2012 Mazda CX-5 at Frankfurt

2012 Mazda CX-5 - Frankfurt Debut

Mazda has been touting its SKYACTIV Technologies for some time now, and the new 2012 Mazda CX-5 – which Mazda will debut at Frankfurt next month – is the first Mazda to come endowed with a complete raft of SKYACTIV stuff.

The clever stuff includes Mazda’s new modular platform that can be used for everything from the Mazda3 upwards, and which is said to give the CX-5 not just car-like handling but proper sporty and stable driving dynamics too.

The SKYACTIV technology comes in to play with the engines too on the CX-5, with the new 2.2 litre diesel delivering 173bhp and a remarkably low 120g/km in standard guise. Also on offer will be a high power versions of both the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel and the  Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol lump, both of which sport compression ratios of 14:1.

The CX-5 gets more than just the very impressive SKYACTIV stuff, it also gets Mazda’s latest design philosophy – KODO : Soul of Motion – which is the first time we’ve seen Mazda’s new style direction outside of concepts like the Shinari.

Mazda say that the KODO design brings “…prominent new frontal treatment with a bolder Mazda family face and more dynamic styling that conveys a strong sense of vitality and agility.” And we don’t disagree – the CX-5 looks good.

The new Mazda CX-5 will debut at Frankfurt next month, together with a facelift for the Mazda3.

(7 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK