car news car tests

SUVs from Mazda

Party at Mazda. The CX-5 celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. The SUV from Japan is still doing very well after all these years. In fact, it is the absolute sales stunner at Mazda . The SUV has sold more than three million units since its introduction in 2012. In Europe, the model accounts for about 21% of annual sales. The success of the CX-5 leaves you wanting more. In 2022, the brand will therefore introduce three new SUVs: the CX-50, CX-60 and the CX-80.

The CX-50 is unfortunately not coming to Europe, but you can look forward to the CX-60 and CX-80 . The CX-60 will be a five-seater (two rows of seats) and the CX-80 a seven-seater (three rows of seats). They will be the first European Mazda models with plug-in hybrid drive. The CX-30 – a compact SUV – will of course remain available and of course do not forget the fully electric crossover from Mazda: the MX-30 . In short, Mazda has an SUV for everyone.

Changes CX-5

The Japanese are far from bored with the CX-5 . It is one of the core models in Mazda’s global offering and will continue to play a key role in the brand’s crossover SUV range. Mazda has given it a subtle refresh for the 2022 model year.

You recognize the new model by its new headlights. The daytime running lights have an L-pattern and are integrated into the headlamp. Smart Matrix LED headlights are now also available. The rear lights and grille have of course also been updated and a new exterior color is available: Zircon Sand.

Three new variants

So there have been no rigorous changes to the appearance. Logically, you won’t experiment with a model that scores so well. Although there are three new striking variants, including the Newground. This extra cool CX-5 has a silver-coloured skid plate at the front and rear, lime-coloured accents on the grille and silver-coloured trim on the doors. The green-yellow accents are also reflected in the interior. The other two new variants are the Sportive and the Signature. These versions are also extra strikingly decorated inside and out. The Signature’s interior even features genuine Japanese Sen wood panels.

Tech and gadgets

Since 2021, the interior has been fitted with a 10.25-inch display, which we already know from the Mazda 3 and CX-30. It is a clear and sharp screen, which you can operate via a rotary knob. In other words; it’s not a touch screen. That takes some getting used to at first – because nowadays you control all screens in your life with your fingers – but the interface is very simple. This allows you to quickly find the right items. Of course, the system is suitable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although they are less easy to operate with a rotary knob. New in the interior is a wireless charger in the center console for telephones.

Comfortable

The CX-5 is more comfortable than ever. The interior of the chairs has been adjusted and you notice that: the furniture is excellent. More money has been spent on soundproofing, which means that you can also whisper to each other on the highway. More importantly: you arrive at your destination well rested.

Mazda has also been working on the suspension. We notice that during our test drive in the mountains around Barcelona. The balance between sportiness and comfort is excellent. You can even send a nice game without making it uncomfortable on board.

More luggage space

The CX-5 is not the largest SUV in its segment, but it is a practical car. Mazda has now even found 73 liters of extra luggage space in the renewed model. That’s pretty clever, since the main lines of the car have remained the same. The luggage compartment has been redesigned, increasing the load volume to 550 liters.

A new height-adjustable, reversible floor plate ensures that you no longer suffer from a high sill. In the Newground variant, the loading floor has carpet on one side and a protective dirt- and water-resistant plastic on the other side. Ideal if you occasionally want to throw muddy boots or a mountain bike in the back.

Driver assistance systems

A number of new active driver assistance systems make life a little safer in the CX-5. Things such as adaptive cruise control, a collision prevention system and a lane assistant were already present and now Traffic Jam Assist has been added. This system can help with steering, accelerating and braking in traffic jams.

engines

The engine range remains unchanged with the Skyactiv-G 165 and Skyactiv-G 194 petrol engines. The Skyactiv-G 165 remains the entry-level engine: a 165 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Above that is the Skyactiv-G 194, which manages to squeeze 194 hp from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. During our first encounter in Catalonia, we didn’t really feel all engine variants, but the kilometers covered with the Skyactiv-G 165 give us a lot of confidence that there is enough power available under all conditions. Diesel is also possible at Mazda, with the Skyactiv-D 184.

Ideal caravan tractor

No shortage of pulling power. A CX-5 with a diesel engine in combination with four-wheel drive can tow up to 2,100 kilograms. But the Japanese SUV is actually extremely suitable as a caravan tractor, regardless of the engine version you choose. The entry-level, the Skyactiv-G 165 petrol engine with manual gearbox, can already pull 1,800 kilograms braked.

Prices Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 can be ordered from 36,490 euros for the standard version with Skyactiv-G 165 hp petrol engine with manual six-speed gearbox. The Newground is available from 39,990 euros. For the diesel version you pay at least 55,990 euros.

Do you want to see all the details and know how it drives? Watch the driving test video: