By Otsile Kadiege

The Mazda CX-5 is undoubtedly the Japanese automaker’s best selling SUV locally. The popular CX-5 was recently updated with fresh looks, improved dynamics performance, utility and convenience.

Exterior

Mazda’s award-wining KODO design philosophy has been updated for the new CX-5 which boasts subtle yet noticeable tweaks. Mazda designers focused on refining the front and rear ends, opting to minimize character lines in favour of reflective body surfaces that create a distinguished and elegant appearance. The front adopts a new bumper and new signature wing that extends outward from the front grille, which is also updated with a three-dimensional texture.

The rear features a new bumper and tailgate. The headlights and taillights receive significant design changes with each lamp featuring a pair of horizontally spaced, rectangular LED lights that create a sleek, eye-catching expression. Adaptive LED headlamps now include 20 segment LED arrays to provide brighter illumination and enhanced visibility. The CX-5 also received newly design alloy wheels available in different sizes depending on specifications.

It’s available in 10 exterior colours like the popular Soul Red Crystal. New to the CX-5’s colour palette is Zircon Sand Metallic.

Interior

Inside, the CX-5’s seats design have been updated to stabilise occupants’ heads more, which is said to lessen the amount and speed of forward, backward, and sideways head movement, making it easier for drivers to maintain a stable line of sight. Optimised support on the pelvis creates a more natural and comfortable sitting posture. Mazda were able to increase the luggage capacity by eliminating the height difference between the cargo area floor and the tailgate sill. Not only does this flat entranceway make loading and unloading of heavy goods far easier, it also secures an even wider flat space when the rear seat is folded down.

Mazda CX-5 grades and specifications

The updated Mazda CX-5 is available in five model derivatives, namely Active, Dynamic, Carbon Edition, Individual and Akera. Here are lists of features you’ll get with each grade:

The Mazda CX-5 2.0L Active Manual/Auto FWD is equipped with LED Headlamps with auto on/off and auto Headlamps Levelling, heated outer mirrors, power fold outer mirrors, privacy glass: Green (rear side and back), rear spoiler with high mounted stop lamp, front rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, 6 speakers, vanity mirror (front) with illumination, power windows: one touch system (Front & Rear), auto-dimming rear view mirror, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), rear seat fold down (40:20:40), rear seat recline and rear seat armrest: x2 USB charging ports to name a few.

In addition to the features in the CX-5 Active, the CX-5 2.0L Dynamic Auto FWD adds black leather seats, front seat t: 8-way power adjustable front seats (driver), power lumber support (driver), auto fold outer mirrors, and auto paddle transmission switches.

The CX-5 2.0L Carbon Edition Auto FWD boasts 19-inch alloy wheels, glossy black outer mirrors, Adaptive LED Headlamps, parking sensors – Front & Rear, a BOSE Sound system with 10 speakers, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Head-Up Display (HUD), and red stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever, knee pads, front centre console, and seats.

The CX-5 2.5L Individual Auto AWD adds a 360 degree view monitor, sunroof – Power slide & tilt glass and an all-wheel drive (AWD) system whilst the range-topping CX-5 2.2L DE Akera Auto AWD is equipped with a front bumper with gloss black accents, black plating on its wing, red accent in the grille black accents on the side mirrors, pillar garnish, door garnish and tyre arch, and a larger tail pipe to name a few.

Performance

Powering the CX-5 are two petrol engines and a single diesel engine. The 2.0 litre petrol engine in the FWD Active, Dynamic and Carbon Edition derivatives produces 121 and 213 Nm. The 2.5 litre petrol in the AWD Individual grade makes 143 kW and 258 Nm. The 2.2 litre diesel powerplant in the Akera is slightly less powerful at 140 kW however, torque is rated at 450 Nm.

Pricing

Pricing for the updated Mazda CX-5 range is as follows:

• Mazda CX-5 2.0L Active FWD R500,500
• Mazda CX-5 2.0L Dynamic FWD R548,500
• Mazda CX-5 2.0L Carbon Edition FWD R621,800
• Mazda CX-5 2.5L Individual AWD R708,100
• Mazda CX-5 2.2L DE Akera AWD R742,900

Prices include a 3 Years/Unlimited km warranty, service plan and roadside assistance.