Mazda CX-5 now built in Malaysia
Mazda's highly acclaimed CX-5, the first model in the line up to be built with the latest technology offered by the company is being assembled here in Malaysia.
Mazda’s highly successful Kodo design inspired CX-5 is now being built here in Malaysia. The car, which will be built as a CKD (Completely Knock-Down) model at the Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah comes with the very latest of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology. This joint venture is a strategic move for Mazda Crop. Japan as it will allow the company to offer more cost effective and high quality cars for the asean market.
The body shop at the Inokom plant where the CX-5's body is assembled was purchased by Mazda from Inokom for the intent of the SUV's production. Operations at this facility began in April this year and will allow the Japanese manufacturer to respond quicker to market demand. Besides taking ownership of this body shop, Mazda’s presence at the plant will grow even more as construction has already begun for Mazda Malaysia’s own assembly plant located on the same grounds as the body shop. Construction began in May 2013 and it’s expected to be completed sometime early next year.
Mazda says that it will invest approximately RM100 million to enhance its local assembly operations and it expects local production to increase to around 20,000 units per year in the future. Currently, the Inokom plant also builds the CKD model of the Mazda 3. With the addition of the CX-5, the Japanese manufacturer plans on making an impact over here. Production of the Mazda 3 has already reached 5000 units and the CX-5 production will add an average of another 500 units per month.
When asked about the utilisation of local parts in the CKD CX-5, Mazda says that the local content is substantial and accounts for about 40% of the car. The company also plans on exporting the CX-5 produced at the Inokom plant to neighboring countries. The SUV comes in two formats, which are the all-wheel drive and front wheel drive versions, both of which are equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine.
The powerplant has a compression ratio of 13:1, which is considered the highest for a mass-production model. The one in the front wheel drive CX-5 produces 155bhp and 200Nm of torque while the all-wheel drive variant produces 154bhp and 198Nm of torque. In both formats, the CX-5 is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers quick and smooth gearshifts. Slotting the gear selector into manual mode will give the driver the option of shifting manually.
Equipped with SKYACTIV technology for the chassis and body, the Mazda CX-5 offers precise handling at all speeds, good ride comfort, better braking as well as a lighter and stronger body. As of now the CX-5 CKD is being offered in three variants which are the 4x2 Mid Spec, 4x2 High Spec and the 4x4 High spec.
Prices for the three variants of the CX-5 are as follows:
• 4x2 Mid Spec – RM 140,219.20
• 4x2 High Spec - RM 145,219.20
• 4x4 High Spec – RM 155,219.20
Colours that are offered are the Sky Blue Mica, Meteor Grey Mica, Crystal White Pearl Mica and Aluminium Metallic. For more information regarding the CX-5, visit your nearest Mazda showroom or log on to Mazda Malaysia’s website at www.mazda.com.my.
