Turbo-petrol Mazda CX-5 breaks cover in Japan
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 12th Oct 2018
MAZDA has officially unveiled the 2.5-litre turbo-petrol version of its CX-5 medium SUV for the Japanese market, which will launch in its home country in November and could arrive Down Under by year’s end.
As previously reported, an Australian arrival is yet to be confirmed, but Australian Design Rule (ADR) documentation seen by GoAuto last month suggests that Mazda Australia is considering the new range-topping mid-size SUV.
The Japanese-spec 2.5-litre blown four-cylinder outputs 169kW at 4250rpm and 420Nm at 2000rpm, just a single kilowatt less than the engine’s output under the bonnet of the CX-9 large SUV and Mazda6 mid-sizer.
Adding a turbocharger increases power output by 29kW/168Nm over the aspirated 2.5-litre engine, while fuel consumption takes a slight hit, rising from 7.4 litres per 100km to 7.9-8.2L/100km, depending on whether a front- or all-wheel-drive set-up is used.
If it comes to Australia, the 2.5-litre turbo petrol will likely be offered in all-wheel drive only and, like the rest of the range, will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
As part of the introduction of the turbo petrol, the entire Japanese CX-5 range will also be offered with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time, an innovation that will likely be carried over to Australian models.
A surround-view monitor will also be offered as an option across the line-up, while night time pedestrian detection is added to the CX-5’s suite of advanced safety features.
Included in the Japanese CX-5 update is a new special-edition model called Exclusive Mode, which enhances the interior of the CX-5 for a more premium feel.
Offered only on the turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel versions, Exclusive Mode is upholstered in Nappa leather with real woodgrain cabin trim, while a black colour is used for the pillars and roof, and deep red for the lower areas.
Front seats offer ventilation, while white LEDs are used throughout the cabin. A frameless rearview window provides extra vision for drivers.
From the outside, the Exclusive Mode is distinguished by 19-inch dark gloss wheels.
Last month, Mazda Australia senior manager of public relations Sonia Singh told GoAuto that the company would be keen to add the turbocharged variant to the local range.
“The current range that we have on offer for CX-5 is doing really well, but obviously the engine has been really well received in both CX-9 and Mazda6, so if it was something that was made available I’d love for us to explore it further and see whether it was something that Australian consumers were after,” she said.
GoAuto has contacted Mazda Australia to find out whether the Exclusive Mode will be coming to Australia.
