Mazda CX-5 News

Often the best used versions of popular models such as the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-3, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Jazz also happen to be the cheapest.And while there is a catch, it’s also precisely what makes them a catch: their manual gearboxes.Yep. Going stick is the trick. Like listening to analogue music, shopping in person instead of online and meeting in person rather than via an app, shifting gears yourself can often be so much more rewarding.Manuals are generally cheaper (sometimes by upwards of 20 per cent), usually use less fuel, are always more fun, avoid costly transmission repairs and feel cooler than their auto counterparts, so what’s not to love?Here are our favourite budget manual bargains.2002-2007 Mazda DY 2Mazda’s fourth-generation supermini shared much with the Ford Fiesta of the day, but boasted a unique, dorky/cool tall-boy body offering mini-wagon practicality, complete with a deep tailgate and a sliding/tumbling rear bench. A perky 1.5-litre engine/five-speed manual combo provides lively performance, as well as long-lasting durability. Knockabout fun for peanuts.2005-2011 Ford LS-LV FocusThe second-gen Focus shared a sophisticated platform and robust 2.0L engine with the Mazda 3. But the Ford’s connected steering and athletic handling are joyous. The pre-Powershift four-speed auto is fine, but the five-speed manual ties everything together with precision and flair. Ford should be proud of this German masterpiece.2008-2014 Honda GE JazzExperts the world over shortlist the second-gen Jazz (or Fit), for its over-engineered body, bulletproof powertrain (including the class-rarity five-speed auto), brilliant packaging, high driving enjoyment and low running cost. Properly maintained, these should last longer than most. Pretty much the perfect cheap car, then, the five-speed manual, with its slick, short-throw shift, is the better option, as it’s easy and fun. And about 30 per cent less than the auto.2008-2013 Mazda BL 3Like its Focus cousin, Mazda 3’s advanced multi-link rear suspension provides safe, reassuring control, but prioritises refinement and ease, mixing Japanese build quality, practicality and reliability. At this price point, you’ll find a lower-mileage manual, complete with a sweet six-speed gearbox, than the default five-speed auto, providing plenty of interactivity. A terrific all-rounder.2014-2019 Mazda BM 3For the third-gen 3s, Mazda was free of Ford so developed its vaunted “SkyActiv” powertrains and chassis with dramatically updated tech, including weight-saving efficiency. That they have proven so dependable is a testimony to their quality engineering, while the engines with their six-speed transmissions offer BMW-levels of sophistication without the cost pain.2017-2023 Suzuki AZ SwiftAdopting in all-new platform, the sixth-gen Suzuki supermini continues its predecessors’ spunky styling and agile handling, in a larger, roomier and more-refined package. But while the switch to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) takes the fizz out of the auto, the manual elevates the sportiness the series has renowned for.2015-2022 Mazda DK CX-3Still a current model, the CX-3 manual is that rare thing – a racy, lightweight SUV that becomes more impressive the harder you drive it. Stuffing a 2.0L engine into a city-sized crossover makes it a punchy performer, as well as a frugal and effortless to punt around.2014-2021 Nissan J11 QashqaiThe CVTs in Nissans are notoriously unreliable, but the six-speed manual turns this British-built compact SUV into a durable, comfortable and relaxed family car that’s also a pleasure to drive. Simple yet more capable than the badge may have you believe.2017-2022 Mazda CX-5It needs a few revs under its belt, but once the tacho is swinging, the CX-5 manual turns into a rorty, racy SUV that corners and handles like its wearing Alfa Romeo badges. Slick and sophisticated, Mazda’s evergreen mid-sizer shines when it’s really driven to be enjoyed. A dying breed, sadly.2019-2022 Toyota RAV4 The cheapest way into a newer-shape RAV4 is buying a rare manual version. Though front-drive and base-model only, the GX 2WD combines the looks, packaging, quality and practicality of Australia’s favourite new SUV, with a surprisingly engaging and enjoyable powertrain. It’s a shame Toyota dropped the manual.2013-2020 Volkswagen Mk7 Golf GTIDeveloped during the peak-VW era, the seventh-gen Golf GTI has different sides, from a luxury grand tourer with a slick dual-clutch transmission, to a lower-line manual with cloth trim aimed at purists. The latter allows keen drivers to take advantage of its immersive drivetrain and lighter, nimbler dynamics.2016-2020 Peugeot T9 308 GTi 270Perhaps the greatest modern hot hatch this side of the current Honda Civic Type R, the manual-only 308 GTi 270 captures the essence of the breed better than most, thanks to a lightweight, playful chassis, torquey turbo engine and ultra-tactile steering and superbly supple ride. A true 205 GTi for grown-ups, at a fun-sized price.

