Mazda CX-5 has an additional 7-seat version, on sale this year

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

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

Although Mazda already has the 7-seat SUV CX-9 in its product portfolio, this model is not sold in Japan because its design is too large for the needs of consumers here. Therefore, Mazda will add a third row of seats to the crossover CX-5, which is also considered a new trend in the world automobile market.

The seven-seat version will be developed based on the second-generation CX-5 platform that went on sale in February 2017. This model will also have three options, including the Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine and the Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter diesel engine. All three engine options are combined with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission.

Currently, detailed information and specifications of the 7-seat Mazda CX-5 have not been announced by the Japanese car brand. However, the selling price of the 7-seat version is expected to be higher than the starting price of 21,400 USD of the 5-seat version.

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

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

According to TNO