Mazda Ireland has announced prices and details for the updated version of the CX-5 SUV. Although it's now one of the oldest models in Mazda's lineup, the CX-5 is still hugely popular, and it accounts for as much as 21 per cent of Mazda's European sales.
Engine range carried over
There are no major mechanical changes, so the SkyActiv-G petrol and SkyActiv-D diesel four-cylinder engines are carried over - there's still no sign of the fuel-sipping SkyActiv-X petrol engine, nor the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol from the Mazda 6 saloon as yet.
So, what changes are we getting? Well, there's a new Mi-Drive selector system, which allows you to switch between the usual Sport, Comfort, and Eco driving modes, plus an off-road mode for those CX-5s ordered with four-wheel drive.
The actual physical structure of the chassis and body has been changed, a little, with Mazda claiming that the changes to the bodyshell, steering, suspension, and seats reduce road noise, improve overall comfort, and give the CX-5 a smoother ride.
Outside, there are some subtle styling changes, with a new grille, new lights, new bumper at the front, and some revised exterior trim. There's also a new colour option - Zircon Sand. - which reminds us a little of Audi's 'Tactical Beige.' No bad thing.
New trim lineup
Mazda Ireland is also revising the CX-5's trim lineup, which will now start with a 'Newground' model - that, claims Mazda, offers "a pure beauty inside and out, with enough space for the whole family and excellent driving dynamics." The Newground gets lots of exterior chrome, plus little lime green accents, which are carried over to the inside and used around the central air vents.
Next up is the sportier 'Homura' trim, which gets lots of gloss black finishing on the outside, including on the grille, wheelarch extensions, and the 'wing' motif at the front. As with the Newground, the Homura CX-5 gets standard 19-inch alloy wheels, but these are now finished in black too. Inside, there's contrast red stitching everywhere, to hammer home the sporty look.
Finally, there's GT Lux, which gets a single exterior colour on all surfaces, and bright silver 19-inch alloys, while inside there's dark red leather and soft-to-the-touch woodgrain trim.
Wireless phone charging
All models will now get a wireless phone charging pad, while Newground models get a reversible boot floor with a waterproof side. The updated CX-5's range of 'i-Activsense' safety systems now includes a traffic jam function for the active cruise control, while the LED headlights are now more clever when it comes to beam spread and automatically dipping for other traffic.
Prices for the updated CX-5 start from €34,745 for the SkyActiv-G petrol, or €38,625 for a SkyActiv-D diesel with all-wheel drive.