Mazda CX-5 safer and more affordable

Mazda today unveiled to the local media a subtly revised CX-5 model range offering mild but effective cosmetic changes inside and out, a new infotainment system, improved ride properties and enhanced safety.

Prices have been adjusted downwards for most variants, in anticipation of the full flow-on effect of the free trade agreement between Australia and Japan, where the CX-5 is built. Only the range-topping CX-5 Akera misses out on a price drop. In fact, the flagship has risen in price, due to the inclusion of new safety features as standard, the importer advises.

The update for the CX-5 otherwise doesn't rate as one of the more comprehensive projects ever undertaken by a car company, but it should serve to keep the Mazda fresh and appealing in the years ahead, as Hyundai closes in on the Japanese brand. During the three years the CX-5 has been on sale in Australia, it has dominated the market for the past two.

Chief among the changes for the facelifted CX-5 is the adoption of i-ACTIVSENSE technology and MZD Connect, a new connectivity system with a seven-inch colour touch screen and single-point controller. Previously the CX-5 Maxx display was not a colour unit and the entry model could not be specified with satellite navigation, even as an option. That has now changed, following the introduction of the new screen. The i-ACTIVSENSE features comprise adaptive LED headlights, Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Smart City Brake Support (with rearward detection added), Smart Brake Support and Mazda Radar Cruise Control.

Mazda has retuned the CX-5's suspension for improved ride, which the company describes as 'smoother' and 'flatter', with NVH also improved. New bushes for the MacPherson strut lower control arms and larger diameter rear damper pistons, contribute to the softer ride, but maintaining flat cornering attitude.

Noise, vibration and harshness suppression is enhanced, with thicker side glass for the rear doors, upgraded door seals/latches and thicker insulating material on the floor. Additionally, door mirrors have been restyled for improved airflow, there's a new insulating layer in the upper section of the dashboard, and extra sound-deadening material has been specified for the ceiling and the spaces within the door trims.

The CX-5 gains an electric parking brake and Drive Selection for the new model year. Drive Selection is only available for petrol models, since the system was developed for the American market, where diesels are not sold. Mazda has developed new frames for the front seats, conferring improved comfort levels. In addition to the new seats, the CX-5 adopts a new dash/centre fascia, larger centre console, and bigger front door pockets. Colour options now include a pure white leather and the cloth trim of the seat centres for lower-grade variants is a new fabric.

Some cosmetic changes to distinguish the refreshed CX-5 include new frontal styling that incorporates a grille featuring five horizontal bars (in lieu of the previous mesh insert). The headlights, tail lights and front fog lights have migrated to LED technology and a new 19-inch alloy wheel in a five-paired-spoke design is available. Mazda has added two colours to the palette, Sonic Silver Metallic and Titanium Flash Mica.

Mazda Australia anticipates selling in excess of 21,000 units of the CX-5 this year, of which the Maxx Sport will account for 50 per cent. The entry-level CX-5 Maxx will contribute 25 per cent and Grand Touring (15%) and Akera (10%) will contribute the balance. Even with an automatic transmission as standard, the diesel models will only amount to 20 per cent of sales, according to Mazda, and 65 per cent of all CX-5 sales will be all-wheel drive (versus 35% for front-wheel drive).

The new pricing – with old prices in brackets – is as follows:

2.0L Petrol FWD
Maxx manual - $27,190 ($27,880)
Maxx auto - $29,190 ($29,880)
Maxx Sport auto - $32,790 ($33,620)
Safety pack option costs $1230 extra

2.5L Petrol AWD
Maxx auto - $32,190 ($32,880)
Maxx Sport auto - $35,790 ($36,620)
GT auto - $43,390 ($44,180)
Akera auto - $47,410 ($46,570)

2.2L Diesel AWD
Maxx Sport auto - $38,990 ($39,470)
GT auto - $46,590 ($47,030)
Akera auto - $50,610 ($49,420)

Metallic and mica paint colours are available as no-cost options, the one exception being Soul Red metallic paint, which costs $200. The safety pack option is priced at $1230 for the CX-5 Maxx and Maxx Sport, and $1060 for the Grand Touring. All safety features are fitted as standard in the range-topping CX-5 Akera, but the safety pack option for the other variants comprise Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, electrochromatic rear-view mirror and Smart City Brake Support for the Maxx and Maxx Sport. For the CX-5 GT the safety pack option features the same items, other than the auto-dimming mirror, which is already standard in that level of trim.

The updated CX-5 wholesales next week and goes on sale from February 1.