Mazda CX-5 diesel axed as part of MY24 update

Diesel versions of the Mazda CX-5 have been quietly put out to pasture as part of a rationalised MY24 model range that brings minor updates and price hikes for the remain petrol variants, ahead of an all-new third-generation model expected to appear next year.

First launched in 2017 but still Australia’s third most popular mainstream mid-size SUV so far this year (and Mazda’s best-seller overall), the second-generation Mazda CX-5 has now received its third model year update since January 2022 and follows the release of the pricier, auto-only MY23 line-up last November.

Now, on top of axing the two high-spec diesel variants (Touring Active and Akera), Mazda Australia has also boned the petrol-powered CX-5 Touring Active, condensing the range from 11 to eight grades while adding modest price hikes and updates to remaining variants.

The entry-level MY24 Mazda CX-5 G20 Maxx FWD’s price tag has gone up by $440 to $36,560 plus on-road costs, while the mid-spec Mazda G25 Touring AWD has risen by $620 to $44,920 (plus ORCs).

Prices for all the other versions of the Japanese-built CX-5 have increased by $370 – see below for the full price list.

Mazda Australia says the diesels were canned due to low customer demand, having accounted for less than four per cent of sales over the past 24 months.

Only a handful of diesel-powered mid-size SUVs now remain on sale in Australia (including Mazda’s own upmarket new CX-60), where the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-TRAIL lost their diesel engines with their most recent redesign, while the lower-volume Peugeot 3008 and SsangYong Korando recently also became petrol-only.

Mazda says the latest CX-5 price hikes are due to the rising cost of materials and logistics (read: production and shipping), but it has also added a couple of extra features to a several variants.

First and foremost, the entry-level Mazda CX-5 G20 Maxx FWD now gets wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, along with touch-screen functionality (while the vehicle is stationary).

A new paint colour – dubbed Platinum Quartz – replaces Sonic Silver and G25 Touring models get the same updates as the related CX-8 seven-seater, including new black 19-inch machined alloy wheels and full Maztex seat upholstery (previously Maztex and suede).

Furthermore, up-spec GT SP and Akera (G25 and G35) get a powered tailgate with a new hands-free function, along with a new front grille design. Akera grades ditch their interior timber accents on the dash and doors in favour of Dark Russet Nappa leather.

Named carsales Best Used Medium SUV for the last two years in a row, the Mazda CX-5 has now been added to the Mazda Large Fleet Program, offering discounts to companies that buy 25 or more vehicles.

Initially only including the BT-50 ute, the brand’s fleet program now comprises all grades across the CX-5 and CX-8 model ranges.

Mazda will be hoping to prop up sales of the CX-5 given registrations of the popular mid-size SUV are down by 20 per cent in 2023.

Last year the CX-5 was the second best-selling SUV in its segment behind the Toyota RAV4, but so far this year it sits in third place overall with an 11.2 per cent market share (16,895 sales), compared to the Outlander’s 11.7 per cent (17,762) and the RAV4’s 14.8 per cent (22,388).

While the CX-9 large SUV was killed off and replaced by the more expensive and luxurious new CX-90, Mazda Australia has confirmed the CX-5 will be replaced in coming years – but it may not retain the CX-5 name.

The updated Mazda CX-5 models will start rolling into dealerships from January 2024.

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