Mazda CX-5 spied with interior shots

Mazda CX-5 spied (replaces Tribute) 29.04.2011 / Copyright SB-Medien

The 2012/2013 CX-5 will be based on the Minagi concept and is slated for a debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September

Here are some of the first spy shots of the upcoming 2012/2013 Mazda CX-5.

You can tell how serious an automaker is about a new design by how much camouflage a prototype is wearing. And this CX-5 is wearing lots.

But we do know that the CX-5 will be based on the Minagi concept that the automaker unveiled in Geneva last month, which should give us an idea of where it is going with the design.

The CX-5 is a compact SUV that will replace the Tribute in the Mazda lineup. It features the brand's new Kodu design language and will be based on a shorter-wheelbase version of the CX-7. SkyActiv technology is also part of the CX-5 - a new engineering paradigm that introduces new efficiencies into all aspects of the car and not just the drivetrain, including the chassis and the body design.

The Mazda CX-5 is slated for a debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September and will go on sale in 2012.

Mazda introduces new CX-5 ahead of Frankfurt debut
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car-o-bar

So once again, how much smaller will it be than the current CX-7, an inch, two, three at the most. Why are all Auto manufacturers trying to fit a niche that does not exist. Next CX-7 will grow a couple of inches to distance itself from CX-5 just like BMW X3 did to distance itself from X1, and Audi Q5 will do to distance itself from Q3... non sense.

April 29, 2011 6:16 am

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pismeov

"The CX-5 is a compact SUV that will replace the Tribute in the Mazda lineup." it's replacing an already existing vehicle in a market that's been around for many years now. it's not a "niche that does not exist." if anything, it's a long-overdue replacement. how much smaller will it be than the current cx-7? well, seeing how it's replacing the tribute, it'll probably be close to that size, which is quite smaller than the cx-7.

April 29, 2011 7:00 am

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clash_189

But it's true after manufacturer has to deal with us-people from forum and journalist. In case car manufacturer offers car to be too small, then it will lose its advantage point against rivals for space (look as Superb out-busted its rivals for space and similiar with Camry/Accord/Teana out-busted 3/C/A4 for space for little less money). I used to think than CX-7 is a replacement of ill feel Tribute. Anyway in a couple of years, new CX-7 is coming in size of X5 while CX-9 goes to GL size and eventually leave CX-5 for size of current X3-aka not much smaller than XC-60.

April 29, 2011 8:25 am

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clash_189

Exterior is always exciting but interior is still so Mazda, I expect none but lot of hard grey/black plastic there. After the introduction of new Active engine, I wish Mazda people will create interior not only looks or designed nice but feels nice too.

April 29, 2011 9:05 am

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1 reply

ALL car interior and dashes have been made from plastic for the past 35 years!...and so what..'nice feel'...what do you want to mount your dashboard!!

April 30, 2011 12:16 am

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PONTIAC G8 GXP

I think that it is a mule. It has body of CX-7

April 29, 2011 12:23 pm

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Homerlovesbeer

Um isn't a mazda tribute a commercial ute? How is the cx-5 supposed to replace a ute?

April 30, 2011 5:16 pm

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rho88

Mazda Tribute is not a comm ute... not in North America anyways. The Mazda Tribute is a small SUV. Basically a rebadged Ford Escape/Maverick.

April 30, 2011 11:04 pm

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SASTRAD

I used to work at Honda in Tokyo. I would write about these concept cars. During my 1 year stint, I did a lot of writing on electric cars. Mazda has done a one-up on Honda with the competition in SUVs. This one looks much nicer than the CR-V. Now I just export them from Japan.

May 5, 2011 9:37 pm

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psychoart

I read this article since last month, but I didn't bother to respond. Well, I have been waiting for this baby to come out for some time now. Just bring it... with the correction option (i.e. SkyActiv engine). I have also been waiting for Mazda to bring a dual clutch or CVT engine. I see that Mazda has been smart in the design of its new auto transmission. And I hope that it is there when it is supposed to be there. But I have been disappointed before from Mazda5, CX-7 to CX-9. Trust me! I was there all the time. I waited for the Mazda5 when I heard the announcement from Mazda of its future release in the US. The actual result is a no go. Did not buy it! I saw the CX-7 in the autoshow. I went to Mazda driving event, and even bothered to filled survey before CX-7 was in the market. Final result was again a disappointment. I was there at the dealer the first day the CX-9 came out. Test drove it. Looked at the price with all the option. And I fled away like there was a Hiroshima bomb behind me when I saw the price with all the options.

May 11, 2011 7:03 am

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psychoart

And I meant D... D!!!

May 11, 2011 7:05 am

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