Mazda CX-5 updated in South Africa – The details

Mazda has updated the CX-5 SUV in South Africa with a new design, a revised model range, and a thoroughly refreshed top-end model.

Six specifications of the CX-5 will now be available – down from seven due to the removal of the manual Dynamic trim – with the range starting at R485,800.

What’s new

The Mazda CX-5 gets a fresh look for the 2022 model year, seeing a new front bumper with a redesigned “signature wing” in a “three-dimensional texture”, a new rear bumper and larger tailgate, new headlights, and more rectangular taillights.

Models fitted with the adaptive LED headlights also get “20-segment LED arrays to provide brighter illumination and enhanced visibility,” said Mazda.

A new range of alloy wheels are available, too, and the new Zircon Sand Metallic exterior colour ” brings together both a feeling of the vehicle being a single, solid unit and a metallic three-dimensional look.”

Inside the cabin, the Mazda CX-5 is fitted with updated seats that help to “stabilise occupants’ heads more” and optimise “support on the pelvis”.

“The boot space of the updated Mazda CX-5 has been increased by eliminating the height difference between the cargo area floor and the tailgate sill,” said Mazda.

“Not only does this flat entranceway make loading and unloading of heavy goods far easier, it also secures an even wider flat space when the rear seat is folded down”

Boot space for the range comes in at 442 litres in five-seater mode, and extends to 1,914 litres when the second row of seats are folded down.

Akera

The top-of-the-line CX-5 Akera model was on the receiving end of the most updates, now sporting gloss black detailing on the bumper, wheel arches, side mouldings, door mirrors, and signature wing – as well as larger dual tailpipes.

Subtle red accents in the grille and 19-inch black metallic-alloy wheels are also included.

The sporty look continues in the cabin with black leather seats, red contrast stitching, black film on the dashboard and door panels, and a black roofliner and pillars.

Performance

The CX-5 Active, CX-5 Dynamic, CX-5 Carbon Edition are driven by a 2.0-litre, petrol engine generating 121kW and 213Nm.

The entry-level Active is offered with both a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearbox, whereas the Dynamic and Carbon Edition can only be had in automatic. All three trims drive the front wheels and achieve a combined fuel consumption of 6.8-6.9l/100km.

The CX-5 Individual comes with a 2.5-litre petrol motor putting out 143kW and 258Nm, driving all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined fuel consumption for this spec is rated at 7.3l/100km.

The range-topping Akera is equipped with the same gearbox and drivetrain as the Individual but employs a 2.2-litre, turbo-diesel engine producing 140kW and 450Nm. This model sprints to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds and returns a consumption rating of 5.7l/100km.