Mazda aims for the sky with new CX-5
Mazda’s new CX-5 is to go on sale in the UK this spring, with the compact crossover model becoming the first in the car maker’s range to make use of its new fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology.
Designed to offer strong performance as well as fuel-sipping qualities, both diesel and petrol model CX-5s will use the technology with Mazda also introducing a diesel automatic option for the first time. Mazda expects that the new model will compete well against compact rivals such as the Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4 as well as hybrid models, offering similar levels of economy without the expense of a hybrid drivetrain.
As a result, the new CX-5 benefits from strong residual values and low benefit-in-kind bills, making it likely to appeal to the fleet and business sector as well as private buyers.
The engine line-up will include Mazda’s 165ps SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine and SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine, which will be available in 150ps and 175ps versions. Each engine has a record-breaking compression ratio of 14:1 for enhanced efficiency.
The SKYACTIV-D 150ps derivative has a CO2 emissions figure of just 119g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 62.8mpg. Meanwhile, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine has a CO2 emissions figure as low as 139g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 47.1mpg. All in all, SKYACTIV technology boasts improved a 15 per cent increase in MPG and torque in petrol engines and a 20 per cent MPG improvement for diesel engines.
It is not just the engine technology which makes the CX-5 economy-minded, Mazda has also made use of a streamlined and aerodynamic shape and lightweight vehicle construction to further enhance fuel efficiency.
By 2015, the Japanese car maker says it plans to deliver a 30 per cent improvement on the 2008 average fuel economy of all its vehicles and 23 per cent improvements in CO2 emissions. Crucially SKYACTIV Technology will help address this, without compromising on performance. With the CX-5 the first car to use the technology, the SKYACTIV engines will then be slowly be rolled out across the range as new models are launched.
Peter Allibon, Sales Director for Mazda UK says: “SKYACTIV is a really exciting prospect, it allows Mazda to offer an eco solution to all customers in cars that are also fun-to-drive. By introducing SKYACTIV technology to all sixth generation Mazda vehicles, starting with CX-5, everyone can drive an environmentally friendly car, not just those who are prepared to pay the price premium charged by other brands. That is a good marketing position for our dealers.
“SKYACTIV technology is traditional and familiar technology so dealers do not need to invest in extra technician training or expensive service tooling as they would for hybrid and electric vehicles.”
See also:
No comments yet
