At the 2011 Geneva Auto Show we got our first taste of the Mazda Minagi, a "kodo" design-themed small crossover destined to be, in some form, the 2013 Mazda CX-5. Here, however, we have the production version which ditches some of the show-car curves for a more mini-CX-7 look, albeit with a cooler grille.
On the inside, we've got what looks to be a huge nav / control screen (taped off), a gearshift lever, and the same red gauge pods above the center-stack that every Mazda has.
The concept was shown with Mazda SkyActiv engine and there's no reason to think that the production version won't see the same fuel-saving technology that Mazda recently announced would propel the Mazda 3 into the 40mpg club.
This sub-CX-7 sized crossover is expected to start below $20,000 when it goes on sale sometime in 2012. The official car will debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
greenpony says:
10:17 AM, 04/29/11
Miangi, eh?
stovt001 says:
10:32 AM, 04/29/11
I like what I see so far. At almost looks close to a wagon.
skyggge says:
10:48 AM, 04/29/11
Manual?!
cr_driver says:
10:59 AM, 04/29/11
Sub $20k? mmmmmmm......
1487 says:
11:02 AM, 04/29/11
what is the point? they have a small 5 seater already.
bc1960 says:
11:17 AM, 04/29/11
Not with AWD, 1487. And when the Tribute goes away, you're left with the CX-7, in either underpowered FWD or gas-sucking turbo FWD & AWD guise. Something a bit more compact, more economical, with a lower starting price is needed to be competitive at the small end of cute utes. Then they can either drop the CX-7 i entirely, or improve it significantly when it's redesigned.
dougtheeng says:
11:48 AM, 04/29/11
Looks a lot like the CX-7 to me, though I know the nose will be different.
protocatcher says:
12:16 PM, 04/29/11
This is still just the chopped up mule based on the CX-7 body. Not the real deal.
bonzjr says:
12:42 PM, 04/29/11
+1 protocatcher
Clearly this is chopped CX-7 sheetmetal designed to fit the CX-5 chassis/interior. Anyone this side of Stevie Wonder can see the shortened rear doors and draw this conclusion. They're likely testing mechanicals/cooling -- hence the grille opening of the new CX-5 -- but don't want to reveal the full body yet.
In other words, regarding the exterior: move along, nothing to see here.
The interior? Different story in that there actually is a story. You can see the basic layout/shape/gear. No surprises. Looks like everything the currently offer in terms of features and design. This is not a bad thing, but I'm a fanboy (and unlike some other forum participants when it comes to their favorite automakers I admit to it). In the Supreme Court tradition of abstaining from cases where there is/was a vested interest, I have to say that my opinion doesn't count. ;)
santiagofdz says:
12:48 PM, 04/29/11
Am I crazy to hope that the 3 adopts the front styling from this car?
billt9 says:
04:16 PM, 04/29/11
This is a total CX-7 mule. Every panel is the CX-7.
atomic13 says:
06:40 PM, 04/29/11
+1 bonzjr. Thank you.
I wish the CX-5 were coming sooner because I could really use something bigger than the 3 but the CX-7's engine choices pretty much suck (plus I don't want something THAT big). Skyactive-D would be quite nice, I think
thejoshdude says:
10:12 PM, 04/29/11
Stick!
lolxd says:
02:58 AM, 05/ 6/11
It's good to see that they've used the new design language. I'm still hoping for the Shinari to go into production (maybe badge it as a Mazda 6?).
And they should really up the interior. I find most Mazda Interiors (apart from the RX-8) looked kind of dull compared to the exterior which is far more interesting though the previous "Mazda mouth" was just plain stupid.
Hurry up with the Shinari! zoom zoom zoom!
lolxd says:
02:58 AM, 05/ 6/11
It's good to see that they've used the new design language. I'm still hoping for the Shinari to go into production (maybe badge it as a Mazda 6?).
And they should really up the interior. I find most Mazda Interiors (apart from the RX-8) looked kind of dull compared to the exterior which is far more interesting though the previous "Mazda mouth" was just plain stupid.
Hurry up with the Shinari! zoom zoom zoom!