13 September 2011 by Parkers Team

  • Mazda launches new SKYACTIVE range
  • CX-5 crossover first car to get new tech
  • Mazda3 gets facelift for 2012 with lower CO2

Mazda is tempting crowds this year with an all-new car called the CX-5.

Likely to compete with the VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga, the new model employs a very different design strategy.

Rather than trying to boost efficiency by using hybrid, electric, or hydrogen technology, the CX-5 will be based around the firm's new SKYACTIV systems.

The CX-5 will be the first car fitted with the new range of petrol and diesel engines and a choice of new manual or automatic gearboxes

A 2.0-litre petrol engine and a 2.2-litre diesel engine will be available in both high- and low-power applications, utilising the latest technology and an impressive compression ratio to generate improved fuel economy and emission figures.

The new tech should drop emissions to less than 120g/km for the diesel option. This means VED will be £30 per year maximum, while company car drivers will also be pleased to note their BIK liability will be low too.

Fuel economy will also be strong, with the car expected to return as much as 60-70mpg on the combined cycle.

The car also showcases Mazda's new design language known as ‘KODO - soul of motion'. This means a new Mazda ‘family face', and apparently styling which ‘conveys a strong sense of vitality and agility'. Right then.

As well as the new CX-5, Mazda will launch an updated version of a popular Mazda3 - with lower CO2 emissions, different interior and exterior designs and improved driving dynamics. The Ford Focus rival will be an important car for the Japanese firm, which is trying to move away from its association with Ford after many years of close collaboration between the two. The relationship was the main reason the previous ‘3 was such a good car, so hopefully Mazda has retained some of the characteristics of the outgoing model.

Prices haven't been announced yet, but expect the first car to hit roads in spring 2012.

To read about all the new cars, concepts and news from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, click here.