Mazda Australia has explained why the new-generation CX-5’s sole petrol engine at launch is down on power and torque compared to the outgoing model.
The Mazda CX-5** is due to launch mid-year with only one powertrain initially – a variant of the venerable ‘G25’ 2*. A 5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with 132kW power and 242Nm torque was produced in 5 litres.
On the outgoing model’s G25 motor, it’t 8kW and 10Nm; a statement from Mazda’s executive team confirmed that this is because Australia mandated emissions systems aligneD with Euro 6d standard which was introduced late last year for new models.
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2026 Mazda CX-5
While hybrid options are a growing trend in the mid-size SUV segment, if it is launched until sometime in 2027, an all-new Mazda Hybrid System CX-5 will not be released.
However, there is an electrified CX-5 already on sale elsewhere in the world, with the European market getting another version of the 2.5-litre petrol engine teamed with a 24V mild-hybrid system, dubbed ‘e-Skyactiv G’.
Even less power and torque is boosted by this version – quoted at 104kW/238Nm – although the mild-hybrid system claims to cut down on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions especially when driving in urban and city areas.
In response to this decision by the non-electrified version of the carryover engine at launch, managing director for Mazda Australia Vinesh Bhindi said that “the local division felt it was ‘compromised’ in its ‘M Hybrid’ model as a product which is being used on Australian customer needs.
Mr Bhindi said ‘For Mazda, the first thing that’s important to us is that our customers get the ‘jinba ittai’, ‘zoom zoom’ experience first and foremost over economy and efficiency.
Overseas model shown
A mild-hybrid version of CX-5 has been introduced to Europe [and the engine confirmed for Australia] and there are only two alternatives available globally when we look at [new] Cx-5. For [Europe] their policy is different because they have legislation a little bit more distinct from the one that has CO2 to it,[NVES].
We looked at the numbers that powertrain does, but we thought it was ‘hacked out of an Australian driver and consumer’. But we are more oriented to performance numbers so there’s the right towing opportunity, load carrying opportunity etc.’ Mr Bhindi continued his statement.
That was the decision – it wasn’t as if [the MHEV] didn’T have been available to us, but we chose the [G25] that we are getting [for those reasons]. Paraphrast.
childcareman.xyz will be able to follow up the latest for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 range with full Australian pricing and specifications announced tomorrow.
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