In a bid to fend off its mounting losses amid increasingly stiff competition, Mazda is pinning its hopes on a new lineup of models. Part of this wider range will be SUVs, while bringing back an iconic feature.
Mazda has a lot of catching up to do, both with its domestic rivals and overseas contenders
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A report by Nikkei Asia says that the Japanese carmaker will be deploying two product categories based on chassis size, simply labeled “large” and “small.”
The former will include new SUV releases, which are reportedly coming with six-cylinder engines (both gasoline and diesel) in a mild hybrid configuration, and a rear-wheel drivetrain to appeal to purists. These will be sold alongside the current Mazda CX-5 and CX-8 crossovers, with a view to eventually replacing them in Mazda’s global offerings.
But that’s not the only trick that Mazda is counting on, as it will also dust off its famed rotary engine. The company was the first to successfully put the power plant into mass production in 1967, establishing an edge over other automakers at the time.
Eight years after Mazda stopped making them in 2012, it now says that rotary engines are coming back to power electric vehicles (EVs).
Mazda's MX-30 isn't selling as well as expected, despite being the company's first mass-produced EV
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The first recipient will be the MX-30, which was launched October this year as Mazda’s first mass-produced EV, also available with a hybrid powertrain. However, the model has seen slow sales in Japan, falling to only half the anticipated monthly sales target of 1,000 units.
Even as the rotary engine’s compact size, high output, and low vibration make it a perfect match for EVs, the main concern is the relatively short 200-km. range on a single charge. Mazda wants a 400-km. range on its subsequent EVs.
The rotary engine is poised to make a comeback
Sales of Mazda SUVs, particularly the CX-30 crossover, have been strong. This contrasts with the number of Mazda3 units that rolled off the showrooms, despite being feted with World Car Design of the Year honors for 2020. Sales of models equipped with the new Skyactiv-X engine have also yet to pick up.
Mazda paid some hefty penalties in Europe due to the CX-5's emissions
Compounding the problem are stringent European emissions regulations, which have forced Mazda to pay corresponding fines especially for the CX-5. In turn, the company had to raise prices by four percent in order to offset the financial penalty.
Get more industry updates at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Mazda CX-5 2024
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 is a compact five-seater crossover. In the Philippine market, this model is available in three variants. There’s the CX-5 Sport, CX-5 Sport AWD, and the CX-5 Turbo. These come with a price tag of Php 1,950,000, Php 1,990,000, and Php 2,480,000 respectively.
Under the hood of the CX-5 Sport AWD is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that outputs 187 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. The entry-level CX-5 Sport meanwhile uses a smaller 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that can make up to 154 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. Both use a six-speed automatic gearbox, but the 2.5-liter variant uses an all-wheel-drive layout, while the 2.0-liter variant comes with a front-wheel-drive layout.
The top-spec CX-5 variant meanwhile, uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-banger that can produce up to 249 horsepower and 434 Nm of torque. It also uses a six-speed automatic tranny, and assumes an all-wheel-drive layout.
Size-wise, the Philippine-spec Mazda CX-5 is 4,550mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,680mm in height. The top-spec model is a bit longer at 4,575mm.
Locally, the Mazda CX-5 competes against the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Ford Territory, among others.
Mazda CX-5 Launch
The second-generation Mazda CX-5 made its global debut in 2016, with the Philippines launching the model in 2017 as the first country in ASEAN to do so.
As of 2022, Mazda Philippines has introduced the all-new CX-5 Turbo. Along with that, it also trimmed down the said model’s lineup into three variants, which include the CX-5 Sport and CX-5 Sport AWD.
Mazda CX-5 Exterior
For exterior equipment, all 2024 CX-5 trims come standard with LED headlamps with adaptive front lighting, auto leveling, auto high beams, and auto on/off. All three variants also get rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors, and dual exhaust tips.
All three also get a power liftgate, but only the CX-5 Sport AWD and the CX-5 Turbo are equipped with an electric glass sunroof.
For wheels, the CX-5 Sport AWD and the CX-5 Turbo ride on a set of 19-inch alloy wheels. The entry-level CX-5 Sport meanwhile, gets a set of 17-inch alloy wheels.
Mazda CX-5 Interior
Inside, the CX-5 can seat up to five occupants. All variants offer a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, as well as a 40:20:40 split folding rear seat.
Other onboard features for the CX-5 include an automatic dual-zone climate control system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and shifter, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a push-to-start button, and a digital gauge cluster, among others.
Technology & Safety Features
For entertainment, all three variants of the CX-5 are kitted out with an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. Only the top-spec model gets a wireless smartphone charger, but all three come with a 10-piece BOSE sound speaker system.
Safety-wise, the CX-5 comes with a total of six airbags. It also has anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, Mazda’s Smart City brake support, emergency braking, and driver attention alert.
Platform & Chassis
The CX-5 assumes a front-engine, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive layout. It also belongs within the compact crossover segment.
For its suspension, it uses a Macpherson strut for the front and a multi-link type for the rear. Braking is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels, as well as an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function.
Engine & Drivetrain
There are three engine options for the CX-5. For the CX-5 Sport, it uses a 2.0-liter gasoline engine capable of making 154 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. The CX-5 Sport AWD meanwhile uses a larger 2.5-liter mill that can output 187 horsepower and 252 Nm of torque.
The CX-5 Turbo, in turn, uses a 2.5-liter mill but with forced induction. At maximum, it can make up to 249 horsepower and 434 Nm of torque. All CX-5 trims then use a six-speed automatic gearbox that in turn comes with a Sport Mode.
Mazda CX-5 Q&A
1. Does the 2024 CX-5 have a remote start?
Yes, it helps you feel comfort and convenience right at your fingertips.
2. Is the Mazda CX-5 a SUV?
No, the Mazda CX-5 is classified as a premium 5-seater crossover.
3. What is the ground clearance of the Mazda CX-5?
The ground clearance of the CX-5 is 185mm to 193mm.
4. Is the Mazda CX-5 diesel or gasoline?
The Mazda CX-5 uses gasoline.
5. Is the Mazda CX-5 featured with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?
Yes, the latest version of Mazda CX-5 is now equipped with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
₱ 1,890,000 - ₱ 2,380,000
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