Mazda, one of the leading Japanese automobile manufacturers, has decided to make an entry into the Indian passenger car segment. CX-5, the 5-seater compact crossover SUV, was apparently seen testing in the National Capital Region. This car will give stiff competition and is expected to be sold under the Rs. 10 lac bracket.
Back in 2011, Mr. Takashi Yamanouchi, President and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation, had said, “We have a bouquet of compact cars like the Mazda – 2 and sedans that are suited for the bulk of Indian customers who prefer small and fuel efficient vehicles.” It appears that the corporation has finally formulated the plan that was thought out long back, though Mazda-2, it seems, is not being launched seeing the popularity of SUVs in India.
Currently, there are not many 5-seater SUVs in India and this car might bring in a trend into the Indian automobile sector. Meanwhile, it is speculated that Nissan might roll out a 5-seater SUV in India post the success of the Renault Duster since Renault and Nissan share a manufacturing unit near Chennai in India.
The CX-5 features the company's KODO design language. It is inspired by the stance of a crouching cheetah. Mazda Minagi is the concept compact crossover SUV on which it is based. The CX-5 is currently sold in markets including Europe, USA and Japan. It comes with Mazda's SKYACTIV technology which lays special emphasis on eco-friendliness and safety. With the lightweight and rigid chassis, the car is specially protected against collision.
Internationally, the Mazda CX-5 is powered by a 2-litre petrol engine generating maximum power of 155 bhp. The diesel variant, which is more likely to hit Indian markets, has a 2.2-litre diesel engine exuding maximum power of 147 bhp. An interesting feature is the Idling Stop Technology which shuts down the engine when the vehicle is static and restarts when the vehicle moves. This technology is sure to attract consumers looking for fuel efficiency.
The brand Mazda is not new in the Indian market with Swaraj Mazda having a big share in the trucks segment. Isuzu, the brand that provides engines to Swaraj Mazda, is planning to invade the trucks market. Mazda has been making an impact in the American, European and, of course, Japanese markets for long. It now plans to bring new vehicles into the Indian market which is an interesting prospect for new players.
With major factors associated with the vehicle suitable for Indian roads, it will be interesting to see if there are any major modifications made in the car which has already been highly praised internationally.
