Mazda CX-5 2.2L SkyActiv-D


Alongside the Mazda 6 diesel, local distributor Bermaz has also launched the new Mazda CX-5 2.2L SkyActiv-D today, making it one of the few diesel-powered unibody SUVs offered in the country together the Kia Sorento 2.2 LS and Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi.

Pricing for the locally-assembled (CKD) oil-burning CX-5 is RM 161,529 (metallic paint RM 161,929), putting this two-wheel drive variant smack in the middle of the two CX-5 2.5L petrol models – RM 155k for 2WD and RM 171k for all-wheel drive. Included in those prices is a three-year/100,000 km warranty and a three-year/60,000 km free service package.


The wunderkind here is the 2.2 litre SkyActiv-D twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, which makes 173 hp at 4,500 rpm and a healthy 420 Nm at 2,000 rpm. A six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission sends drive to the front wheels.

The most notable aspect of the engine is that it features the world’s lowest compression ratio for a diesel mill, at 14.0:1. This allows for a lower weight, improved fuel consumption and reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions compared to a traditional diesel engine. As such, the diesel CX-5 meets stringent Euro 6 emissions standards – crucially, without the use of expensive aftertreatment systems such as urea injection.


Local cars retain a diesel particulate filter to weed out soot and other diesel particulate matter from the exhaust, making it one of the few diesel models in Malaysia to do so. Berjaya Auto CEO Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said that it was “advisable” to fill the car using Euro 5 diesel; cars using the high-sulphur Euro 2M may require shorter service intervals, while the use of B10 biodiesel could void the warranty entirely.

Specs-wise, the diesel CX-5 is nearly identical to the 2.5 litre petrol variants – the exterior gets adaptive LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and auto levelling, LED tail lights and 19-inch alloy wheels.


It’s the same story on the inside, with keyless entry, push-button start, an i-Stop auto start/stop system, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone auto climate control and an MZD Connect infotainment system with navigation and six speakers all shared with the 2.5.

The biggest differences in spec compared to the rest of the range is in terms of safety – the CX-5 diesel is the only one to get a range of i-ActivSense driver assist systems, including Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). This adds to the CX-5’s already comprehensive range of standard safety equipment, including six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), ISOFIX child seat anchors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.