Auto experts speculating about the future of the collaborative Mazda car company are pointing to the 2013 Mazda CX-5 as a likely indicator of where the company will be going in order to stay competitive in a changing auto market. Those with an ear to the ground predict a full re-design for the small crossover that will show the North American audience that Mazda is serious about complying with new fuel economy standards and offering an SUV that fits the must-have list for new vehicle buyers in the U.S.

First-hand accounts from Autoblog posted September 2 reveal a lot of details about what Mazda could be planning for the 2013 CX-5. Writers encountered a spacious vehicle with good seating design and visibility, as well as other competitive interior design. With Mazda’s proprietary dash display screen in the center console, the dashboard for this model looks neat and uncluttered.

Another big aspect of the emergence of the 2013 CX-5 is that this model is likely to sport Mazda’s brand-new Skyactiv engine design. We’ve already reported on the various ways that this developing engine technology will provide greater miles per gallon for Mazda vehicles, and according to some of those with the best inside knowledge about the 2013 version of the CX-5 crossover, a Skyactiv block is likely to be under the hood. This will help the 2013 CX-5 hit the 40 miles per gallon mark that is now a U.S. government guideline. Where other auto makers are achieving this with hybrid design or other energy alternatives, Mazda remains committed to upping fuel economy by optimizing combustion.

Another prediction is that the 2013 CX-5 will go on sale for around $20,000. At this price, buyers will have to weigh Mazda’s new crossover carefully against all of the many competitive models provided by domestic and foreign auto makers. One deciding factor might be the various incentives and rebates that Mazda decides to dole out to buyers of the 2013 CX-5 and other parts of its new lineup. Interested buyers should keep an eye on what this smaller auto company is doing to take on the big five next year as 2012 inventory gives way to new 2013 models.