It's official: MINAGI Concept to become 2012 Mazda CX-5

Introduced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the MINAGI Concept looked like a sure bet to complete Mazda's trio of crossovers along with the existing CX-7 and CX-9. Today, the Japanese manufacturer confirmed that a production variant of the show car will hit the market in 2012 and bear the name 'CX-5'.

Photo: Mazda

As the new entry to Mazda's line-up of utility vehicles, the CX-5 will be the first production model to incorporate its new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion'. It will also offer the full range of breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies, including engines, transmissions, body and chassis, in an effort to improve fuel economy.

While the MINAGI is set to appear at the New York Auto Show from April 22 to May 1, the 2012 Mazda CX-5 will make its international debut at the 64th IAA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) Motor Show to be held in Frankfurt, Germany in September 2011.