Sales of petrol-powered cars are declining in the Australian new vehicle market and the popularity of electric propulsion is on a fuel price-driven tear, but there are some significant models bucking the EV transition trend.According to data from industry statistician VFacts and the Electric Vehicle Council, year-on-year sales of pure-electric vehicles were up 92.1 per cent at the end of the first quarter (34,382 vs 17,901 units) with EV uptake rising by 88.9 per cent in March compared to the same month last year (15,839 vs 8385 units).At the same time, sales of petrol-powered vehicles have decreased by 17.8 per cent YTD (101,147 vs 123,132) and 20.1 per cent for the month of March (34,694 vs 43,784).And it’s worth noting hybrid sales are in line with 2025 so far this year (46,952 vs 47,014), which may be explained by a supply shortage in the first quarter for Toyota’s top-selling RAV4. Plug-in hybrids are up 40.2 per cent (13,715 vs 19,230).But despite oil supply shortages caused by the current conflict in Iran sending the price of petrol through the roof, several conventionally-powered models have seen sales grow strongly so far this year.  Kia’s compact K4 has clearly built a strong following with the sedan arriving here early in 2025 and the hatch version joining it late in the year.From a modest launch base year-on-year sales are up no less than 240.8 per cent (2771 vs 813 units), the sleek 1.6- and 2.0-litre five-seater now standing as the Korean brand’s third-best seller so far in 2026.And Kia’s Seltos small SUV hit a purple patch in March with sales up 13.8 per cent compared to the same month in 2025 (849 vs 746).Mazda’s evergreen CX-5 medium SUV is up 12 per cent YTD (6247 vs 5538), likely winning over Toyota RAV4 prospects unwilling to wait the three to six months it currently takes to put the previous category-leader on your driveway.The CX-5 (6247 units) is now in a mid-size SUV cage fight with the Mitsubishi Outlander (6363 units) for category leadership.On the subject of Mazda, the long-serving fourth-generation version of the Japanese maker’s iconic MX-5 sports car has jumped 34.2 per cent so far this year (196 vs 146) with 90 sold in the month of March compared to just 34 last year (+164.7 per cent). And thumbing your nose at EVs via a roofless petrol-powered car must be a theme because the Mini Convertible is up 202 per cent YTD (103 vs 34 units).Then, despite Porsche taking a hit in sales overall so far in 2026, the latest iteration of its celebrated 911 is up a healthy 182.8 per cent (345 vs 122) YTD. What fuel price increase?

