Shanghai December 29 (Gasgoo.com) Mazda Motor Corp. will officially launch its all-new Mazda5 in China on January 11, 2011. Smaller than the previously launched Mazda 8, the new Mazda5 will compete head-on with segment leader Volkswagen Turan, xcar.com reported Wednesday.
The Hiroshima, Japan-based car maker will sell the new Mazda5 through the sales channels of FAW Mazda, its local joint venture with First Auto Works.
The redesigned Mazda5 has made its premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in February and impressed visitors greatly with a bold, edgy and elegant appearance.
Eqipped with Mazda’s stop/start system, i-stop, and a new 2.0L direct injection gasoline engine, and other technologies, the new Mazda5 emits approximately 15% less CO2 than the current model. According to autoevolution.com, the car also includes a 1.8-litre gasoline engine pared with a 6-speed manual transmisson, and an economical diesel engine.
The new Mazda5 measures (LxWxH) 4590mm x 1750mm x 1600mm and has a general wheelbase of 2750mm. In order to meet wide-ranging customer requirements, it also offers a high level of functionality, with dual sliding rear doors and multiple seat arrangements, and will mainly target the family car market in China.
Although pricing isn't yet available for the Chinese market, Mazda sells the MPV in its domestic market from 1,799,000 yen ($19,300) up to 2,314,000 yen ($24,800), said autoevolution.com.
