The new Mazda CX-30 unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show earlier in March 2019 is unlikely to be offered with the Japanese brand’s turbocharged 2,5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, according to a senior executive.
Speaking to motoring.com.au through an interpreter, powertrain development chief Ichiro Hirose said the firm had “no special plans” to use the turbocharged engine (offered in some markets in the Mazda6 and CX-5) to power the latest addition to the stable.
Of course, Mazda has confirmed the powertrain line-up in Europe will include the latest SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated 2,0 petrol engine, with a SkyActiv-D 1,8 turbodiesel unit also expected to be available. In addition, the Japanese firm will offer its clever new SkyActiv-X compression-ignition petrol mill, as used in the latest Mazda3.
While the CX-30 is scheduled to arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2020, the local engine range has yet to be confirmed.
Hirose, though, suggested the naturally aspirated 2,5-litre petrol engine would also be offered in some markets.
“The planned powertrain line-up is 2,5-litre – that’s naturally aspirated 2,5-litre – 2,0-litre petrol, also the 1,8-litre diesel with the turbo and also 2,0-litre SkyActiv-X. We will then, according to region and market needs, use this as an introduction to CX-30. Currently we haven’t included the 2,5 turbo,” he told the Australian publication.
“Probably alluding to the MPS – the performance series – are we keeping the 2,5-litre turbo for that? Currently, we have no special plans for any of that at the moment, but having said that, it is always a balance between the product itself and what the market demand is going to be.
“So, we’re not completely ruling it out. It’s not going to be the same powertrain line-up indefinitely, but currently we don’t have any plans for a 2,5 turbo,” he said.
