SPYSHOTS: 2017 Mazda CX-5 – next-gen SUV caught!

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The Mazda CX-5, unveiled in 2011, was the first of Hiroshima’s new SkyActiv models, debuting the brand’s then-new Kodo design language and efficient high-compression petrol SkyActiv-G and low-compression diesel SkyActiv-D engines. It’s now five years old, however – and its facelift arrived nearly two years ago – which means that it’ll soon require a replacement.

Our spy photographers have caught the next-generation CX-5 being tested in Los Angeles, and in near-production trim too – making it easier to see what the upcoming C-segment SUV will look like. And although it looks very similar to the current car from afar, there are a number of changes that reveal themselves upon closer inspection.

The front end of the car looks more aggressive and dynamic, with a larger mesh grille (slats on the current facelifted model) and slimmer headlights – the grille’s chrome surround flows under the headlights instead of above them, a first for Mazda. The sleeker air intake design low down on the front bumper appears to be inspired by the new CX-9, giving the car a more mature look.

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Along the sides, the character line that goes above the front fenders now sweeps gradually downwards across the doors as on newer Mazdas, while the current car’s characteristic swoosh low down looks to have been replaced by a more conventional horizontal line.

At the rear, the slimmer tail lights, a tailgate design lifted from the Mazda 3 hatch and a sleeker rear bumper with wider fog lamps complete the look. The dual-tone alloys seen here appear to be a size larger than the existing CX-5’s standard 17-inch wheels, although we expect larger wheels to be an option as before.

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Under the bonnet, the CX-5 could see the debut of next-generation SkyActiv-G petrol engines, incorporating Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) – which uses high compression to ignite the fuel without a spark, much like a diesel engine. More efficient next-gen SkyActiv-D diesel engines should also feature, along with the possible inclusion of the CX-9’s new 2.5 litre SkyActiv-G turbo petrol engine.

Elsewhere, the CX-5 should receive the new G-Vectoring Control technology, along with Traffic Sign Recognition and a camera-based Advanced Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection – all of which made their debut on the facelifted Mazda 3.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • skatax on Aug 10, 2016 at 11:27 am

    Long live the king.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 9
    • DPCraft on Aug 10, 2016 at 3:14 pm

      On the whole, exterior looks pretty much the same as current CX-5, just minor sharpening on the headlights and taillights. Expect the final car to look 90% like new CX-9.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
      • Hideous car with newspaper camo, mazda too poor to use proper ones.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 5
    • King of what?
      King of crampy SUV?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 5
  • seancorr (Member) on Aug 10, 2016 at 11:30 am

    It’s looks pretty much a production ready prototype. The lines can be seen clearly. Not long more before we see the real thing…same goes for the next gen CRV which is also caught testing at the moment.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
    • malim on Aug 10, 2016 at 5:17 pm

      this CX5 will play second fiddle to Lotus-tuned Proton Extrema SUV.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 8
  • Still gay.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 20
  • lithium7x on Aug 10, 2016 at 12:56 pm

    yawn, the design is rather uninspiring and tired. mazda should up the design, anyway will need to wait for the full reveal and hope they improve the dated dash and interior design.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 10
    • Fully agreed with you. Not interesting so far. Prospects dont look too good.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 7
  • gaviny on Aug 10, 2016 at 1:12 pm

    mazda is killing it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 5
  • Skypirate on Aug 10, 2016 at 1:24 pm

    It looks like an enlarged CX3.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • smaller eyes and tail light, and bigger nose, not so round body…job done

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4
  • Wow, they’re using digital camouflage now, copied from military

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • from the pictures, finally the interior has been refurbished as mazda’s family dashboard….great!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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