After being adamant that its CX-50 will be a North American exclusive, Mazda has seemingly backtracked on that as the off-road-centric compact SUV is now available in China.
Locally assembled as a CKD through Mazda’s joint-venture with Chinese automaker Changan in Nanjing, the CX-50 is available with two powertrains. Unlike its US counterpart where it comes with a 2.5-liter engine in normally-aspirated or turbocharged versions, the Chinese market CX-50 comes with two normally-aspirated motors.
These engines should be familiar as they’re found in other members of the Mazda line-up. The 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G delivers 155 horsepower and 200 Nm, while the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G delivers 187 horsepower and 250 Nm. The 2.0-liter has a variable capacity oil pump for improved efficiency, while the 2.5-liter has cylinder deactivation and exhaust gas recirculation. Either way, they’re mated to a 6-speed automatic with idle start/stop tech.
These two engines will be followed by a hybrid. Since the CX-50 is part of the company’s Small Product Group, this likely means the 24-volt Mazda M Hybrid system used in the Mazda3 and CX-30.
Like the North America CX-50, it features Mazda’s Kodo design language, but interpreted for a more rugged look. The long silhouette helps give it more dynamic portions backed up by either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels. The design is also functional with reinforced B-pillars and door jambs enabling owners to secure heavier loads. The rear doors also open 90 degrees for easier ingress/egress. Colors for the Chinese market include the trademark Zircon Sand.
Speaking about the interior, the five-seater CX-50 continues with a familiar cabin layout with its minimalist look with hidden vents and a large floating infotainment screen. There are new touches here though such as the vertical air vents around the instrument cluster, a squarer overall shape, and the availability of a new color: Terracotta.
In China, the Mazda CX-50 is priced from RMB 159,800 to RMB 212,000 (P 1.299 million to P 1.723 million).
The availability of the CX-50 outside North America increases the chance of seeing it in markets such as the Philippines. It must be remembered that the CX-8 was once a Japan market exclusive, however once it was made available in China, it paved the way for assembly in Malaysia where the Philippines sources its units.
Separately, Mazda China has also confirmed that they will be getting the three-row CX-90 as well.
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