Mazda is giving its CX-5 crossover a slew of updates
in Japan, two years after the second-generation model made its debut in the
Land of the Rising Sun. Although there aren’t many visual changes, there’s
quite a bit more to be found under the skin – especially under the bonnet.
That’s because the car is finally being offered with
the turbocharged version of the 2.5 litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol
engine. With this, the CX-5 becomes the first model in Japan to be offered with
this mill, which produces 230 PS at 4,250 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 2,000
rpm, and delivers a fuel economy figure of up to 12.6 km per litre on the new
Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
This engine is paired to a
six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of either front- or all-wheel
drive. Somewhat curiously, Mazda has also added a six-speed manual option to
models fitted with the 172 PS/420 Nm 2.2 SkyActiv-D turbodiesel, making it the
only SUV in its segment that allows you to row your own gears, Hiroshima says.
Elsewhere, the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system has
been enhanced and now applies light braking force to the outside wheels coming
out of a corner, providing extra stability as the driver straightens the
steering wheel. This smoothens transitions between roll, yaw and pitch even
with high cornering forces, enabling the car to better respond to sudden
steering inputs and exit corners more crisply.
The new GVC Plus system is claimed to
improve handling in collision avoidance manoeuvres and providing a “reassuring
feeling of control” when changing lanes and when driving on snow or other
slippery surfaces. It comes as standard on all CX-5s and will be rolled out to
other Mazda models.
Other changes are more minor and include a new
nighttime pedestrian detection function for the Advanced Smart City Braking
Support (SCBS) system, a 360-degree camera option, Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto compatibility and new tweeters for the standard sound system to bring the
total number of speakers up to six. There’s also a new Grey Metallic finish for
the base 17-inch alloy wheel and redesigned climate controls.
Last but not least is a Exclusive Mode special
edition model, available with the turbo petrol and diesel engines. This
top-of-the-range variant adds 19-inch alloys in a new dark gloss finish, Deep
Red Nappa leather upholstery, real woodgrain interior trim, a frameless
rear-view mirror, ventilated front seats, a seven-inch TFT LCD instrument
display and white LED lighting throughout the cabin for a more consistent look.
Mazda is asking between 2,570,400 yen
(US$ 22,775/€ 19,780) and 3,882,600 yen (US$ 34,401/€ 29,878) for the 2019 CX-9 in
Japan, which will go on sale locally, alongside the Exclusive Mode, on November
22.
