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Mazda opted to develop its new hybrid powertrain for the CX-5, rather than use Toyota's RAV4 Hybrid system as the brand does with the CX-50 in the USA, because it wanted to ensure its most popular vehicle was more dynamic to drive than its Japanese rival.
That's the word from Mazda Australia's Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi, who told CarsGuide the new CX-5 will deliver on the brand's "Zoom Zoom" promise, which it couldn't if it was powered by Toyota.
"That's a question for the Mazda engineers, but we know Mazda engineers are proud, and they want to have their version of hybrid," said Bhindi.
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"My understanding is that it will be totally Mazda, it will be designed in a way that delivers what Mazda wants it to deliver – the Jinba Ittai (Japanese for horse and rider as one), the Zoom Zoom element.
"But I haven't driven a car with that technology. It's still under development."
Mazda has taken the decision to delay the launch of its hybrid solution until at least 2027 – rather than launch with the Toyota technology (if it could be expanded from the CX-50) today – to secure the driving dynamics the brand demands, despite the delay undoubtedly putting a dent in sales in the wake of an all-new RAV4 which will offer electrified solutions across the range.
The technology will arrive first in the USA in 2027, with Mazda Australia expecting to launch soon after.
"It'll be around similar timing, but it's a bit too early (to confirm). It depends on when they get the production slots in, in right-hand drive, all of those usual elements," said Bhindi.
But when it does arrive, Mazda said it will take a similar approach to the the RAV4 in offering the Hybrid across the range, from the entry-level model all the way to the flagship.
"That's our plan. If the market demand is more hybrid and less non-hybrid powertrains, then we can change that mix very quickly and vice versa," said Bhindi.
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