Mazda CX-5 to head upmarket

Mazda has confirmed today that its new-generation CX-5 will arrive in Australia in an expanded model range featuring a new trim level.

Combined with a host new technologies, the company says the expanded CX-5 line-up will effectively position it against higher-priced rivals in its segment.

The news first began to percolate through from last month's LA motor show, but is now official.

Mazda Australia's National Marketing Manager, Alastair Doak, told motoring.com.au that the company is not formally planning to campaign the CX-5 against $60,000-plus luxury SUVs like the Audi Q5, but if customers happen to cross-shop the two, that's their prerogative.

Slotting between the Maxx Sport and the GT grades, the new Touring grade will bring the number of new CX-5 model variants to five (including the entry-level Maxx and flagship Akera), and give buyers “something more premium to aim for,” says Doak.

“In the current range the biggest selling model has been Maxx Sport, which accounts for almost 50 per cent of sales,” he explained.

By implication there's a log jam of CX-5 buyers who are limited by budget to the Maxx Sport grade – possibly also opting for the safety pack that is now standard across the current range.

Introducing the Touring grade should clear some of that log jam, providing buyers with a clear path up the ladder, without spending the extra to get into the CX-5 GT.

Boasting improved refinement in the form of better noise dampening and enhanced crash safety, the CX-5 should be well placed to be the segment benchmark.

A new feature for the CX-5 is Mazda’s well received G-Vectoring Control (GVC), which helps improve the car’s stability in both a straight line and corners, and will be a first for a Mazda SUV.

As we revealed at the LA show last month, the new CX-5 is slightly longer than the model it will supersede in the second quarter of next year, but it rides on the same wheelbase.

Mazda has developed an entirely new body, which is claimed to offer better crash safety, but the drivetrains are expected to be carried over with few changes. No new-fangled HCCI engines for this baby – yet.

Mazda plans for the CX-5 to go on sale in Australia during the second quarter of 2017. It remains to be seen whether base pricing increases from the current model's $27,890 starting price.