Mazda CX-5 To Debut With SkyActiv-D Diesel Engine: Report

Mazda's upcoming entry-level crossover, the Minagi concept-based CX-5, will reportedly be the first of the Japanese carmaker's SUVs to benefit from its new SkyActiv engine and transmission technologies.

Technical details for the production CX-5 haven't been revealed, but according to Britain's Autocar magazine, one of the engines featured at launch will be the new SkyActiv-D diesel engine. 

Producing 136kW and 420Nm of torque, the twin-turbo 2.2 litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine is paired with a new SkyActiv six-speed automatic transmission and has been engineered to pass Euro 6 emissions regulations.

The new diesel was tested by TMR in a heavily-camouflaged next-generation Mazda6 earlier this year.

Little else is known about the all-new CX-5 at this stage, although it is likely that a version of the company's new 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine - already destined for service in the 2012 Mazda3 update - will also appear in the compact SUV.

Scheduled for a 2012 launch, the CX-5 will face off against the Nissan Dualis, Subaru Forester, Toyota's RAV4 and the Volkswagen Tiguan - all selling over 1000 units each in May.

Watch for the CX-5 to make its global debut at September's Frankfurt Motor Show.