The Mazda CX-5 – the Japanese automaker’s ‘rice bowl’ model – has been updated with new design elements, technologies and features. Introduced back in 2012, the updates will give the ever-popular CX-5 improved driving performance, comfort and safety.
A redesigned front
The Mazda CX-5’s design does away with defined hard lines and angles, preferring instead to employ curves and light to reflect the SUV’s character. A wholly redesigned front face features three-dimensional elements, a front grille positioned above a subtly redesigned lower bumper with a smaller centre intake that creates a sense of depth. The distinctive signature wing that extends outwards from the grille has been restyled with surface forms rather than lines.
Its new front and rear LED Signature headlamps have also been redesigned to give the exterior a bold, assertive impression, highlighting its width. Both front and rear designs feature four oblong LED lamps, two on each side, which hint a greater aggression and performance whilst emphasizing the CX-5’s wide and planted stance. Additionally, the 17-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels have also been updated with new styling.
Chassis enhanced for improved ride comfort and driving dynamics
The Skyactiv Vehicle Architecture technologies, which have been applied to the CX-5, further evolve the body, suspension and seats to provide a more natural and comfortable experience of driving. This technological enhancement features increased rigidity of the lateral frame near its body centre, with a damping wellbond structure for its vibration suppression and better vehicle manoeuvrability.
Its springs and dampers characteristics have been improved to provide ride comfort and driving quality as it helps to mitigate the occupants’ head from pitching forward when going over bumps in the road in response to driving input, providing responsive driving stability, ride, comfort and improved NVH.
Not your average car seats
Mazda is committed to providing customers with a natural driving experience and ride comfort. The New CX-5 seats have been redesigned to reduce the occupants’ body sway by optimising its structure and how the entire seat cushion surface is flexed when sat in. The seat holds the occupants’ spine in an S-shaped curve, allowing the spine to flex in response to vibration transmitted from the pelvis to stabilise the occupants’ heads.
These new generation technologies complement Mazda’s Human Centric Development, making driving the CX-5 quieter, smoother and more comfortable for its driver and occupants.
More convenience features
The New Mazda CX-5 variants have been enhanced with technological enhancements, driving comfort, connectivity improvements and new features that come standard across all its variants, which include Autofold outer rearview mirrors, Qi Wireless Charger, Wireless Apple Carplay, which is accessible through its 8-inch Infotainment display and LED interior lighting as standard equipment.
Differences between the variants
As for variants enhancement, the 2.0L Mid variant gets updated with Mazda’s Advanced Keyless Entry while the CX-5 2.0L High variants and above now come equipped with Paddle Shifters and new design LED Signature headlamps, which reveal a more significant signature light in a perfect circle.
The CX-5 2.5L variant and above also receives newly added front driver and passenger ventilation seats for added seating comfort.
Additionally, the New Mazda CX-5 2.5T AWD variant features Mi-Drive, which offers three driving modes, Normal, Sport and Off-Road, to best suit the driving conditions, road conditions and vehicle conditions.
What the Mi-Drive is about
The Mi-Drive goal is to improve the driving experience for the driver to suit the terrain and adjust to suit the situation better. The Off-Road mode will optimise the all-wheel drive for high traction performance, ensuring smooth traction control. The Off-Road mode also delivers smooth and continuous torque via the automatic transmission control. The engine idling speed, too, is optimised to maximise climbing capability.
The Mi-Drive enables the driver to select the most suitable drive mode to optimise driving capability with on touch of a switch and offers a safe and stress-free driving experience.
Added advanced safety tech to an already long list of features
In terms of Safety, the new Mazda CX-5 was awarded the IIHS 2023 TOP SAFETY PICK from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2023. The new CX-5 2.0L High variants and above are now equipped with the new addition of i-Activsense Advanced Driver Assist Safety features, which include Smart Brake Support (SBS), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC, with Stop & Go) and Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS).
The Mazda CX-5 is assembled locally (CKD) at the Inokom Assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah. Similar to the Mazda CX-30 and Mazda CX-8, the new Mazda CX-5 is assembled in a dedicated section of the plant. Mazda Malaysia implements processes and quality control steps similar to those of Mazda vehicles manufactured in Japan.
Colours and price
The exterior colour line-up of the Mazda CX-5 includes Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Machine Gray, Deep Crystal Blue, Soul Red Crystal and newly added colours Polymetal Gray and Platinum Quartz, making a total of 7 colours available.
The selling price starts from RM144,469.20 for the Mazda CX-5 2.0L 2WD MID and up to RM188,760.40 for the Mazda CX-5 2.5L AWD HIGH. The Mazda CX-5 comes with a 5-year Manufacturer Warranty + 5-year Free Maintenance according to the Manufacturer’s standards, including labour, parts and lubricants. More information can be found on the website.
This could well be the CX-5’s last hurrah before the new models roll in at a much higher price point. If that is the case, then this is the best time to own a Mazda CX-5.