A more-adventure-ready version of the new Mazda CX-5 could be in the pipeline for Australia and the rest of the world.Inspired by a special edition package for the North American-market CX-50 mid-sized SUV called the Meridian Edition, it could lead to a CX-5 with a beefier stance, greater clearances, chunkier wheels and extra protective cladding, among other modifications.According to Mazda's Program Manager, Koichiro Yamaguchi, the company is waiting to see whether buyers demand a more off-road edition of the latest CX-5 before taking the plunge.“We don’t have such offerings currently, but we would like to monitor customer feedback very carefully,” he revealed to the Australian media late last month.“Because (today's latest) CX-5 is more for daily life. So, we will listen to feedback from the market.”While more off-road-style versions of popular medium-sized SUVs have yet to take off in Australia, they are proliferating in North America and elsewhere, thanks to models such as the Subaru Forester Wilderness, Toyota RAV4 Woodland, Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek Edition and Hyundai Tucson XRT.Probably the closest we have to that in Australia right now is the Subaru Outback Wilderness, which arrived with the completely redesigned seventh-generation range back in February. A Forester Wilderness grade is expected later this year or during 2027.Mazda's General Manager for Global Sales and Marketing, Manabu Osuga, went into more detail about Mazda’s plans, stating that while the arrival of off-road-themed rivals has not been lost on him, an accessories package based on the CX-50 Meridian may be the way forward for CX-5.“Sure, that's on our radar,” he admitted to CarsGuide.“You know about the CX-50, how we are doing it in the US market. We, at MMC headquarters, developed (such a car), but as an accessories package… and we call that the Meridian package… with an outdoorsy design.“So, where we are going is that, with this CX-5, we are launching this car to begin with as a collaboration with individual markets to expand the range to really fulfil consumer needs, with accessories, though.“We might be able to do (standalone models like Meridian Edition). We will think about it, but first we will do that from the accessory program.”Osuga-san added that the company can lean on its experienced partners to upgrade or evolve the CX-5, in a similar way that BMW utilises M Division.These include Mazda Engineering and Technology Company (Mazda E&T) that has modified vehicles since 1979 for welfare/wheelchair-access, emergency vehicles and specialised work applications.There’s also Mazda Spirit Racing, the 2021 successor to the famous Mazdaspeed sub-brand that focuses on motorsports, driver development and specialised production vehicles.“We also have our subsidiary company, Mazda E&T, for modifications,” Osuga explained.“We don't have that global (as yet)… and there is Mazda Spirit Racing. We are using the Mazda E&T engineering and the technology that has specific manufacturing (capabilities)… and we can use that line to make modifications like Mercedes AMG or M for BMW.“We are trying to make that Mazda E&T company with a capability to bring to the next phase. So, there are possibilities there, but at this moment that they're not specific plans.”Whichever direction Mazda heads, it is clear that the product planners are watching how the Wilderness, Woodland, Rock Creek Edition and XRT grades perform before going for an off-road-biased version of the CX-5.And North America’s CX-50 Meridian Edition is the closest thing we currently have to go by.Badger your Mazda dealer if this is what you want to see in any future CX-5.

Look out, Toyota, BYD, MG and Nissan, because Mazda is working flat out to have its unique hybrids ready for Australia, starting from later next year.That is when the completely in-house developed SkyActiv-Z hybrids will debut in North America, meaning Australians can expect to see the CX-5 hybrids arrive in Australia for the MY28 range of Mazda’s best-selling mid-sized SUV.And, just to be clear, this is proper electric motor-added hybrid technology, as opposed to the very mild-hybrid powertrains as found in the 2.5-litre Skyactiv G petrol engines dubbed “Mazda M Hybrid technology”.“I can confirm that a hybrid CX-5 powertrain is in its latest stages of development,” according to Mazda Australia Director of Sales and Marketing, Jarrod Gieschen.