SYDNEY: Mazda is launching its updated CX-5 for 2015. Australia’s top-selling SUV last year is now more appealing with The larger 138kW/250Nm 2.5 litre petrol engine and 129kW/400Nm 2.2 litre turbo-diesels are available only with AWD and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Thanks to Australia’s free trade agreement with Japan, pricing now ranges from $27,190 (down $610) for the 2.0 litre front-wheel-drive Maxx with manual transmission, to $50,610 for the Akera automatic all-wheel-drive diesel; plus on-road costs.
The 2015 CX-5 continues with the same engines from last year featuring Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology, including two naturally-aspirated petrol units and a single turbo-diesel option.
A 2.0 litre petrol unit with 114kW/200Nm kicks off the range, available only with FWD Maxx models and the exclusive engine option for buyers seeking the six-speed manual transmission.
The petrol engines return 6.4 l/100km and 7.4 l/100km respectively, while the diesel’s fuel figure is 5.7 l/100km. All three engines feature stop/start technology.
Front styling is where the greatest differences can be seen over the 2014 model, which Mazda describes as “bolder and tauter” than its predecessor.
A new grille dominates the front end while rear styling is virtually identical, apart from updated tail-lamps.
Some models now feature LED head- and tail-lamps, while a new 19-inch alloy wheel design and two new paint finishes – Sonic Silver Metallic and Titanium Flash Mica also feature.
Non-visual changes centre on the CX-5’s suspension which has been tweaked for a smoother, flatter ride, while road noise in the cabin has been reduced by 10 percent thanks to improved sound-deadening.
A new ‘Drive Selection’ feature is available on some models, which Mazda says can provide “a more responsive drive”.
Inside, the 2015 CX-5 sees the introduction of Mazda’s ‘MZD’ connectivity system which includes a seven-inch touchscreen, operated by a central control knob.
The new CX-5’s interior has been “optimised”, to maximise head room and rear leg room.
There’s also an electronic parking brake (a first for Mazda), along with an array of safety features called ‘i-ACTIVESENSE’.
Depending on the variant, the new CX-5 is available with adaptive LED headlamps, lane-keep assist, and driver attention alert, smart city brake support and radar cruise control.
Every model across the range gets six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and a reversing camera.
The CX-5 was the ninth best-selling car in Australia in 2014, making it the top-placed SUV and putting it comfortably ahead of its main rival – Toyota’s Rav4.
Since its launch in 2012, CX-5 sales as a percentage have been spilt 65/35 between AWD and FWD and 80/20 between petrol and diesel-powered models, with the Maxx Sport being the most popular variant.
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 is on sale from February 1.
