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2018 Mazda CX-5 spied testing in Southern California

It appears the replacement for the Mazda CX-5 is on its way. The current model, though a few years old at this point, is still one of our favorite crossovers on the market. Its combination of handsome styling, practicality, and a genuine fun-to-drive nature make it a winner in our hearts. Hopefully this new model doesn't stray too far from that winning recipe. At least on the outside, that seems to be the case. The spy photos reveal Mazda's Kodo design language in full bloom. The general shape is the same as the current model, but the curves are a little tighter and appear similar to the new CX-9 and Chinese-only CX-4. The grille loses the horizontal bars for a deep-set mesh pattern, while the whole fascia appears to be more upright. The headlights and taillights look to be slimmer and slightly re-sculpted versions of the current shape. Other details for the upcoming CX-5 are scarce. The crossover is expected to debut next year as a 2018 model. It's unknown what engines or transmissions will be available, though the current powertrains are likely to carry over. There's also the rumor of a Mazda diesel making its way over, but, as always, it seems like a long shot. Related Video:

Mazda's first profit in five years in sight due to weak yen

Automotive News reports Mazda is set to turn a profit for the first time in five years. The automaker is more dependent on exports from Japan than other automakers based in that country, and as a result, it has long suffered at the hands of a strong yen. But the currency has declined in value by some 16 percent over the past six months and Mazda's shares have tripled in value to their highest level since 2008. Contrast this situation to a year ago when Mazda printed 1.22 billion new shares to raise cash. The move was equivalent to 70 percent of the company's then-outstanding stock, and values tumbled to record lows as a result.
Now that the yen has fallen to a value of around 96 per dollar, Mazda operations in the US are more profitable and the company now projects it will earn around $279 million for the next fiscal year. Automotive News says a one yen change against the dollar can have a 9.1 percent impact on Mazda operating profit compared to 4.7 percent at Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries or 3.1 percent at Toyota. Those automakers better insulate themselves from currency fluctuations with overseas manufacturing facilities.

Mazda CX-5 getting mild refresh

Mazda has found both critical and commercial success with its CX-5 small crossover, and seems to be endeavoring to keep the momentum up with an upcoming refresh. As you can extrapolate from the obvious lack of the usual camouflage, the company isn't reinventing anything in the very near future of the CX-5, but it does seem as thought some tweaks are in the works.
Lighting elements fore and aft appear to have gone under the knife, with the front grille and rear fascia also seemingly to be slightly revised. The side mirrors now look slicker and slightly more upscale with their integrated turn signals, as well.
In all, expect a look that's a touch fresher, without being a radical departure from the existing visage.