“With rigorous testing currently being carried out, we expect to see hybrid tech available in the United States next year, then thereafter in Australia."Additionally, along with a new standard ‘more’ mild-hybrid set-up that will prioritise affordability as well as better fuel economy, there will also be a higher-performance Strong Hybrid model offering the best of both worlds, if Mazda is to be believed.This will effectively fill the gap left by the now-discontinued G35 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo model.According to Gieschen, the latter will combine performance with efficiency.“When it comes to the G35 turbo powertrain, offering it in the line-up does not make sense once we have our full suite of powertrains for this vehicle,” he said. “So, we have to be a little bit more patient (as) the hybrid powertrain will effectively replace this option.”In the outgoing CX-5 G25 Turbo AWD, it delivered 170kW of power and a hefty 420Nm of torque – though at the expense of relatively high fuel consumption out in the real world, at around 11.0 to 11.5 litres per 100km. The official ADR 81/02 figure is 8.2L/100km.Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi added that after the launch of the 6e and CX-6e electric vehicles supplied by Changan out of China, the SkyActiv-Z program will be his company’s next big priority in this country.“After this, our focus will be the Mazda hybrid system, which … is its testing phase,” he said. “Some of us have driven it and it’s great.”Last year, Mazda released some SkyActiv-Z hybrid innovation details, including its super-lean fuel mix to greatly boost engine combustion efficiency, as well as improved thermal properties that actually turns otherwise wasted heat into stored energy for the electric motor, thermoelectric-style.It is believed that both features significantly lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.So why the long wait for hybrid in CX-5?Bhindi revealed it needed to meet brand expectations before being ready for the market.“We want it absolutely as soon as possible,” he said.“But we do understand that they are priorities, and for Mazda Corporation right now, it is making sure the Mazda hybrid system absolutely delivers what the engineers are planning to give to the market, and then following on from that, again, what's next and at what cadence.”To reiterate, SkyActiv-Z is a Mazda-driven development, and is believed to use none of the series-parallel technology found in the Toyota-supplied hybrid found in the North-American-market CX-50 hybrid.

After months of price-rise predictions, the redesigned Mazda CX-5 has come in below expectations, at least with the cheaper versions.On sale now, with deliveries scheduled from July, the new CX-5 starts from $39,990 (all prices are before on-road costs) for the new Pure grade, which is $2750 more than the old base Maxx did previously.But that was with the now-discontinued G20 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with front-wheel drive (2WD), while the Pure switches to the G25 2.5-litre, six-speed automatic all-wheel drive (AWD) set-up, which is now standard across the range.In the previous version, the cheapest CX-5 G25 AWD was the $45,600 Touring, meaning that the latest model undercuts many mid-sized SUV AWD rivals – a first for the series in a long time.This includes the Nissan X-Trail ST AWD and Mitsubishi Outlander ES AWD from $42,615 and $43,240 respectively, though both come with seven seats, as well as the Subaru Forester AWD (from $43,490), Kia Sportage SX+ AWD (from $47,580), Toyota RAV4 GX hybrid AWD (from $49,340), Hyundai Tucson Elite hybrid AWD (from $50,850) and Volkswagen Tiguan 150TSI Elegance 4Motion (from $56,850).And while cheaper electrified Chinese alternatives exist, like the BYD Sealion 5 PHEV, Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV, Geely Starray PHEV, GWM Haval H6 hybrid and MG HS hybrid, all are 2WD up to the CX-5 Pure AWD’s $40K price point, underlying the Japanese SUV’s unique competitiveness.Next up is the new Evolve AWD from $42,990, effectively replacing the old Maxx Sport G25 2WD from $40,960 and Touring G25 2WD from $43,100.From there, every grade is more expensive than its corresponding AWD predecessor, as the Touring AWD from $47,990 (up $2390), GT SP AWD from $51,990 (up $1030) and Akera AWD from $54,990 (up $1840) illustrate.Some of the other changes made to the latest CX-5 may not please everybody.The previously-standard head-up display and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are no-longer available on the base grades.Now offering 132kW and 242Nm, the G25’s power and torque figures fall by 8kW and 10Nm respectively, to meet