CX-5

Mazda has announced that the production version of the MINAGI compact crossover concept will be named CX-5.

The MINAGI concept made its debut at the Geneva motor show back in March and the design study will also put in an appearance at this week's New York Auto Show, but punters will get the first look at the production model -- the CX-5 -- at the Frankfurt motor show later this year.

While it's a step below the CX-7 in Mazda's product hierarchy, the CX-5 won't be positioned as a close competitor to Mitsubishi's ASX or the Nissan Dualis, according to Steve Maciver, Public Relations Manager for Mazda Australia.

"Definitely not," he told the Carsales Network. "It's a bigger car than that... I've seen various reports coming through, suggesting that it is that size... that it's a mini-SUV and all that stuff -- but that's not the case with this car.

"Obviously I can't confirm exactly what CX-5's going to be, but it will be based very closely on the MINAGI concept that was unveiled in Geneva... In terms of size of that actual concept as it currently stands, it's only 50mm shorter in the wheelbase than the current CX-7.

"[The two cars are] pretty similar in size. And in terms of the overall packaging, [CX-5 is] still being worked on. The interior space will be optimised in that car as well...

"It's definitely larger than the likes of a Dualis or an ASX."

Maciver hinted that the CX-5 for Australia is likely to be sold in both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configurations, which is a strong prospect since the CX-7 is already sold in both drivetrain formats.

The production CX-5 won't arrive in Australia until next year, but when it does it will introduce Mazda's SKYACTIV green drivetrain technology and a new styling theme, which Mazda calls 'Kodo -- Soul of Motion' -- first showcased in the SHINARI concept.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...