Over the last decade, Mazda has shied away from more street-tuned versions of its cars, let alone more rugged versions of its SUVs. Word on the trail is that Mazda has been weighing up something off-road biased for the CX-5, but that sounds wrong to us as the CX-50 is already off-road biased. Still, that hasn’t stopped the Japanese firm from starting down the street and off-road tuning path for the CX-5 with “styling kits” and the promise of developing functional parts, and all available through Mazda dealerships in Japan as options.
But these aren’t exactly Mazda kits. Instead, they come from AutoExe, a Japanese tuner so closely linked to Mazda that you can buy upgrades from your nearest (Japanese) Mazda dealer. That doesn’t make the options any less cool.
Base Trim Engine
2.5-L Inline 4
Base Trim Transmission
6-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
187 hp
Base Trim Torque
185 lb-ft
Segment
Compact SUV
Active Xross Specification “KM-07 AX”
AutoExe bodykitAutoExe
Active Xross specification seeks to strike “a balance to maintain the sophisticated urban feel of the new model,” and concentrates on a redesigned lower front bumper section with integrated LEDs. There’s no mention of what looks like a metal skid plate, so don’t be surprised if it turns out to be plastic and just for looks. It matches the material shown on the rear bumper where metal would be largely unnecessary, and these kits aren’t expensive. This kit, at current exchange rates, costs $2,800.
The kit also includes a “rear gate garnish,” which is the AutoExe logo boldly embossed into some trim, then plastic over-fenders, which, in theory, are there to prevent stone chips on the plastic like the ones that are built into the CX-50. Then there are some decals, however, AutoExe says it is developing “suspension, body reinforcement, and intake/exhaust systems” for the designation.
The Street Focus KM-07
AutoExe bodykitAutoExe
The KM-07 designation is a body kit that AutoExe says “combines the robust feel of a new model with a dynamic energy that makes you want to hit the road.” It certainly has an exaggerated Mazdaspeed flavor, which last appeared on a road car in 2013. It’s based around a front bumper extension with a pronounced splitter, more pronounced side skirts, a roof spoiler, and a rear bumper extension. It costs a little more than the off-road style kit, at $3,200.
Founded By A Mazda Factory Driver
AutoExe partsAutoExe
For now, anyway, this is an all Japanese affair. AutoExe is headed by former Mazda factory team driver Yojiro Terada, and veteran of an eye-watering 29 entries into the 24 Hours of Le Mans. AutoExe does have some tuning parts already available alongside accessories and styling kits, but judging by the website, it’s all pretty patchy and AutoExe is not a focused mainstream Mazdaspeed replacement. And how many people are excited about a street sports suspension kit for a CX-80, we don’t know.
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But maybe there’s a reason AutoExe’s given the CX-5 some off-road flavor. The CX-50 is a US-based, more off-road-biased vehicle than the CX-5, but isn’t available in Japan. However, the CX-5 is. Fortunately, its future plans for the model aren’t half-baked, and it has detailed the suspension kit it plans to bring to market, and even has a twin-tube damper design and the rear will feature adjustable damping. The upgraded suspension will also include new coarse-wound springs, upper mounts, and stabilizer links.
But we have a feeling Mazda won’t let AutoExe get too carried away. After all, Mazda Spirit Racing is filling the hole left by Mazdaspeed, and the new performance arm has already teased an actual rally-inspired crossover in the form of the CX-60. If Mazda’s serious about bringing models like that to market, the AutoExe will surely be forced to keep its upgrades mild instead of wild.
Press image of Mazda Spirit Racing CX-60Tokyo Auto Salon
Source: AutoExe
