Fuel economy isn't the priority for Mazda’s new hybrid

Japanese brand says focus is on emotion – not just efficiency – with new CX-5 Hybrid.

By carsales.com.au

Mazda has delayed the introduction of hybrid-powered variants of its new generation CX-5 as it deliberately prioritised driving enjoyment over outright efficiency.

The Japanese brand has defended its decision to launch the third generation of its popular five-seater family SUV without a hybrid powertrain, revealing it intentionally held back the development team to create a system that better aligned with its driver-focused philosophy.

The comments come as Mazda attempts to shake up the medium SUV segment with its new model, where key rivals including the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester already offer petrol-electric powertrains.

Speaking at the local launch of the new CX-5, Mazda executives said regional markets were consulted during development and overwhelmingly requested a hybrid system that felt uniquely Mazda, rather than one focused solely on delivering the lowest possible fuel-consumption figure.

“We wanted a hybrid system that was Mazda and did things the way Mazda cars do,” Mazda Australia’s managing director Vinesh Bhindi said.

“It's not about one mission and one mission only, which is fuel efficiency.

“If it's that, we probably would have considered alternatives and could probably have had it sooner.”

Instead, Mazda says the new powertrain has been designed to offer something distinctly different from rival hybrid SUVs.

“Our hybrid, of course, will satisfy the expectation of customers for fuel efficiency,” CX-5 program manager Koichiro Yamaguchi said.

“But at the same time, our hybrid system is something that is fun to drive. That's the system we are developing right now.”

Highlighting its philosophy, Mazda admits it won’t be developing a plug-in hybrid version of the new CX-5.

When asked directly whether a CX-5 PHEV was under consideration, Mazda's response was brief: “No, it won't be.”

Instead, the brand plans to continue offering plug-in hybrid technology exclusively through the slightly larger CX-60.

Mazda says the new hybrid system will pair the upcoming Skyactiv-Z petrol engine with electrification technology designed to support performance at lower engine speeds.

The company also suggested its broader electrified portfolio helped justify the delayed arrival of a conventional hybrid, with the CX-60 and CX-80 offering plug-in hybrid powertrains while the inbound 6e and CX-6e will cater to the electric crowd.

The CX-5 Hybrid is scheduled to arrive in Australia next year, following its US launch, and is expected to be offered in all major trims.

Pricing and spec will be announced closer to its release.

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