Los Angeles Auto Show: 2012 Mazda CX-5

Mazda's latest entrant to the compact SUV scene is the CX-5, the first production Mazda to feature the Japanese firm's latest “Kodo—Soul of Motion” design philosophy and also the first production Mazda to employ SkyActiv technologies—encompassing everything from the body aerodynamics and the chassis architecture design, to engine and transmission efficiency—aimed at minimising fuel intake and carbon emissions while maximising driving sportiness.

Unveiled in production form in Frankfurt and now in Los Angeles, the 2012 Mazda CX-5 will hit European and US showrooms early next year, with hopes of stealing sales away from established rivals like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and even more upmarket rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and BMW X1. Behind the striking exterior is a five-seater cabin boasting a class-leading wheelbase of 2700 mm, which translates into ample legroom front and rear. The luggage space of 500 litres is further boosted by 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatbacks.

In the US, the SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre petrol engine, whose 13:1 compression ratio is the highest on a mass production car, generates 155 HP and 203 Nm, while returning up to 14.0 km/litre in fuel economy with the use of a six-speed manual gearbox and without the optional all-wheel-drive system. A six-speed automatic gearbox, the only option Malaysians are likely to be offered, is also available for selection.

For Europe, the SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre petrol engine has an even higher compression ratio of 14:1, delivering 165 HP and 210 Nm in front-wheel-drive format or 160 HP and 208 Nm in all-wheel-drive format. The SkyActiv-D 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine has a 14:1 compression ratio that is, conversely, the lowest compared with that for all current production diesel engines, and is offered with 150 HP and 380 Nm or 175 HP and 420 Nm. Enjoy the live gallery of the 2012 Mazda CX-5 below!