With the absence of a potential competitor, the new 2018 Mazda CX-5 Diesel definitely has a lot of potentials. At the moment, there aren’t many crossovers in North America that use oil burners. Due to emission scandals, German diesel engines won’t be available on the U.S. market for a long time for sure. The only potential competitor would be Chevy Equinox, though it definitely won’t be able to compete in terms of performances and overall driving experience.
Considering all this, 2018 CX-5 Diesel will have an open road to good sales numbers. Diesel engines aren’t that popular in North America, but a great fuel economy is always welcome, especially if we consider that main rivals would be hybrid and electric cars and oftentimes with automotive features, which definitely can’t compare in terms of performances, ride quality and overall driving experience.
Mazda CX-5 Diesel will be a class-leader in fuel economy
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Fuel economy is definitely one of the main reasons why the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Diesel is coming. In North America, where the market is dominated by gasoline engines, this sounds like a great move. In the segment of compact crossovers, there is only Chevy Equinox that is available with a diesel engine. However, it’s unit features much smaller displacement and it definitely can’t compete in terms of power.
Moreover, Mazda CX-5 Diesel should beat this one in fuel economy as well. Speaking of some more precise numbers, Equinox returns around 32 mpg in a combined drive – 29 in the city and up to 38 on a highway. With the new pistons design and injector design, a familiar 2.2-liter unit from Mazda will certainly meet these numbers and overpass them. Let’s not forget to mention that the recently-introduced valve technology will find its place in diesel engines as well. Latest reports suggest that the fuel economy will go over 40 miles per gallon on a highway.
The SkyActive X technology is scheduled for 2019. You can read More about 2019 CX-5 with updated SkyActive X technology at Toyota Mazda website.
Mazda CX-5 Diesel gets more power
Besides excellent fuel economy, this engine will offer a lot of power as well. In past years, this engine has been available all around the world, except North America. This 2.2-liter four-cylinder unit delivers around 173 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It looks like we are going to see some power increase for the U.S. market. The new version of the engine will probably feature around 190 horses if we can trust latest reports. Of course, it will come paired with the company’s familiar 6-speed automatic.
Let’s take Chevy Equinox diesel for comparison. This crossover comes with a 1.6-liter diesel engine, which delivers around 137 horsepower, which is sent via a 6-speed automatic transmission. As we’ve already mentioned fuel economy goes around 32 mpg in a combined drive. Just a quick glance and you can easily make a conclusion that the new Mazda CX-5 Diesel will easily beat these numbers.
The company’s management claims 2018 Mazda CX-5 Diesel will meet EPA standards
If you are a Mazda fan, you probably know that this Japanese manufacturer already tried to make a breakthrough in the U.S. with a diesel engine. It was not so long ago, with the famous Mazda 6 model. Of course, the problem was with EPA, where it was necessary to reduce the power in order to meet emission standards.
The company claims the new design solutions will easily meet new EPA requirements, which have been significantly tightened after the Dieselgate scandal with Volkswagen. We hope Mazda won’t screw up this time, though we won’t exclude the possibility of some delays. After the Mazda CX-5 Diesel passes all tests, it will have no real competitors in the segment, since VW won’t be offering diesel units in North America for a long time.
Mazda CX-5 Diesel gets a new engine but keeps a familiar face
We have no doubt that the company will stick to the proven recipe when it comes to the base design. The new Mazda CX-5 Diesel will certainly feature the same styling and base design characteristics as base gasoline models. The current generation has been introduced two years ago, so we could consider it very fresh.
The styling of this crossover is definitely one of its strongest points. Unlike other competitors in the segment that features boxy shape and too sharp, we would say, overworked lines, this one keeps things very smooth. Basically, it continues the evolution of the original model, keeping the same base shape but adding plenty of subtle changes. You can notice a familiar trapezoidal grille, which gets an upgraded, more attractive shape. On the other side, headlights are much narrower, while the numerous chrome details give that premium stance.
The cabin looks even more impressive. This one takes the inspiration from the flagship CX-9 crossover, so you can notice a lot of common details. We don’t expect bigger changes on the Mazda CX-5 Diesel, though the instrument cluster should be changed, to fit diesel powertrain. On the other side, the dashboard should be the same, which means a lot of hi-quality materials. Also, count on latest gadgetry and tech features, including a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, Bluetooth, USB and much more.
When it comes to interior space, this one definitely isn’t the most spacious one. There are few models like Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 that offer more room, especially in the cargo area.
Diesel Safety Technology
Just like gasoline versions, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Diesel will also come with plenty of advanced safety systems. Some of the notable safety features should be things like a rearview camera and low-speed automatic braking, dubbed Smart City Brake Support, which is standard features across all trim levels.
In higher trims, you can count on advanced systems like Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and high-speed automatic braking, head-up display with traffic sign recognition and much more.
Release Date and Price
The Mazda CX-5 Diesel will probably come late in the year, though we won’t exclude further delays. You can expect the starting price to be around 30,000 dollars.
Verdict and competition
It’s not hard to conclude that fuel economy will be the Mazda CX-5 Diesel’s biggest trump. However, this compact crossover will have much more to offer. First of all, there is an impressive styling and interior design. Of course, tastes are different but this one definitely belongs to the top of the segment when it comes to aesthetics.
Also, a diesel engine should provide far better driving experience compared to electrified Kia Niro Hybrid and similar models. The Mazda CX-5 Diesel should also outperform with ease the only diesel-powered crossover on the market, Chevy Equinox.
On the other side, it may lack in terms of cargo capacity, compared to models like Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4. Some would say it doesn’t offer so impressive off-road capabilities. Still, its refinement is on the top level, on the other side.
All in all, good performances, excellent fuel economy, better-than-hybrid driving experience and stylish look will be the strongest points of the upcoming Mazda CX-5 Diesel.
