Photo of next-gen Mazda CX-5 by Paul Clinton.

Photo of next-gen Mazda CX-5 by Paul Clinton.

Mazda Motor Corp. will add a diesel-powered CX-5 that will arrive in the second half of 2017, Mazda announced ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The CX-5 will enter its second generation in a redesign that also includes styling updates and additional technology features. Mazda will initially introduce the next-gen CX-5 in Japan in February.

The CX-5 will now offer three four-cylinder engines, including the SkyActiv-D 2.2L — a diesel that should make the vehicle one of the most fuel efficient among compact SUVs. Mazda has achieved approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to sell the engine, which will include technologies that reduce diesel knock. Mazda will continue offering the 2.5L direct-injection gasoline engine that makes 187 hp.

Mazda has been working on a diesel engine for several years and had initially planned to offer it in 2014 as an option to power the Mazda6.

The CX-5 will also add active safety technology such as the latest version of radar cruise control and traffic sign recognition. Mazda has also redesigned the vehicle's exterior so it incorporates Japanese design principles.

Mazda unveiled the CX-5 on Nov. 15 at an off-site event at Hollywood Center Studios, and announced the diesel offering at a Nov. 16 press conference at AutoMobility LA.

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