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The New Mazda CX-5 Designs Unveiled, Set to Launch in Early 2022
Mazda has officially disclosed some details of the new designs for its bestselling CX5 SUV range that will be launched in Australia in the first half of 2022, according to the company's blog post on 15 September, 2021. The redefined and redesigned Mazda CX-5 is said to strengthen the company's reputation for versatility, style and safety.
We can expect new front-end changes, dynamic performance, and more comfort from all grades of the CX 5 line-up, but the middle to top grade ones are set to showcase a more unique definition that sets each grade apart from one another. More specifically, the mid-class Touring, GT SP and top-class Akera will undergo design changes on its exteriors to bring to light the distinct qualities and character of each grade.
Mazda said that the full details of the new CX-5 designs will be confirmed as the market launch in Australia draws closer.
What's New in the Mazda CX 5 for 2022?
Several general changes in terms of exterior design and vehicle technology are made to the entire Mazda CX-5 grades, including the Maxx and Maxx Sport.
Mazda's Dedication to the Kodo Design Philosophy
The characteristic lines on the exteriors of Mazda CX 5 units will now be reduced. In exchange, the redesigned ones will now showcase sleek, reflective body surfaces. Such redefinition is a manifestation of Mazda's dedication towards its Kodo Design principles, which was first introduced in 2010 with the CX 5 range and has been the company's design philosophy for all its car models since then. Kodo Design basically uses Japanese aesthetics wherein complex lines are avoided, and instead, a dynamic appeal is created by utilising flowing lines.
Exterior Changes
For the front of the CX-5 units, the mesh surface of the front grille featured in the current CX5 models (or the outgoing ones) are now replaced with a three dimensional texture positioned just above a subtly redesigned lower bumper, which now has a smaller centre intake. The reshaped grill is flanked by the headlights, which is now slimmer than before. These headlights also get a major makeover that creates an overall appeal that is eye-catching and shimmering. Specifically, each lamp will now utilise two rectangular LED that are horizontally spaced to provide a dynamic lighting effect which makes the CX5 units look more prestigious.
For the rear end, Mazda introduces a new signature wing that expands from the front. A tweaked bumper is also included at the rear end. The taillights will also get the same significant redesign made to the headlights.
Technological Upgrades
Technological enhancements are also made in the new Mazda CX-5 across all grades. Some of these include:
- A refreshed six-speed automatic transmission that is more responsive for a smoother acceleration;
- Frame rigidity increase and dampening control structure improvements to provide high quality comfort during the ride by minimizing road noise and elimination of unpleasant vibrations and harshness; and
- Redesigned seats that will support the natural curves of the human body in order to give the driver and the passengers with greater stability.
These new-generation technologies will complement Mazda's philosophy on human-centric development, which will make driving a CX5 or any other Mazda range quieter, smoother and more comfortable.
Debut of the Mi-Drive Technology
The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive, will be introduced in the redefined and redesigned Mazda CX-5 lineup. With this technology, the driver can choose the drive mode that best suits his or her journey or mood. In short, the Mi-Drive allows for a one-touch control for optimised driving capability.
In some specifications, the Mi-Drive system will also have an off-road driving mode with the i-Activ All Wheel Drive feature.
Additional Changes for Each Mazda CX5 Grade
Additional changes to the exterior of the CX-5 range are made differently for each grade with the goal to showcase visual features that will clearly define the unique characteristics of each model, allowing car buyers to identify the perfect CX-5 variant that will best suit their needs and lifestyle.
The Akera - Prestige and Luxury
The top-range Mazda CX-5 Akera will be redesigned to exude the most prestigious and luxurious appeal compared to the rest of the CX5 grades.
On the outside, the cladding is complemented with the car body's colour in order to give a unified look. The brightness of the silver-finished wheels provides a sleek effect, contrasting the body and cladding.
On the inside, Nappa Leather upholstery is used to give the interiors an enhanced appeal and luxurious feel.
The GT SP - Active and Sporty
The GT SP, which is the second-to-the-top grade in the Mazda CX 5 range, is designed to showcase a sporty appeal, featuring black highlights inside and out. This grade is also the newest member in the current CX5 lineup.
