Next-gen Mazda CX-5 to go RWD with an inline-six?

Next-gen Mazda CX-5 to go RWD with an inline-six?

According to a report by Japan’s Best Car Web, the next-generation Mazda CX-5 could make the switch to a new rear-wheel drive platform and adopt six-cylinder engines. The move is part of the company’s strategy to move upmarket, which will likely see it enter a space occupied by the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.

The development of the new architecture and engines was previously confirmed by the Japanese carmaker as far back as 2019, with the next-gen Mazda 6 rumoured to be the first recipient of these technologies. With the aforementioned report, it looks like the D-segment sedan will be joined by CX-5, although this won’t happen anytime soon, with the aforementioned report indicating a 2023 debut.

Last month, Mazda previewed its upcoming inline-six engines for the first time, saying that it will be offered in petrol, diesel and SkyActiv-X guises, with support for electrification in the form of a plug-in hybrid or a 48-volt mild hybrid. An electrified four-cylinder engine using the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) was also shown at the time, and this will be used in a new SUV built in the United States.

The second-gen CX-5 currently on sale has been around since 2016 and rides on a front-wheel drive platform that is paired with petrol and diesel engines. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the SUV, with the option of all-wheel drive.

In a separate and earlier report by Spyder7, the next-gen CX-5 is said to be available with 3.0 and 3.3 litre inline-six mills – the latter being a diesel. Additionally, there will also be two smaller 2.5 litre powertrains – one of them being a hybrid – along with a 2.2 litre diesel.

The same report also suggested the CX-5 will be renamed to the CX-50 based on patent filings, although Best Car Web claims this won’t be the case. Instead, the CX-5 will retain its name, with the CX-50 being an all-new model that slots in between the CX-5 and CX-9 as a coupe-like crossover.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • ZoomZoom on Dec 01, 2020 at 10:31 am

    Muscle Mazda

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • TNGA-Maserati Rival, by Mazda

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Civic Turbo 2018 on Dec 01, 2020 at 10:54 am

    X50 / X70 / X90 (JIAJI) / BORUI
    Geely-Proton will have something for you.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • MoFaz on Dec 01, 2020 at 11:55 am

    Wow Mazda CX-5 RWD with inline-6….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Mason on Dec 01, 2020 at 12:07 pm

    It will be way expensive for Malaysia compare to current cx5 if to bring in the RWD n inline6.

    I foresee Bermaz may continue wit current cx5 engine lineup on next gen. But next gen platform will be base on mazda6, the price will be for sure increase also even w/o the RWD n inline6.

    So, for those who wan to own cx5, better n faster buy the current gen now with sst exempt somemore b4 it is too late..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • That means price increase!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Dec 02, 2020 at 11:07 pm

    mazda is more bmw than bmw these days.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required