stricter Euro-6d emissions requirements. Yet the combined average fuel-consumption figure remains at 7.4 litres per 100km while CO2 emissions edge up to 173 grams/km,The old G25 Touring 2WD, as well as the G35 GT SP Turbo AWD and G35 Akera Turbo AWD models fitted with a 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo, have been eliminated, dropping the range from eight to five grades.And the long-awaited hybrid engine(s) that Mazda reckons will more than make up for the AWOL turbos as well as the D22 turbo-diesel engines dropped way back in late 2023 may still be up to two years away.As reported earlier, the freshly-streamlined CX-5 range also features a completely redesigned body, sharing no parts with the previous version, despite very similar stylistic themes. Length is up 115mm from before, with a 50mm higher bonnet and 30mm of extra height. The back doors are also longer, and they now open at nearly 90 degrees for easier cabin access.Underneath, the continuing SkyActiv transverse architecture is said to be 50 per cent new, despite fundamentals like the MacPherson strut-front and multi-link rear end remaining.Mazda says it sought to improve ride comfort via lower-rate springs and higher-response dampers compared to the previous CX-5, whilst also increasing steering/handling responses. Key differences include different dampers, spring rates, bump stops, stabiliser bars and tyres, with extensive real-world testing and fine-tuning conducted.A 115mm wheelbase stretch benefits rear-seat kneeroom by 64mm and extends cargo length by 45mm, aided by a lower scuff plate to facilitate loading/unloading.These address consumer resistance to the previous CX-5’s comparative compactness compared to RAV4, X-Trail, Outlander and others.The dashboard has also been completely redesigned, adopting a generic-2020s horizontal-look instrument panel that dispenses with Mazda’s lauded climate-control buttons for simplified, screen-based access and functionality that the company claims minimises disruptions whilst maximising minimalism.As such, and among myriad other changes, the previous lower-console controller gives way to capacitive switches with short/long push selection or swipe action on the new steering wheel’s spokes; there’s added emphasis on voice control; and configurable widgets are now part of this touchscreen-heavy operation.It is anticipated that traditional CX-5 buyers and future ANCAP crash-rating testers may have opinions on such developments.Speaking of safety, a long list of advanced driver-assist systems tech are fitted on all grades, such as autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), lane-departure warning/assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with full stop/go. An app with connected services allows for remote location, some vehicle functionality/control and auto emergency services notification if required.Standard features on the Pure include a 12.9-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch instrumentation display, wired-only Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, cloth trim, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, front/rear reverse sensors, front/rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloy wheels.The Evolve adds items like keyless entry/start, heated front seats, rear-seat air vents, (reinstated) wireless CarPlay/Auto and smartphone charger and heated/folding mirrors.The $5K jump to the Touring is a result of artificial leather/suede trim, powered driver’s seat with memory, (reinstated) head-up display, heated windscreen, powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, roof rails and more.The GT SP includes adaptive LED headlights, 360-degree monitor with see-through view, a 12-speaker premium (Bose) audio upgrade, ambient lighting, powered front passenger seat, leather upholstery, heated rear outboard seats, glossier trim and 19-inch alloys.Finally, the Akera adds vented front seats, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, remote powered tailgate functionality and personalised driver-settings memory, among other items.Mazda hopes the KG boosts CX-5 sales by 10 per cent over 2025 levels, to around 25,000 units. The sales split is predicted to be 20/30/20/15/15 per cent for Pure/Evolve/Touring/GT/Akera respectively.Since the KE series debuted in Australia in February, 2012, some 325,000 CX-5s have been sold, as part of a worldwide total of five million units. Mazda's local best-seller here over the past seven years, last year it accounted for a quarter of all the brand's volume.

