No Sex Please, I’m the New Mazda CX-5
Why has Mazda put its brilliant new engine in something so dull?
By Imthishan Giado
Mazda are many things to many people, but what you could never accuse them of being was boring to look at. Until now. The bad news, after the jump.
The new Kodo design language has finally arrived in the shape of the new CX-5, replacing the old Nagare which, let me remind you, gave us this work of art. Kodo is not however, looking vaguely cross eyed and flat nosed, like the car’s been biffed in a fight. ‘Tis a right shame, considering that the CX-7 and CX-9, through sadly under sold in this market, have aged very well.
The news isn’t all bad. Apart from Kodo, this car also brings us the very first of the new SkyActiv range of engines. CX-5 will come with a 2.0-litre unit replacing the noisy old MZR motor and promises up to 15% more fuel efficiency, while being both more powerful and eager to rev. It will do this through clever-clever direct-injection and variable valve-timing whatsits and super high compression that basically rules out any and all attempts at turbocharging.
PS: Manual fans will get a nice surprise: the CX-5 on the stand has a six-speed box! Don’t bet on it ever coming here through, Galadari won’t even bring a manual MX-5 anymore.
