The 2018 Mazda CX-5
will go on sale in the UK on August 31, offering an upgraded powertrain lineup
and more safety kit. For the first time, UK customers will be able to choose an
automatic transmission for the petrol versions too.
The CX-5 is Mazda’s
best-selling model in the UK, managing to find 3,612 homes since the
second-generation model was launched last year. On a global scale, the Mazda
CX-5 accounts for roughly 25 percent of the company’s sales volume.
Base petrol
versions of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 are powered by a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G unit with
162 hp and front-wheel drive. This is also the first petrol CX-5 to be
offered with Mazda’s six-speed automatic transmission, in addition to the
standard six-speed manual.
Diesel models are
powered by the 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D engine, offered with either 148 hp or 181 hp. Mazda has updated the diesel engine with a modified
combustion chamber, new piezo injectors, a revised two-stage turbocharger and a
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) System.
The more powerful
181 hp version of the 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D offers 9hp more than the previous
172 hp model. This was possible thanks to the turbocharger now adopting variable
geometry that allows higher boost pressure from mid to high revs, as well as a
higher compression ratio, among other.
The only exterior
change of the 2018MY is a new set of 19-inch alloys on the Sport Nav+ trim
level. Standard equipment levels are pretty generous, with every CX-5 getting
LED headlights, auto power-folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, DAB
radio and a 7-inch colour touch-screen display with Mazda’s integrated
navigation.
Safety kit is also
enhanced, with features like Radar Cruise Control, Advanced Blind Spot
Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic alert, Smart Brake Support, High Beam
Control and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning now being standard
across the range.
Pricing for the
2018 Mazda CX-5 in the UK starts from £ 24,795 for the base petrol version. The
entry point in the diesel range will cost you from £ 26,695. If you want
all-wheel drive, then your only option is the more powerful diesel version,
which starts from £ 34,395.
