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Mazda might be bringing along an all-new SUV model to the upcoming Geneva motor show (click here to read that story) but it's not ignoring its trusty CX-5. One of our favourite SUVs, the CX-5 is getting a round of mild updates for the 2019 model year.
Those start inside, where Mazda has given the cabin a going-over to boost its levels of touchy-feely quality and bring it more into line with the 6 saloon and estate, which was updated last year. The new CX-5 Platinum Plus model will come with such niceties as Nappa leather seats, Japanese sen wood trim panels, LED mood lighting, heated rear seats, ventilated and heated front seats, and a new seven-inch digital instrument panel.
The CX-5 will also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard from the Executive SE model upwards.
Mazda's also updating the CX-5's 'i-Activesense' safety pack, which will now come with Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, projected Active Driving Display and Driver Attention Alert.
In dynamic terms, the car will get the updated G-Vectoring Control Plus system, which takes the original G-Vectoring Control system (which tweaks the engine's torque output in order to act like an electronic differential, which sharpens up the steering and helps you control the car better in corners) and now includes a braking system that very lightly brakes the car's outside wheels as you're coming off a corner, smoothing the transition from cornering to straight-ahead driving.
Mazda Ireland MD John Perry said: "since the launch of CX-5 it has continuously witnessed year on year sales growth in a very competitive segment. This is reflective of the continuously received praise in its segment, aesthetically and as a driving experience. The 2019 Mazda CX-5 with its stunning exterior Kodo design complimented with Mazda human-centric interior design and new Platinum Plus model raises its profile as a segment leader and a true alternative to premium rivals." He added "With Mazda's Sky-Active engine technology and improved driving dynamics to further strengthen Mazda driving philosophy 'Jinba Ittai,' car-and-driver-as-one the 2019 CX-5 should be a genuine consideration for any driver looking for a premium yet fun to drive SUV."