Next Mazda CX-5 to debut new platform and straight sixes

The next-generation Mazda CX-5 due in 2022 is the odds-on favourite to introduce Mazda’s new rear/all-wheel drive large-car platform and longitudinal mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

Mazda Australia was keeping quiet on the subject at the launch of the new Mazda MX-30 Electric Astina, where marketing and product director Alastair Doak would not confirm whether the new CX-5 will be the first model on the new platform to launch in Australia, but he did hint that will be the case.

“We can't really answer specific model stuff, but I guess... what segment around the globe is the biggest? The answer would be 'SUV'...”

During his presentation to journalists, Mazda Australia MD Vinesh Bhindi also specifically named the CX-5 as one of the cars that would be underpinned by the new platform.

“Mazda continues to invest in high-efficiency combustion engines, with SKYACTIV-X, and the new generation straight-six engine family that will power our new-generation large-platform products, which is CX-5 and above.”

The original Mazda CX-5 was launched in 2012, followed by the second and current generation in 2016 (March 2017 in Australia), while the original CX-9 was launched in 2006, followed by the second and current generation in 2015 (July 2016 in Australia).

That makes the existing CX-9 a year older than the current CX-5, which also spawned the CX-8 in 2017 (June 2018 in Australia), while the third-generation Mazda6 is the oldest of Mazda’s large models, dating back to 2012.

However, Mazda’s flagship passenger car is also one of its slowest sellers these days, and the CX-5 is by far its most popular in the biggest new-vehicle sales segment, finding almost four times the number of buyers in Australia than the CX-9, which is not sold in Japan.

The original CX-9 wasn’t replaced for almost a decade, while Mazda confirmed it would produce another 6 as long ago as 2017, after previewing it with the Mazda VISION COUPE concept.

Sales of passenger cars are in decline – in Australia as well as the rest of the world – and Mazda will be looking to amortise costs for the new platform and its 48-volt mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder engine tech as quickly as possible.

The fastest way to do that will be with its strongest selling and most profitable model, before the new chassis architecture and powertrains underpin the next CX-9, CX-8 and Mazda6.

Further supporting this rollout is a cut-away diagram of the new SKYACTIV Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture platform, which was released when Mazda announced it will electrify its entire model range by 2030 last month. Since then, Mazda Australia told us it will consider all 13 new electrified models promised by 2025, including three EVs, five plug-in hybrids and five mild-hybrids.

The EVs will ride on a second new platform named SKYACTIV EV Scalable Architecture and developed jointly with Toyota and Subaru.

The diagram clearly shows a driveshaft running forward to the front axle from what is a centre differential or some other form of transfer mechanism behind the transmission.

And just between the steering rack and the passenger-side front tyre in the picture is what appears to be a rubber boot for a driveshaft joint, which indicates that the exemplar is all-wheel drive – and probably modelled from the next CX-5, rather than the Mazda6.

While the Mazda6 may also be available with all-wheel drive – for snowbelt areas in North America in particular – it’s more likely that the CX-5 will be the launch platform for this new ‘Large’ architecture, due to the greater popularity of SUVs globally.

Doak also confirmed that the new six-cylinder engine family (including both petrol and diesel) will incorporate 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

“The new six-cylinder is a mild-hybrid, so it will have... basically it's a 48-volt system... and like other brands have – like Mercedes and others – it will produce a bit of power and torque to assist the engine,” he said.

Previously leaked information indicates the new Mazda CX-5 range will be available with a 210kW/340Nm 3.0-litre inline petrol six with SKYACTIV-X mild-hybrid tech, and a 210kW/600Nm 3.3-litre inline-six (likely turbocharged) diesel.

Mazda’s upsized six-cylinder engines, which will likely be reserved for premium model variants, may go against the current trend of downsized donks across the auto industry, but they should also bring significant reductions in fuel consumption.

The big sixes and rear/all-wheel drive platform will not only make the CX-5 unique in its class, but should ensure dynamic handling for all of Mazda’s more upmarket new mid-size and large models.

But Mazda’s new RWD/AWD platform is also expected to bring four-cylinder plug-in hybrid petrol and diesel powertrains, and “rotary engine multiple electrification technologies”, says Mazda.

That suggests the MX-30 won’t be the only Mazda model available with a Wankel range extender, and spells exciting times ahead for Mazda buyers.