Mazda Motor Corporation’s compact crossover SUV, the CX-5 has been named the 2012-2013 Car of the Year Japan. The award was announced by the Japan Car of the Year committee.

It is Mazda’s second victory in the last ten years, the 2005MX-5 claiming the same trophy, and the fourth time the Hiroshima company has won.

The CX-5 was the first model to adopt the full range of Mazda’s SKYACTIV* technologies including new engines, transmissions, body and chassis. It offers a predictable and refined driving experience together with outstanding environmental and safety performance. It is also the first model to fully embody Mazda’s new design theme, KODO – Soul of Motion. With finely-honed vitality and dynamism, its styling is reminiscent of a cheetah about to pounce on its prey.

The Mazda CX-5 is enjoying strong sales with 37,000 orders in Japan, more than 33,000 in Europe and over 128,000 globally.

All passenger vehicles with an expected annual sales volume of over 500 units, announced or launched in Japan between November 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012 are eligible for this year’s Japan Car of the Year award. The last Mazda to be named the Car of the Year Japan was the MX-5 in 2005. The CX-5 is the fourth Mazda to win the award.

Executive Officer Kiyoshi Fujiwara commented, “We are thrilled to have the CX-5 receive such a coveted award and appreciate the warm support and encouragement of our fans. Spurred on by this honor, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the task of crafting cars that only Mazda can, in order to continue winning the support of our fans and customers into the future.”