Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition must salvage ageing SUV
Mazda is expected to reveal its third-generation CX-5, which will borrow technical know-how from Toyota, later this year.
The Mazda CX-5 is no stranger to the automotive industry. Since its debut in 2012, it has become one of Mazda’s stalwart products. However, in a constantly changing, fast-developing world, the CX-5 has lost ground to the competition; even with a new model coming into play in 2017. What was once a reckoned contender is now a vehicle fighting for relevancy.
Despite the game changing, Mazda stuck to its guns and continues to refresh the CX-5. While much of the change has taken place under the metal, buyers are often attracted to what they see. In the CX-5’s case, even though it managed to retain a sense of relevancy with its design, it is showing its age.
Related: Why the Mazda CX-5 remains a reliable bet
Because of this, Mazda knows that it must keep the CX-5 relevant, which is why it introduced the Carbon Edition model. With the black exterior accents and 19-inch black alloy wheels to complement the paint options, the CX-5 manages to win back some of that lost appeal. Inside, red stitching has been brought onto the leather seats and black interior trim. And for added flair, it also features a sunroof, a Bose sound system, and advanced safety features.
What’s next?
An all-new, third-generation Mazda CX-5 is on the cards for 2025, with an expected reveal pencilled in for later this year. However, the big news is that the new CX-5 will borrow technical know-how from Toyota. The two Japanese companies have been coexisting for some time and it is believed that Mazda will adopt some of Toyota’s hybrid technologies in its next CX-5.
Related: Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-G: the underappreciated SUV
In China, the CX-50, the CX-5’s bigger brother, already implements some of the Toyota RAV4’s hybrid parts, but the CX-5 will employ a hybrid powertrain that Mazda itself developed. It is not yet known if this hybrid powertrain will be a traditional one or if it will implement plug-in capabilities. At this stage, it is safe to assume that the new CX-5 will also be launched in South Africa, given its commendable sales success over the years.
On the electric vehicle (EV) front, Mazda aims to launch its first dedicated EV platform in 2027, with EV launches scheduled from 2028 onwards.
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