The Mazda CX-5 is, alongside the MX-5arguably Hiroshima’s most vital mannequin, so any new model of its best-seller is an enormous deal for the corporate. This new third-generation C-segment SUV lastly makes its debut eight years after its predecessorand whereas it seems vaguely much like the final one, the samey design hides a wholesale departure in how Mazda approaches the event of its autos.
For too lengthy, the CX-5 has been pigeonholed because the sportier however much less sensible possibility, so the brand new mannequin will get an extended wheelbase to extend inside area and dealing with stability. There are additionally wider-opening rear doorways, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats and a boot that’s now 61 litres bigger than earlier than, all within the title of creating this automobile extra versatile than the final.
The aforementioned wheelbase stretch has been accompanied by elevated dimensions throughout to take care of the CX-5’s normal form and proportions. Measuring 4,690 mm lengthy, 1,860 mm huge and 1,695 mm tall, the brand new automobile is 115 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 15 mm taller than the outdated one.
The trademark Kodo design being mildly refreshed following a brand new “Wearable Gear” idea. The big seven-point grille stays, however there’s now a black body related to the slim headlights, forming a “wing” in a similar way to the electrical 6e sedan.
Transferring in the direction of the aspect, the wheel arches have been gently squared off, whereas the roofline seems to slope much less in the direction of the again, which ought to once more improve passenger area. The rear finish options huge L-shaped taillights akin to the CX-60 and CX-80together with twin seen tailpipes and the Mazda script as an alternative of the standard emblem – one other cue lifted from the 6e.
Nevertheless it’s on the within the place the modifications are really stark. Mazda has historically pursued a driver-first idea that prioritised bodily controls, going as far as to maneuver the infotainment show again and making it inoperable by contact. That’s all gone now – the CX-5 will get an enormous touchscreen that sits entrance and centre of the dashboard, measuring both 12.9 inches or 15.6 inches throughout.
Evidently impressed by the 6e, this alteration has had coincided with most of the bodily buttons and switches – sure, together with the air-con controls – being moved into the show, which means that even Mazda isn’t proof against this unlucky development. On the brilliant aspect, the CX-5 is the corporate’s first automobile to have Google providers in-built, resembling Google Maps, Gemini generative AI voice management and the Google Play app retailer.
In the meantime, the driving force sits in entrance of a ten.25-inch digital instrument show and a three-spoke steering wheel that once more options the Mazda wordmark, an organization first. Elsewhere, the ditching of the BMW iDrive-style commander knob has freed up area for a Qi wi-fi charger to take a seat aft of the gearlever.
The cleaned-up inside has not less than resulted in an easier presentation, with the wraparound dashboard design – incorporating ambient lighting within the doorways on prime trims – being extra outstanding. Patrons can select from a number of upholstery choices, together with black or tan leather-based and black-and-white fake leather-based and suede. You can too spec the automobile with a panoramic glass roof and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
Whereas the cabin has gone by way of an intensive revamp, issues are extra acquainted beneath the bonnet. Only one engine possibility has been confirmed up to now – a 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated e-Skyactiv-G four-cylinder paired with a 24-volt gentle hybrid system, changing the bottom 2.0 litre mill; it’s paired with the standard Skyactiv-Drive six-speed computerized transmission.
Outputs have truly dropped considerably to 141 PS and 238 Nm of torque (to say nothing of the outdated 195 PS 2.5 litre), which means that the CX-5 lumbers from zero to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. This engine must tide patrons over till Mazda readies its new vary of extra environment friendly Skyactiv-Z powertrains, that are solely anticipated to enter manufacturing on the finish of 2027.
Below the pores and skin, the CX-5 advantages from a brand new brake-by-wire system and a few chassis and suspension tweaks to enhance dealing with and trip consolation. Accessible in the identical front- and all-wheel-drive variations as earlier than, the automobile is now able to towing as much as 2,000 kg. It’s going to additionally come geared up with driver help options (though Mazda hasn’t elaborated) and targets a five-star Euro NCAP security score.
The brand new Mazda CX-5 will go on sale in Europe first beginning in December, with costs ranging from €34,500 (RM172,000) in Germany. Different markets will comply with subsequent yr.
Seeking to promote your automobile? Promote it with Automobile.
