Heads up! A sneak peek at the upcoming Mazda CX-5

MANILA, Philippines - It’s a mere two days before the self-proclaimed re-birth of the Mazda brand in the Philippines; two days before “Mazda Revolution” a weekend-long event that showcases the two products that are leading the charge of the ‘M’ brand: the all-new Mazda3 and the CX-5 compact crossover.

The former is already familiar to local buyers: it’s become a mainstream choice for those who want a driver-centric compact sedan. However, the latter is a brand-new nameplate for Mazda. Additionally, it aims to serve as the company’s technology flagship. Thus, with just two days before its official launch, the Star speculates on what to expect with Mazda’s all-new compact crossover.

First, let’s lay down what everyone already knows: the CX-5 is the first Mazda that’s designed with its new KODO—Soul of Motion design language. In addition, it’s the first vehicle built and engineered from the ground-up to incorporate the company’s SKYACTIV-G technology.

SKYACTIV (SKYACTIV-G for gasoline and SKYACTIV-D for diesel) is a suite of technologies that aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions without sacrificing Mazda’s world-renowned sporty demeanor.

All in all, SKYACTIV combines a high-efficiency engine with a high-efficiency transmission which is then bolted onto a rigid but lightweight body.

Worldwide there’s only one gasoline and one diesel engine designed to fit into the CX-5’s engine bay. However, since Mazda Philippines hasn’t really pushed diesel engines in the past, it’s safe to assume that the only engine choice locally would be the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine featuring a high, diesel-like 13:1 compression ratio and gasoline direct injection (GDi).

Power output ranges from 155 to 162 hp depending on region, but the expected fuel economy is between 11 to 14.8 km/L potentially making it the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid crossover available.

In terms of transmissions, the CX-5 is available worldwide with both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Based on recent Mazda models, it’s safe to assume that the CX-5 will come with the automatic. However there are reports that the CX-5 might also offer a few models with the stickshift to satisfy the purists.

A full month before the launch, the net has already been buzzing with the CX-5’s price positioning: P1,392,000 for the M/T and P1,452,000 for the A/T. This means that the CX-5 sheds Mazda’s mainstream pricing and pegs it against the likes of the Subaru Forester.

The rumored pricing might seem high at first, but the rumor mill says that Mazda will throw in everything, including the kitchen sink. Among the reported features are: auto on/off HID headlamps, LED tail lamps, 225/65R-17 tires, leather seats, automatic climate control, push-button engine start/stop, a full-featured audio system with six speakers, and Bluetooth hands-free.

On the safety front, the CX-5 is said to have a full compliment of six airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, DSC, and traction control.

The verdict on whether or not these speculated specs hold up will be out in just two days. In the meantime, if you’ve got the itch to discover the all-new Mazda3 and CX-5 for yourself, then make sure you trek to the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City this weekend.

Of course, the Star will also give you the official word and final specifications straight from the Mazda Revolution in next week’s motoring section!