The new CX-50 crossoverwas designed with the North American market in mind and will be produced in Mazda’s new factory in Alabama, so it probably won’t come to Mzansi. Nonetheless, the newcomer is the first of 5new CX models that will be launched in the next 12 months, so it’s a preview of what’s to come…

Said to be a “completely new model”, the CX-50 should slot injust above its popular, but long-serving, CX-5 family car sibling in Mazda’s line-up (that’s if the newcomer will be positioned asthe Mazda3-based CX-30 is in relation to the CX-3, for example). It’s difficult to say, because the CX-3 and CX-30 are not based on the same platform and it’s difficult to imagine that Mazda would retain the outgoing CX-5’s KF platform for the “all-new model”. Mazda says the current CX-5 will ultimately be replaced, sothe CX-50 might be offered as a standalone product first anda complementary model after that.

What’s most surprising about the CX-50 is its off-road-oriented packaging.Mazda says it has “extended this vehicle’s capability to enable drivers to venture further into the outdoors and various terrains”. As such, all CX-50s are equipped with all-wheel drive (i-Activ) as well asMazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive). The latter enables drivers to select from various drive modes to tailor the new Mazda’s powertrain settings to suit a variety of conditions, such as “off-road terrain or providing reliable towing capabilities”.

This is a rather bold move on the part of Mazda, which has equipped its all-wheel-drive crossovers and SUVs with (some) added ground clearance and functions that utilise the vehicles’ electronic stability control software to assist in mild off-road conditions, but, with the exception of the BT-50 double cab, the Japanese brand has not drawn attention toits models’ outright off-road abilities and packaging.

The CX-50’s off-roader-inspired styling, however, is quite deliberate, right down to the black graphics on the newcomer’s bonnet. Like its contemporary stablemates, the newcomer is athletically styled, replete with a sleek silhouette, slim side-glass profile and wide stance, but it is additionally kitted out with chunkyblack cladding (on the wheel arches and flanks), while the bumpers feature little in the way of satin chrome accents. What’s more, the grille and headlight trims are blacked out. The CX-50 is a nooff-roader – it’s still a crossover, but it suggests upcoming CX models will be more overtly sporty.

As expected, the CX-50’s upmarket cabin has a minimalist design, with a driver-oriented layout at the front. It’s not particularly distinctive (to be fair, that’s not Mazda’s modus operandi), butpiano black inserts, subtle metallic finishes and contrast stitching, whichmatches the optional terracotta leather trim, complete the look. The model alsofeatures a panoramic moonroof; it’s reportedly “a first for Mazda.”

In terms of practicality, Mazda says the CX-50’s height and length facilitate the “easy loading and securing of outdoor equipment. Additionally, the high strength roof rails and reinforced b-pillars and door jambs add to the usability of securing equipment on the roof”. We assume that the roof rails and -box shown in these press images will feature onthe new model’s optional accessories list.

The CX-50 will be offered with either the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated- or Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The former is already offered in the local CX-5 range, but we still await the arrival of the 170-kW forced-induction motor in the South African market.

As for the upcoming CX models, the imminent CX-60 is believed to be the direct successor to the current CX-5, while the CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 will follow in due course.

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