That's a long time, but the crossover is still extremely popular and is the brand's best-selling vehicle in many markets around the world. Although the CX-50 is often considered the successor to the CX-5, this is not the case. On the contrary, Mazda revealed a series of details about the next generation of the model.
The redesigned crossover will play a central role in Mazda's second-phase plan, which will see the automaker transition to electrification between 2025 and 2027. As part of these efforts, the CX-5 will offer a new hybrid powertrain developed in-house. This is in contrast to the hybrid model CX-50, which, to be a bit sacrastic, was assembled from Toyota "spare parts".
In addition to having a hybrid powertrain, the next-generation CX-5 will be about 60 percent less complex than the existing model. To achieve this, Mazda will simplify the specifications and equipment. This means that we can expect a less complex range of vehicles in the sales program.
Mazda will introduce a new electric vehicle on a dedicated platform in 2027. The Hiroshima-based manufacturer is also considering plug-in hybrid versions based on this architecture, suggesting that they would be relatively cheap to develop. This could be a good hedge against the slow rollout of electric vehicles.
Speaking of electric vehicles, the company has re-emphasized plans for Changan Mazda's electric crossover. This was announced by the Arata concept, which was presented at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year.
While most of the attention was focused on electrification, Mazda confirmed the development of the new Skyactiv-Z engine, which is expected to go into production in 2027. Not much has been said about it, but the engine promises "more ideal combustion" and improved "environmental and driving performance properties".
The Skyactiv-Z will be a four-cylinder engine that will succeed the current Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X engines. It will use the lambda one combustion method, which promises to achieve "high thermal efficiency with super lean combustion mass over a wide range of operating revolutions".
Although Mazda's engine lineup will shrink in the coming years, the new combustion technology will eventually be applied to its straight-six as well. This promises to improve its environmental performance, which should help the engine meet future emissions standards.
Mazda's Phase 3 plan is slated for the period between 2028 and 2030. Less is known about this period, but the company promises a full introduction of electric vehicles.
