Today, In Crossovers: Mazda CX-5

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Mazda’s CX-7 and CX-9 are masterpieces of scaled design, distinguishable largely by proportion or badging rather than any real differences in design cues. And, by the looks of this camo’d test mule, Mazda’s forthcoming CX-5 will be yet another CX… just, you know, smaller. But don’t be fooled: the production CX-5 should be one of the first applications of Mazda’s Kodo design language first shown on the Shinari concept. In fact, the Minagi concep t has already previewed the CX-5’s use of the new “Japanese Alfa Romeo” aesthetic, but as this hypnotic video proves, the language can go a lot of different directions. At least it will definitely be different… and not in the Cheshire Cat-meets-Pokemon way, either.


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Mtymsi Mtymsi on May 09, 2011

    Although you can't tell for sure with the camouflage from what I can see I do like the styling. I also think the CX7 & CX9 are two of the best styled vehicles in their segments. Any idea what engine(s) their planning on offering? I'm thinking (hoping) 4cyl and class leading MPG.

    • See 2 previous
    • MattPete MattPete on May 10, 2011

      The Mazda CX7, CX9, and 6 are great looking cars -- if they had come out 5 years earlier.

  • Demetri Demetri on May 09, 2011

    Don't take too much from the styling of this. It's just a mule with chopped CX-7 panels on it and the new grille opening. The Minagi concept that was recently shown is a near production version of the CX-5.

  • SPPPP SPPPP on May 09, 2011

    It almost seems like some sort of "meta" sales experiment. Make three vehicles with styling and names that are so close as to be indistinguishable to the non-auto-enthusiast ... perhaps even indistinguishable to the auto-enthusiast who is not specifically a Mazda-auto-enthusiast. Then the dealership can sell all 3 vehicles interchangeably. A well-to-do couple saw a CX-5 and liked it, so they came in for a test drive. The salesman noticed they were very well-dressed, so he just steered them to a CX-7 instead. They thought something was a little different, but couldn't put their finger on it. A few hours later, they drove home happily in their CX-7, while the salesman happily thought of buying a new suit with his extra commission. A recent college graduate saw a CX-7 and liked it. The salesman saw that her credit wasn't really that great yet, so suggested a CX-5 instead, playing up the 4-cylinder mileage and "sportiness" aspect. The payments were much easier to handle, and she left happy. A working-class couple came in to see a CX-5, toting their 2 small children. The salesman saw the kids and immediately started dropping hints about the CX-9. They got a third row for when the third chiled shows up. All is well.

  • Kamiller42 Kamiller42 on May 10, 2011

    I love my '08 CX-9. Stylish and well built. BUT, dear Mazda, your "advanced" keyless system is a scam. $500 for parts and labor to replace a key ("Smart" card + emergency key) that lasts only 3 years is absurd. We have two keys. That adds $1,000 every the 3 years to the price of the car. Shame on you Mazda and its dealers!

    • Bob Finley Bob Finley on May 21, 2011

      You try replacing the battery? I have to do that about every 3 years.

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