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Mazda CX-5 Crossover

2011 Mazda CX-5 - A Sports Car-Like Crossover


Mazda's push to increase fuel economy across its model line will include a new range of gasoline engines and may involve the introduction of diesel and idle-stop technology in the United States. Mazda is aiming to increase fuel economy across its global lineup by 30 percent by 2015. One of the first models that will be powered by the fuel efficient engine may be the 2011 Mazda CX-5, a small sports car like SUV.  The CX-5 will carry on the Mazda "Zoom-Zoom" philosophy and affordable pricing will take priority in this market class. The CX-5 won't lack for competition--starting with its redesigned cousins, the 2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, as well as Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. In all, the 2011 Mazda CX-5 looks like a logical follow-up to the larger CX-7 and CX-9, with even more emphasis on "Zoom Zoom" appearance and driving fun. Ford Motor Company is raiding its European market to satisfy America's newfound interest in smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Japanese affiliate Mazda often goes where Ford leads, and that seems to be happening with the planned replacement for Mazda's aging Tribute compact SUV, the 2011 Mazda CX-5. 


CX-5 Power


As part of Mazda's goal in improved fuel efficiency across the line their best-selling 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will get a redesign with a new six-speed automatic transmission and would see city fuel economy increase to 32 mpg from 22. Highway fuel economy would increase to 42 mpg from 32. However, the new powertrains cannot be retrofitted to an existing product line, so the CX-5 is an excellent candidate for this engine.  To further improve efficiency Mazda is focused on creating lighter weight-reduction models, aiming to drop at least 220 lb from each vehicle. The crossover's displacement at 2.0 liters for both normal and turbocharged versions will likely produce horsepower of 135 and 180. Design features should include all-aluminum construction, direct fuel injection, twin overhead camshafts, and variable timing for both intake and exhaust valves, plus an engine stop/start system as another fuel-saver. A 6-speed automatic ,may be the only transmission offered in North America, perhaps with steering-wheel paddles for manual shifting. But a 6-speed manual is possible, too.  Like most small crossovers--and the model it replaces--CX-5 will be available with front drive or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. Also like Tribute, every 2011 Mazda CX-5 should come with 4-wheel ABS, 4-wheel independent suspension, an antiskid system, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. Other possibilities include electric power steering to replace hydraulic and new options such as a rearview camera for the available navigation system.

2011 Mazda CX-5 Design


The CX-5 will be based on a new For d Focus platform, along with other Ford models that come under Fords new "One Ford" planning. The 2011 Mazda CX-5 shapes up as a thoroughly modern small crossover, and it's no surprise that CX -5 follows the sporty path laid down by the CX-7 and CX-9. Mazda's larger crossovers sell respectably despite today's down market, and each has been bringing in valuable business for the franchise. Furthermore, the CX-5 will be an exciting new design compared to its outgoing predecessor, the Tribute.

Th e CX-5 won't be just any crossover, it promises to mimic the style and driving spirit of Mazda's RX-8 sports car. It won't have a rotary engine, but the CX-5 is expected to have similarly rakish looks.  The 2011 Mazda CX-5 will be a swoopy 5-passenger wagon patterned somewhat on the Kazamai concept from the Aug ust 2008 Moscow Auto Show. Kazamai--the name means "swirling crosswinds" in Japanese--is the latest preview of Mazda's new nagare or "flow" styling theme announced by a like-named 2006 concept. Likely styling elements include cycle-type front-fender forms, an emerging Mazda hallmark; a gaping "five-point" grille; heavily sculpted bodysides with upswept windowsill lines; and a trim tail with minimal metal behind the rear wheels. A two-way liftgate with separate-opening glass is also likely; size wise, the CX-5 should be close to the Escape, Mariner, and Tribute except for height.

Conclusions

The 2011 Mazda CX-5 will be part of the new "One Ford" global product plan that aims to harmonize the company's various models around far fewer platforms and components. The idea is to develop vehicles that can be built and sold most anywhere in the world without expensive alterations for individual markets. This strategy not only promises to save big money upfront, a must for Ford nowadays, but it should also improve manufacturing flexibility, allowing Ford to respond more quickly to profit-killing currency fluctuations and changes in sales demand, a must for any automaker in today's global economy. The plan kicks off with the 2011 Ford Fiesta subcompact car, which is due sometime next year.  Next comes a redesigned 2011 Ford Focus compact car.  Another part of the One Ford plan is to replace its aging SUV and CUVs; these include the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, and Mazda Tribute. And this is where the 2011 CX-5 comes in.  There's no word yet on whether the 2011 Mazda CX-5 would be built in North America, like Tribute, or sourced from Japan like the CX-7.