2016 LA Motor Show: Mazda Australia lobbying for turbo Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6

Mazda Australia has asked for the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder developed for the CX-9 to be used in other models, including the just-revealed second generation CX-5.

Speaking at the Mazda CX-5 unveil even in Hollywood, California, Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders said Mazda Australia had requested the 170kW/420Nm engine from the Mazda CX-9 be used in cars such as the CX-5.

With an emphasis on torque and low rev flexibility, the 2.5-litre turbo is more about relaxed motoring with more performance rather than setting lap times.

“If it was available we’d take it,” said Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders of a turbocharged CX-5.

“We know that the engine’s based on the 2.5; the turbo doesn’t take up that much room in the engine bay, so it should be feasible, whether it’s possible or whether they want to do it is another thing.”

Benders said part of Mazda’s strategy was to offer more powerful engines where possible, something a turbocharged CX-5 would work well with.

“We think that a car line sells better if you give people more as you go up the grade. So if you go Mazda3 2.0-litre or 2.5, or even CX-5 currently, from a 2.0-litre to a 2.5 petrol … then it’s more interesting.”

For that reason possible plans to use it would not involve the resurrection of the MPS badges used previously on go-fast versions of the Mazda 3 and 6.

Instead Mazda would pitch 2.5-litre turbo models as more luxury performance models – and cars that could include more equipment.