Performance-oriented SUV features 231hp and is priced at 1.85 million baht.
Mazda Sales Thailand has added a new petrol-turbo engine to the CX-5 lineup bringing the powertrain options to three.
The range-topping CX-5 gets the 2.5-litre unit from the CX-9 sold elsewhere producing 231hp and 420Nm. Transmission is via six-speed automatic driving all four wheels.
Priced at 1.85 million baht in the sole SP trim, this particular CX-5 features over 10 driving aids, sunroof, 19-inch wheels and front seats with cool-air ventilation, as such.
Although this turbo motor has been developed to replace the CX-9’s 3.7-litre naturally aspirated V6 of yore, it isn’t considered an engine-downsizing exercise in the CX-5.
With 231hp of power on tap, the CX-5 is more like a performance-oriented SUV. The MG GS was once sold with 218hp/350Nm 2.0-litre petrol-turbo, six-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive.
However, sales have ceased already as MG Cars Thailand is now focusing on the 162hp 1.5-litre petrol-turbo version of the all-new HS, the indirect replacement for the GS. The Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail, too, has no model producing over 200hp.
The 150hp 2.0-litre petrol of the CX-5 continues in Thai showrooms with its price-led status, while the 2.2-litre diesel-turbo is expected to get a power hike from 175hp to 190hp soon.
The improved diesel can already be found in the CX-8 (the sportier derv of the CX-9), due for launch in Thailand next month additionally with the 2.5-litre petrol-turbo.
