So soon after the Minagi concept was revealed at this year's Geneva Motor Show, Mazda->ke53 has come forth with details of the future production model. The Minagi was concocted as a preview version of the next CX model so the fact that the production model is called the CX-5 shouldn't be too alarming to Mazda fans. The Mazda CX-5 will be the third model in the CX line-up, next to the CX-7 and CX-9, and will appropriately be the smallest one.

The CX-5 will be the first production vehicle to incorporate Mazda's new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion' that was revealed with the Shinari concept. This new design theme includes a prominent new front view with a bolder family face and dynamic styling that conveys a strong sense of vitality and agility. The future SUV will also use the full range of breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies, including engines - both diesel and gasoline - transmissions, body, and chassis.

The future CX-5 will go on sale worldwide in 2012.

UPDATE 02/06/12: Mazda has finally unveiled the pricing details for the 2012 CX-5. Check out how much it costs after the jump!

Hit the jump to read more about the new Mazda CX-5.

2012 Mazda CX-5

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Mazda CX-5
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Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

When Mazda decided to overhaul their design philosophy and begin using the Kodo design, the new Mazda CX-5 Crossover was the first production model to display it. The five-passenger crossover will carry plenty of the unique flowing lines that we first saw on the Minagi Concept a few years back. It's got a boxier profile with a prominent grille that's far removed from its predecessors. It also has a more muscular visual appeal with a new front bumper that was designed to improve aerodynamic performance, as well as a revised rear bumper and the inclusion of a new set of twist-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside the new CX-5, the Kodo design language continues with horizontally stretched cockpit lines and a satin metallic finish on key hardware. There's also a 5.8-inch color touch screen at the top of the center stack for infotainment-system control and display. Mazda also has big claims as far as rear legroom for the CX-5 is concerned, the center section of the rear can be folded flat, turning the rear into two bucket seats for added space.

Performance

The Mazda CX-5 will be the first vehicle to use the company's new SkyActiv technology, which will manifest itself through a 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct injection gas 'SkyActiv-G' engine, a new powertrain that releases a 13.0:1 compression ratio, variable valve timing and a new exhaust design. This entire setup will deliver 165 horsepower. According to Mazda, the SkyActiv-G powertrain will be 10 percent lighter and 15 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor, providing a better all-around driving experience than any of the model's past versions.

As far as other engine options are concerned, Mazda will also be offering a 2.2-liter diesel engine that produces two sets of output figures: a 150 horsepower and 280 lb/ft of torque version and a 175 horsepower and 310 lb/ft of torque version. Both engines can be mated to a choice between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with front or all-wheel drive configurations available based on customer preference.

Pricing

Mazda has announced that orders for the new CX-5 crossover are already open with the first vehicles set to be delivered in March of next year as 2013 models. The base price for the CX-5 will be set at $20,695 for the entry-level CX-5 Sport with a six-speed manual transmission. If you want to get the six-speed auto transmission, that will cost you $21,995. You want all-wheel drive too? Well, that hits you at $23,245. As for the CX-5 Touring with FWD, that's been priced at $23,895 while the AWD version pops out at $25,145. As for the top-of-the-line CX-5 Grand Touring model, that'll set you back $27,045 for the FWD and $28,295 for the AWD.

Competition

The Mazda CX-5 will have plenty of competition in the crossover market.mainly from the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The new Tiguan will be more powerful than the CX-5, which should be expected given the Europeans' propensity to demand more powerful engines from their vehicles, even if they're of the crossover variety. As such, the Tiguan will carry a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine that generates an impressive 200 horsepower between 5,100 to 6000 rpm and 207 lb/ft of torque over a much broader 1,700 to 5,000 rpm.

The Tiguan is slowly gaining some popularity in the US market with sales going up by 30%. But for all the positive vibes of the Tiguan, the new CX-5 also has its share of allure, including the already mentioned fact that the crossover will be the first to carry the company's new 'Kodo' design language, and the fact that the crossover ill also be the first to include Mazda's new SkyActiv-G technology.