Mazda today announced details regarding updates for the 2019 Mazda CX-5 for the Japanese market, with a highlight being the addition of a 2.5L inline-4 turbo engine, the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine. That new powertrain will deliver up to 250 hp – a substantial increase over the 187 hp the current CX-5 benefits from with its 2.5L.
We expect that specific information for the North American version of the 2019 CX-5 will be announced soon.
That 2.5L turbo is already in use in the company’s Mazda6 and CX-9 models; in those vehicles the unit has a maximum output of 250 hp and produces 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2018 CX-5 currently offered in North America runs on a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine generating 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque (with the automatic transmission).
The Japanese market will also get a new range-topping CX-5 Exclusive Mode special edition, complete with unique premium materials (Nappa leather, real woodgrain decorative panels, etc.) for the interior.
The updated G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) is also part of the product offer as standard equipment for 2019. This new technology improves handling stability at high speeds and during emergency manoeuvres while attenuating sudden movements to enhance passengers' peace of mind, according to Mazda.
The CX-5, first introduced in 2012, is an extremely important model in the Japanese automaker’s lineup, as it represents some 25% of the company’s sales globally.
Among the other modifications for the 2019 Mazda CX-9 (for the Japanese version of the model, we should stress; we’ll be filling you in on North American details ASAP!):
• Nighttime pedestrian detection is added to Advanced Smart City Braking Support (Advanced SCBS)
• A 360° View Monitor is standard equipment on the Exclusive Mode special edition and is available for all trims.
• AppleCarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included
• The 17-inch aluminum wheels keep the same design but are painted Gray Metallic instead of Dark Silver
• The climate control panel, switches and dials are redesigned for better feel and operability
Diesel, hybrid?
You’ll recall that Mazda had promised the American market a diesel-engine version of the CX-5 a few years. We’re still waiting for it. Now, we know that the Mazda CX-5 will be available with a diesel engine in Japan for 2019; as for what that means for the American and Canadian market, we’ll have to wait and see, but we’re wisely refraining from holding our breath.
We also take note of the absence of any mention of a hybrid version in the Japanese announcement. It’s no secret that Mazda resisted moving towards electrification for several years, but the company did promise recently that it would produce a first electric model in 2019. In our view, the CX-5 is an excellent candidate to get an electric or hybrid powertrain, but only time will tell…