Fuel prices in Australia are soaring, meaning fuel efficiency in vehicles is a more important consideration than ever. Hybrid cars offer the potential for superior fuel efficiency compared to internal combustion power without the big price premium if fully electric or plug-in hybrid options. This makes them an increasingly attractive option for buyers given the current global climate. Hybrid sales are already booming in Australia, but will increases in fuel prices accelerate the shift away from pure internal combustion cars? NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said that while hybrid sales are increasing, an even swifter transition is less than clear. “If you’re driving a standard vehicle with a 55-litre tank, compared to what we were paying before the war began to now, it’s a $45 increase on one tank of petrol. That applies regardless of whether it’s hybrid or petrol,” Khoury said. “Historically speaking, looking at what happens after an oil shock, it certainly opens up their consideration. “No doubt that if this crisis continues and these prices hang around for weeks or months, Australians will look at those alternatives more seriously.” Below is a comparison between popular petrol and hybrid choices in each segment to see how they stack up in a changing fuel context. Fuel cost has been calculated using current data from the New South Wales’ government’s average fuel price for unleaded 95 petrol and diesel. Toyota’s Corolla hybrid hatch offers superior fuel efficiency and driving range compared to the Kia K4 petrol model. The Corolla is also cheaper to fill up with fuel thanks to its smaller tank and offers a substantially bigger driving range. The Kia Seltos is a petrol-only variant, but despite its bigger fuel tank, it has less driving range than the Toyota Corolla Cross, courtesy of the hybrid powertrain. The bigger fuel tank means the Seltos is also more expensive to fill up. The mid-size CX-5 has a non-turbo charged petrol engine, which sees it offer an impressive estimated driving range of more than 800km, but once again the Toyota competitor’s fuel efficiency wins out in the RAV4 hybrid. The Toyota Kluger continues the Japanese juggernaut’s fuel efficient theme, with a hybrid set-up offering a driving range of more than 1122km, which is significantly more than the MQ QS, despite both cars costing a similar amount to fill up at the bowser. Utes are some of the worst affected by the fuel price increase as many of them are powered using diesel engines, with diesel fuel rising more than petrol. It has now risen to well beyond the $2.60 mark per litre. The BYD Shark’s plug-in hybrid set-up uses petrol, which makes it an affordable option, given the price of diesel. It should be noted that the Shark 6’s fuel efficiency is significantly reduced when the battery is not charged. It’s a similar story for the GWM Cannon Alpha, which should be noted is no longer on sale, but remains one of limited plug-less hybrid utes in Australia. 

Australians are still buying cars at a rapid rate but should we be more patient?Some of the most exciting new models are still months away from hitting showrooms. In this article we’ll reveal the five newcomers that should have you staying calm and holding steady for a few more months.Toyota RAV4 PHEVThe new RAV4 is headed into showrooms very shortly, but the brand is saving the most important new variant until later in the year. That would be the new, long-awaited RAV4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which will come in the final months of the year to push back against the rising tide of PHEV rivals.While Toyota may be a latecomer to this PHEV party, the specifications sound promising. The RAV4 PHEV will offer a 227kW, all-wheel drive variant with up to 150km of electric-only driving range for the flagship GR Sport model. There will also be a 200kW, front-wheel drive XSE variant.Toyota Australia has already revealed pricing for the pair, with the XSE starting at $58,840 and the GR Sport from $66,340. So if that sounds appealing, all you have to do now is wait…Mazda CX-5Sure, it won’t have a hybrid option initially, but the arrival of a new CX-5 is still something worth waiting for. The brand has taken an evolutionary approach to this new model, which is a good thing considering its long-running popularity.While the turbocharged engine has been dropped and the hybrid won’t arrive until 2027, the new CX-5 will have a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, stylish looks and a roomy cabin. But will that be enough to ward off the challenges from the RAV4, BYD Sealion 6 and 7, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage? That remains to be seen, but if you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV in ‘26 you will want to wait and see what the CX-5 offers before you make your decision.Chery UtePlug-in hybrid utes are all the rage at this moment in time and you could choose to jump into a Ford Ranger PHEV, BYD Shark 6 or GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV right now. Or you could wait until the end of the year when Chinese brand Chery launches the first turbo diesel PHEV ute.Previewed as the KP31 concept already, the new ute should look the part and by combining the preferred diesel power with the new PHEV technology it could be a gamechanger for the