2019 Mazda CX-5 powered by new 2.5-liter turbo to output 230 HP

KUALA LUMPUR: Mainstream turbocharged crossover by Mazda is on its way to deliver high performance. Yes, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 has undergone a makeover and engineered with a new 2.5-litre turbo, making it most aggressive in its segment.

The engine is believed to be a slightly detuned version of the one that CX-9 comes fitted with. The new turbocharged powertrain replaces the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre one. The vehicle churns out 230 PS and yields 420 Nm of torque, which is believed to be 10 PS less power reading and 70 Nm more torque than the Forester Turbo. It comes with a single transmission option that is a six-speed automatic transmission and no information is available yet regarding its acceleration power.

Besides the turbocharged one, the engine lineup includes a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D delivering 175 PS and a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G offering 155 PS. These two are believed to be highly influenced by the ones fitted inside the existing models. Both the models and the turbocharged one will feature G-Vectoring Control Plus. Mazda made a statement that the CX-5 2.5 turbocharged is also capable to hit the road on regular gas.

The lightweight and small size of the car gives it a more athletic look. It is confirmed by the Mazda that the makeover job did not include highly prominent transformations to the exterior of the vehicle. The metal body stands on 17-inch wheels. The vehicle has been given a new paint finish to alter its external appearance a bit.

One can spot some noteworthy alterations made inside the cabin though. Some updates include a newly introduced climate control panel. Some of the control dials and switches in the panel have undergone upgrades in terms of its design. Attempts have been made to make it more technologically upgraded. The infotainment system now features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.