The Mazda CX-5 will have an additional 7-seater version, going on sale this year.

Based on the platform of the new CX-5, Mazda will add a 7-seater version to this crossover model and begin selling it in the Japanese market this year.

Japan will be the first market in the world to distribute the 7-seater version of the Mazda CX-5.

Although Mazda already has the 7-seater CX-9 SUV in its product lineup, it is not sold in Japan because its design is too large for the needs of consumers there. Therefore, Mazda will add a third row of seats to the CX-5 crossover, which is also seen as a new trend in the global automotive market.

The 7-seater version will be developed based on the second-generation CX-5 platform, which went on sale in February 2017. This model will also have three engine options: a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G petrol engine, a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G petrol engine, and a 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine. All three engine options will be paired with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission.

Currently, detailed information and specifications for the 7-seater Mazda CX-5 have not been released by the Japanese automaker. However, the price of the 7-seater version is expected to be higher than the starting price of $21,400 for the 5-seater version.

The five-seater version of the second-generation Mazda CX-5 has now been shipped to Mazda dealerships in Japan for distribution to consumers. This model is manufactured at Mazda's Plant No. 3 in Hiroshima. Mazda aims to sell approximately 2,500 all-new CX-5s per month in Japan.

Some experts believe that Mazda's move to add a 7-seater version to the CX-5 aims to meet consumer demand and compete with rival Honda CR-V, which is also planning to develop a 7-seater version.

According to TNO