Mazda updates eco-friendly CX-5 crossover

2015-02-17 17:49:54

Mazda has updated its eco-friendly CX-5 crossover which will go on sale from £22,295 in the spring. The lower-powered diesel is the greenest option in the range, emitting 119g/km of CO2.

The engines remain unchanged. There are three 2.0-litre petrol-powered two-wheel drive versions, all mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. There are also 13 variants of the 2.2-litre diesel – six of which are available with full off-road 4x4 capability. The diesel variants are available with a choice of the manual ‘box or an automatic transmission.

Additional sound-proofing and minor changes to the springs and dampers should make the cabin quieter, as well as improve the ride and handling.

The external changes include a revised front grille flanked by reshaped LED head lamps and fog lamps. A range of new wheel designs have also been introduced. The headlights contain a coming/leaving home function.

The changes to the interior are a lot more extensive. All models now feature a manual front seat height adjustment feature and materials have been updated all-round. A new electronic parking brake has also been introduced for the first time. The latest MZD Connect Infotainment system is accessed via a new 7-inch full colour touchscreen that has been incorporated into the centre console. It has an integrated DAB digital radio for the first time, advanced smartphone pairing that allows internet connection and on-screen browsing, and two ports for USB connectivity. It is mated to the Japanese company’s Multimedia Commander with a separate volume dial for safe and intuitive interactivity.

Range-topping Sport Nav models are more readily identifiable from lesser models in the range by being fitted with 19-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, LED headlamps and running lights, and LED fog lamps. The integrated navigation system is also new and, according to Mazda, offers greater accuracy. It also comes with three years of free updates for the maps and boasts an improved search feature.

In terms of options, SE-L Lux and Sport Nav models can have lighter Stone Leather upholstery to replace the standard black trim. Sport Nav models can also be ordered with the Mazda Radar cruise control system. An optional Safety Pack contains a clutch of recently-developed technologies, including adaptive LED headlights, Lane-keep Assist with Driver Attention Alert, Advanced Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Smart City Brake Support.

The entry-level 2WD 163bhp SKYACTIV-G petrol in SE-L trim costs from £22,295. The flagship 173bhp AWD SKYACTIV-D diesel automatic in Sport Nav trim tops the range at £30,995.

This article was prepared by our car news team First4Auto.

Reported By

Andrew Merritt-Morling

Chief Editor