Some ten years ago the original Mazda CX-5 was a landmark car for the popular Japanese brand. Further, it was this car that introduced the world to Mazda’s ‘Skyactiv’ technology. It was also the first production vehicle to feature the well-known styling ethos that is ‘Kodo: Soul of Motion’, the company’s design philosophy.
On The Outside
This latest model takes this philosophy into 2022 with its mature and elegant form. As we would expect from Mazda, fine fit and finish give the mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) a refined and modern look. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 features a new look evolving the model’s exterior design. Revised front and rear bumpers (fenders) combine with new headlight and tail-light clusters and a selection of alloy wheels up to 19” to give the SUV a very modern and sharper look that’s bang up to date with the latest trends.
At the front a more three-dimensional grille design is combined with a new signature wing trim that no longer heads into the lamp cluster as previously. Meanwhile at the rear the new bumper shape and stronger tail-light design sharpens the rear styling. Depending upon global region, buyers should see five trim levels: SE-L, Newground, Sport, Sport Black and GT Sport. As an intriguing extra and for the first time from this company, individual model grades feature subtle styling differentiation to give customers the option of choosing a CX-5 with a unique character and personalisation focus, thanks also to a wide range of options.
On The Inside
SUV customers seem to like sitting high up in their cars so will appreciate the Mazda CX-5’s lofty driving position, with an excellent all-round view, enhanced by slim pillars. It’s easy to get comfortable too thanks to a driver’s seat that comes with plenty of adjustment (electronically controlled on all models except the entry-level option)and adjustable lumbar support as standard. Similarly, the steering wheel has ample adjustment to accommodate drivers of all shapes and sizes.
The dashboard is sensibly arranged and everything is exactly where we would want it to be. Of especial interest to customers who may be touchscreen phobic, Mazda have eschewed this electronic control system in favour of actual, proper, real-life physical buttons. Remember them? Reach out and flick; so much easier than delving into screen menus. There is a 10.25” screen of course for navigation and infotainment and the good news is that it is the same across all trim levels. There’s all the usual suspects; DAB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring and, naturally, navigation. GT Sport models add an upgraded 10-speaker Bose sound system (regionally dependent).
Front and back there’s plenty of room for even tall passengers to be comfortable on the really excellent and supportive seats. The rear seats split and also fold flat and even without that the boot (trunk) offers plenty of space.
On The Road
Powered by the now familiar range of Skyactiv engines (Mazda don’t use turbochargers, preferring their own engine technology which delivers energetic and economic performance), both Mazda’s Skyactiv-MT six-speed manual and Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions feature in the Mazda CX-5 range and both options are crisp and smooth-shifting. The ride is on the firm side which is a boon for handling in corners. Thanks to its stiffer suspension setup, the Mazda CX-5 is better at controlling body lean gripping well in the bends. The steering is quick, accurate and weights up a treat at speed; quicker than most of the opposition in fact and drivers might be pleasantly surprised how good the drive is.
Buyers can also choose versions with the latest generation of Mazda’s intelligent i-ACTIV all-wheel drive (AWD) system. A choice of lively and responsive petrol engines (150/165/184bhp) is available along with a Skyactiv-D (diesel) engine is currently available with a 2.2 litre engine producing 150ps or 184ps, depending on configuration.
This great compact SUV is available to order now through MHH Japanese Cars. Get in touch to find out more.
