Mazda CX-5 updated, prices lowered

Mazda has reworked the engines powering the CX-5 for improved fuel economy in the real world, as part of a subtle update for the range, also adding a couple of items of equipment to mid- and high-spec models, and lowering the prices across the board.

Key technical changes to the mid-size SUV include the adoption of cylinder deactivation for the 2.5-litre petrol engine and a new, two-stage, variable-geometry turbocharger for the diesel.

The diesel engine is substantially uprated for power and torque. Peak power and torque have leapt from 129kW and 420Nm to 140kW and 450Nm, respectively. In addition to the new turbocharger, the diesel features a reprofiled combustion chamber, a higher-compression ratio (14.4:1 versus 14:1 previously) and a combination of finer fuel spray and multiple (up to six) stage injections of fuel prior to combustion. This feature further reduces engine knock.

Mazda has modified the cooling system for faster warm-up and has specified sodium-filled exhaust valves for better heat attenuation. Changes to the CX-5's 'Natural Sound Smoother' and 'Natural Sound Frequency Control' enhance engine refinement.

Despite the extra performance potential, the diesel's fuel consumption has been reduced from 6.0 to 5.7L/100km – effectively the same figure achievable by the first-generation diesel CX-5, but with the improved performance.

For the 2.5-litre petrol engine, torque has risen by one Newton-metre to 252Nm and combined-cycle fuel consumption is now 7.4L/100km, a slight reduction from the previous figure of 7.5L/100km but back to square one – like the diesel, matching the on-paper fuel consumption of its first-generation counterpart. At 140kW, the peak power figure is the same as before, and matches the upgraded diesel's.

The 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder runs cylinders two and three at all times, but number one and number four cylinders automatically deactivate to save fuel in light-load situations. A locking pin in the hydraulic lash adjusters for the number one and four cylinders unlocks, basically disabling the intake valvetrain for those cylinders. The engine management system simultaneously adjusts airflow and shuts down fuel injection and ignition.

Power for the 2.0-litre petrol engine has risen just one extra kilowatt, now 115kW rather than 114. Torque is unchanged at 200Nm, as is the combined-cycle fuel consumption – 6.9L/100km.

Both petrol engines – 2.5 and 2.0-litre – have been subject to other internal changes, including revised thermal management, redesigned intake ports, new pistons, higher efficiency fuel injection and optimised piston rings.

But the official fuel use, power and torque figures show just minor improvements. While the on-paper fuel consumption figures are no better than figures for the same powertrain variants of the first-generation CX-5, Mazda claims that owners will find the updated second-generation model to be significantly more frugal in the real world.

"It's really all about real-world fuel economy, rather than just the pure 'sticker' number," says Alastair Doak, Mazda Australia's Marketing Director.

Inside, the CX-5 now offers Active Driving Display (a head-up display) in Touring, GT and Akera models, replacing the pop-up display available previously in the GT and Akera models. The flagship CX-5 Akera variants now come equipped as standard with a 360-degree monitoring system, with cameras front, rear and in the external mirrors to provide an elevated view of the vehicle when reverse gear is selected.

In bad news for rivals, Mazda has also adjusted prices downwards for the CX-5, which are as follows, with price reduction in brackets.

Mazda CX-5 pricing
CX-5 Maxx 2.0-litre manual (front-wheel drive) – $28,690 (-$400)
CX-5 Maxx 2.0-litre auto (front-wheel drive) – $30,690 (-$400)
CX-5 Maxx 2.5-litre auto (all-wheel drive) – $33,690 (-$400)
CX-5 Maxx Sport 2.0-litre auto (front-wheel drive) – $33,990 (-$400)
CX-5 Maxx Sport 2.5-litre auto (all-wheel drive) – $36,990 (-$400)
CX-5 Maxx Sport 2.2-litre diesel auto (all-wheel drive) – $39,990 (-$400)
CX-5 Touring 2.5-litre auto (all-wheel drive) – $38,590 (-$400)
CX-5 Touring 2.2-litre diesel auto (all-wheel drive) – $41,590 (-$400)
CX-5 GT 2.5-litre auto (all-wheel drive) – $43,590 (-$800)
CX-5 GT 2.2-litre diesel auto (all-wheel drive) – $46,590 (-$800)
CX-5 Akera 2.5-litre auto (all-wheel drive) – $46,190 (-$800)
CX-5 Akera 2.2-litre diesel auto (all-wheel drive) – $49,190 (-$800)