The Mazda CX-7 is smoking hot, offering a sexy look combined with excellent driving dynamics. However, it’s somewhat on the large size, particularly when it comes to width. Now, Mazda is set to follow in the footsteps of the Mitsubishi ASX, as it launches a new, more compact crossover called…(make one guess) CX-5. It even looks like a cross between the ASX and the Nissan Juke.
The CX-5 is slated to replace the aging Tribute compact SUV, a project developed with Ford. The Tribute’s twin, the Escape, went on to great success and has spawned several successive generations. The Tribute, unfortunately, remained stagnant, and did not conform to Mazda’s new styling and driving-dynamics branding, having been developed before the “Zoom-zoom” philosophy was announced.
The CX-5 springs from the Minagi concept car (shown in photo) and will be revealed at the New York International Auto Show later this week. The CX-5 will reportedly embody Mazda’s “Soul of Motion” design theme as seen on the Shinari concept vehicle, touted as the RX-8 replacement.
More from Mazda:
When it appears in Mazda showrooms around the world next year, the compact SUV will feature a full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies, including new-generation engines, transmissions, bodyshell design and chassis engineering.
The “CX” in CX-5 is Mazda’s official designation for its global line-up of crossover SUV vehicles, which also includes the Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9 – depending on individual markets.
The CX-5 will be the compact model in the series.
In production form, the Mazda CX-5 will make its international debut at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show to be held in Germany in September – before going on sale in 2012.
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