ute market.Obviously a lot of its success will be dependent on its price, but Chery has already earned a reputation for being one of the most aggressive brands when it comes to pricing. Which means this could be worth the wait for anyone looking for both a fuel efficient and affordable new ute.Honda PreludeIf you’re looking for a new sports car, like a Ford Mustang EcoBoost, Nissan Z or even a Honda Civic Type R, you may not want to rush in. That’s because Honda is due to reintroduce the famous Prelude nameplate to Australia by the end of the year.Making its return after more than 25 years in the wilderness, the Prelude picks up where it left off. The new version remains a stylish coupe based on a front-wheel drive platform, in this case the same underpinnings as the Honda Civic.While not based on the red hot Civic Type R, the Prelude is expected to have a version of the hybrid powertrain from the Civic e:HEV - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to an electric motor for 149kW of power.While it may not be as potent as the Type R, the Prelude will turn heads with its sleek looks. Which is why it could be worth waiting for if you want to stand out from the pack.BMW iX3Finally, for anyone considering a premium electric vehicle in 2026, the BMW iX3 is probably worthy of consideration - even if it’s not due here until later in the year.While EVs are in a precarious position at the moment, the German brand has poured all of its latest and greatest technology into the new model to give it its best chance of success. This is the first model of the so-called Neue Klasse platform of vehicles, which will spawn the next-generation 3 Series too.It also features the next revolution of BMW design, with a bold new look that will undoubtedly polarise opinions when it arrives.More importantly, BMW claims this electric SUV will have up to 805km of range and will arrive with the punchy 345kW/645Nm iX3 50 xDrive variant that can sprint 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

Internal combustion power is still by far the most popular type of car in Australia, the latest sales data has revealed. 

China is now the biggest country of origin for new-car sales in Australia, leapfrogging Japan in what is a seismic shift in the Australian automotive industry.

‘Endaka’ is the Japanese term for an expensive yen, and with the country’s currency hovering near 20-year lows in key financial markets it’s returned to common usage across Japan’s export industries, including automotive manufacturing.Throw-in high import tariffs in the United States as well as aggressively priced and specified rivals from China and it’s no surprise some Japanese car brands are working to ‘fine-tune’ the specification and production process for some of their key models.For example, Mazda has made no bones about the fact it’s selectively trimming materials and altering manufacturing techniques to lower per-car costs.Speaking with Automotive News, Mazda Global CFO (and former CEO of Mazda North American Operations) Jeff Guyton cited a change “customers won’t see, to protect profit margins” on its updated CX-5 SUV.The example relates to the leather on Mazda’s current steering wheels being cut precisely and sewn on a curve so the stitching lines up horizontally.Mazda said it found people don’t value that detail finishing more than the cheaper angled stitching used by rivals, so the discipline has been abandoned in the new CX-5 to lower costs.“That’s great attention to detail from Mazda, but when we look at it, our customers are not really valuing that approach more than our competitors, but it costs us more money.”“Our competitors have an angled appearance to the stitches but the same leather,” he said.And Guyton confirmed it’s one of “many, many, many” unseen cost cuts in the new CX-5.“Simply, we put money where the customer is going to see it, and we’ve tried to find big cost efficiencies where the customer doesn’t value it as much or won’t see it,” he said.It’s worth noting Mazda has form in this department.Through the 1990s a volatile yen reached record highs and lows, culminating in the Asian Financial Crisis late in the decade.And after arriving in the early ‘90s, Mazda’s diminutive 121 sedan was a prime endaka victim.Affectionately referred to as the ‘bubble’ or ‘jellybean’ Mazda it started life in Australia as a 1.3-litre offered with a standard five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission.But despite the fact a 1.5-litre option joined it a few years later, cost-focused changes began to emerge as the decade progressed. No clear coat on the paint around the boot aperture, unpainted grey plastic bumpers and side mirrors instead of color-keyed ones and deletion of plastic wheel covers leaving the 13-inch steel wheels exposed on lower grades.Tachometers were removed from base models, sound-deadening material was reduced and interior trim was changed to a cheaper fabric. Base models became manual-only and power steering was made optional.Line up the first and last examples of that DB-Series Mazda 121 and the differences would be stark. So, it will be interesting to keep an eye on the new CX-5 as Mazda looks to its world-wide top-selling model to help it return to profitability after recording a loss across the first nine months of the Japanese financial year (April to March).