Changan Mazda has detailed the new CX-50 Hybrid for the Chinese market, confirming the use of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s drivetrain for the petrol-electric crossover.
The new electrified variant of Mazda’s “lifestyle wide-body SUV” is now on sale in China, where it’s produced by the Changan Mazda domestic joint venture. It’s understood the model built in the US will receive a hybrid version also.
As previously reported, the Mazda CX-50 HEV uses a Toyota-sourced petrol-electric hybrid system, available in China in both 2WD and e-AWD configurations.
CX-50 2.5T
Regardless, both variations are centred around a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is paired to either one or two electric drive motors and an E-CVT.
On its own the petrol motor makes the same 131kW (5700rpm) and 221Nm (3600-5200) as the engine in the RAV4 Hybrid, and its electric motor has the same 88kW/202Nm outputs.
AWD versions add a smaller 40kW/121Nm on the rear axle, which again matches the specs of the RAV4 AWD Hybrid. Claimed fuel consumption based on Chinese regulatory testing is quoted between 5.1-5.66L/100km.
Pricing for the CX-50 Hybrid starts from 195,800 yuan, which is the equivalent of A$42,139. It’s around 35,000 yuan ($7532) dearer than the most affordable CX-50 petrol variant in China.
The CX-50 Hybrid was first presented at last year’s Shanghai motor show, representing the first step in Changan Mazda’s electrification plans for the Chinese market.
Further to the CX-50 HEV, Changan Mazda briefly teased two upcoming electrified releases, which appear to be sedans. Sedans may be on the decline in most parts of the world, but they still play a strong role in the Chinese market.
Both vehicles, which are pictured under red sheets in the above roadmap teaser, will offer both plug-in hybrid and battery electric drivetrains.
It’s unclear whether these are next-generation models or if they’ll be based on existing nameplates. Currently, the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 are the only sedans Changan Mazda sells in China.
Changan Mazda will produce the domestic CX-50 at its factory in Nanjing, but for the US the crossover is assembled in Huntsville, Alabama, alongside the Toyota Corolla Cross. The US-produced model is also exported to Canada, Colombia, and more recently Mexico.
While the CX-50 and Corolla Cross don’t share common underpinnings – the CX-50 rides on an extended version of the Mazda 3’s and CX-30’s platform – at the global reveal in November 2021 the company confirmed electrified powertrains were in the nameplate’s future “including a traditional hybrid model”.
Mazda Australia has previously ruled out the CX-50 for an Australian launch, largely due to the fact it’s currently only produced in left-hand drive.
However, the brand has confirmed there will be a replacement for the current CX-5, but whether that comes in the form of an all-new CX-5 or something with a different name is still unclear.
The CX-5 is Mazda’s top-selling model by some margin, and in Australia it’s easily the brand’s golden child on the sales charts despite its advancing age.
CarExpert has reached out to Mazda Australia for further comment, and is awaiting a response.
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