Mazda's Rugged New CX-50 Ready To Take On The Subaru Forester

Mazda is on a mission to increase its market presence in North America and has been updating its lineup accordingly. Gone is the relatively slow-selling CX-3 subcompact crossover, which was deemed too small for American tastes. Although not a direct replacement, the all-new CX-50 debuted last November with a rugged new attitude. And now it's officially begun series production at the Japanese automaker's new Huntsville, Alabama plant, a $2.3 billion joint venture with Toyota.

"This is an exciting day for both Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) team members and Mazda North America employees to celebrate the first CX-50 to roll off the Discovery Line at MTM," said Mazda North America CEO Jeff Guyton. "The production of the CX-50 here signifies the importance of the North American market to Mazda and our commitment to investing in the US."

With the goal of being a sincere Subaru Forester rival, the CX-50 comes standard with the latest version of the i-Active All-Wheel Drive system and the new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select. The CX-50 will initially be offered with a choice of two 2.5-liter engines: the SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated four-cylinder with an expected 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, or a turbocharged version that produces up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of twist. The outdated six-speed automatic will route power to all four wheels. Hopefully, this gearbox will be replaced with a more advanced unit in the near future.

Speaking of which, Mazda says electrified powertrains will arrive "at a later date," including a hybrid model. Like all new Mazdas, the CX-50's interior is a lovely place to be.