The new external designs for the GT SP for 2022 include a signature wing, 19-inch wheels, front grille, and mirror caps all in glossy black finish. These exteriors are complemented with an interior in black leather trim accentuated with red contrast stitching.
The Touring - Adventure
The Mazda CX-5 Touring's redesigns are set to offer an inviting appeal to those who are fond of outdoor adventures.
The redefined Touring will come in the new Zircon Sand Metallic body colour. It will also showcase exterior cladding on doors as well as rear and back bumpers. The grille also features a lime green accent to enhance the overall appeal of the Touring. All of these exterior redesigns make this SUV a welcoming sight for adventure seekers.
For the interiors, the lime green accents are also utilised in the upholstery of the seats as well as the vent surrounds of the air conditioning unit in order to provide an interesting look and a sense of utility.
The Maxx and Maxx Sport
Mazda has yet to make an official public statement regarding the distinct design changes for the Mazda CX5 Maxx and Maxx Sport, if any. The company said that it will confirm the full design changes to all and each of the CX-5 grades as the Australian market launch draws near in 2022.
A Look into the Current CX5 Grades
While we're waiting for the redesigned, redefined CX-5 SUVs to enter the Australian market, you may want to explore the CX5 units that are currently in the market today. Below are some of the key differences of the grades in the current or outgoing CX5 lineup. We're comparing the SUVs with 2.5l Petrol AWD (Auto) for uniformity, although various engine types are available.
The four-wheel drive (FWD) is only available for the Maxx and Maxx Sport while the all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for all CX5 grades.
At the low-end grades, the features that set Maxx Sport apart from Maxx, both 2.5l Petrol AWD (Auto), are:
- Maxx Sport has LED front fog-lamps, unlike Maxx which has no front fog lamps at all;
- MS has LED tail lamps, unlike Maxx which uses halogen tail lamps;
- MS has dual zone air conditioning, unlike Maxx;
- MS has rear-view mirror with auto dimming function; and
- MS has paddle shift gear control and satellite navigation.
The features that set Touring apart from Maxx and Maxx Sport are:
- Heated exterior mirrors with auto-fold feature;
- Colour windshield in active driving display;
- Seat trim made from Maztex/Grand Luxe Synthetic suede, unlike Maxx and MS which use cloth;
- Advanced keyless entry for safety and security;
- Front and rear sensors, unlike Maxx which only has rear parking sensors; and
- Traffic sign recognition (TSR) safety and security feature.
The features that set GT apart from Touring (and lower grades) are:
- Uses tyre size 225/55 R19 and wheel size 19 x 7.0 J, unlike the Touring which uses 225/65 R17 and 17 x 7.0 J;
- Total kerb weight of 1,681kg unlike 1,641kg Touring;
- "Unladen" ground clearance is 200mm, unlike Touring with 193mm;
- Overall height of 1,680mm, unlike Touring with 1,675mm;
- Sunroof;
- Power tailgate;
- LED daytime running lamps, unlike Touring which has none at all;
- Uses Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) in headlamp, unlike Touring. AFS optimises light distribution on the road based on driving situations;
- Heated front seats;
- Uses leather in seat trim, unlike the Touring which uses suede;
- Driver seats with lumbar adjustment;
- Driver and front passenger seats with power adjustments;
- Audio system uses Bose 10 speakers, unlike Touring which uses ordinary 6 speakers;
- Infotainment screen is 10.25 inches, unlike Touring which only has 8 inches; and
- There's no high beam control (HBC) unlike Touring;
The features that set the CX5 flagship Akera apart from Touring and the rest of the grades are:
- Unlike the other grades, headlamps in Akera utilises Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), which is Mazda's technology that lights up the road as if it were daytime, enabling stress-free and safe driving at all times;
- The rear-view mirror with auto dimming function is frameless, unlike other grades;
- Features heated steering wheel;
- Has multi-information meter display in 7-in TFT LCD colour;
- Utilises LED for interior illumination in the cargo room, unlike other grades which uses halogen;
- Features heated seats in the second row or outer row also, unlike GT which only heats the front;
- Uses Nappa leather in seat trim that provides a prestigious, luxurious feel and comfort;
- Seats are ventilated; and
- Has 360-degree view monitor for safety and security.
To learn more about the CX-5 vehicles or any Mazda model, get in touch with us today.