2011 Mazda CX-5 Preview

The Mazda Minagi is not available to US consumers yet. The vehicle, a compact SUV features sleek looks, an aerodynamic body type and many safety features. The Japanese automaker has not unleashed the car at the Geneva auto show this month, according to the USA Today.

Mazda CX-5 expected in the US next year

Although the car which Mazda plans to use to enter the mini-SUV crossover market is not available in the United States or anywhere else for that matter, yet, the company plans to have the first CX-5s roll off the assembly line next year. If the CX-5, dubbed the Minagi elsewhere, makes it into the United States it will join the line of other crossovers from the automaker. The CX-9 and the CX-7 represent the full and midsize crossover vehicles.

The new vehicle will feature the company's new Skyactiv technology. A press release from the company says that Mazda hopes to improve the fuel efficiency in its 2011 models by 30% over its 2010 models. Skyactiv technology helps reduce the amount of fuel wasted. CX-5 early models also boast a compression ratio of 13-to-1, a feat that has not been seen since 1960s and 1970s era muscle cars.

US consumers do not have to wait for the CX-5 to roll into the country if they want to experience the Skyactiv technology. The new Mazda 3 already uses the engine and drive train in the car.

Preliminary Review

Below was our preview of the 2011 Mazda CX-5. The CX-5 is not expected to enter the US market until at least 2012.

The future is now, at least when it comes to the 2011 Mazda CX-5. Mazda has aimed to join the push across the auto industry to improve fuel economy and overall efficiency, and this sports car-slash-SUV vehicle could be its entree into the future. So, think “zoom-zoom,” but also think of the future.

Improvements from the 2010 Mazda CX-5

This will be the debut of the Mazda CX-5, so there’s no previous edition upon which to improve. The CX-5, however, is just a follow-up to the existing CX-7 and CX-9 models. Some auto reviewers consider the CX-5 a replacement of the Mazda Tribute.

Performance

Mazda is working to improve on fuel efficiency, and expects the CX-5 to get up to 43 miles per gallon on the highway. As this is a completely new powertrain and new vehicle, Mazda is breaking the mold with the CX-5. Expect something completely different from its standard four-cylinder offered on other vehicles. Mazda also is working to make the car lighter and thus more efficient overall.

• Engine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that gets 135 horsepower.
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic.

Exterior Features

Distinctive and futuristic, the CX-5 is a four-door SUV with a hatchback that looks like a sports car, too. It’s angled front has a racing feel to it, and it looks like it’s in motion even when it’s idle. Mazda is basing many of its designs of Ford’s existing Focus line.

Interior Features

The Mazda CX-5 seats five comfortably and has a wealth of features for both cargo and passenger room.

Safety and Specifications

Among the safety features on the Mazda CX-5 are antilock brakes, an antiskid system, traction control and airbags.

How the 2011 Mazda CX-5 Compares to Other Crossover SUVs

The Mazda CX-5 is emerging as a new kind of crossover, which means it’ll be highly fuel efficient as well as accommodating to the modern consumer. As you compare it to other crossover SUVs, make sure you consider more than just fuel efficiency. Look at cargo space, how the seats fold down, check leg room in the front and the back, and look at the price of upgrades so you can compare apples to apples.

Conclusion: Is the 2011 Mazda CX-5 a Smart Buy?

The automobile world is starting to change and the Mazda CX-5 is a big part of that. Offering fuel efficiency that gives you 42 miles per gallon on the highway, all in a nice crossover SUV package, the CX-5 is definitely worth consideration.