The last one I drove – a couple of years back – had crisp handling, the badly named “SKYACTIV” technologies, decent all-around performance and build quality. Above all, a good presence in a world over-populated with cookie cutter crossovers.
Mazda Motor Corporation has begun accepting pre-orders for the updated Mazda CX-5 at dealerships throughout Japan. The freshened crossover SUV (their words here and following) has what’s called a distinctive design coupled with the pleasure of Jinba-ittai driving – responsive control over driving, turning and braking – in everyday driving situations.
Pre-orders have also begun for the CX-5 Exclusive Mode special edition. This range-topping special edition money maker (Mazda is financially challenged since the Ford Motor divorce that demonstrably hurt both parties) has selected materials that create a look of “warmth and modernity.” Sales of the updated CX-5 and CX-5 Exclusive Mode special edition start on November 22. and the crossover will, maybe, eventually find its way to the U.S.
Sold in 120 different countries and accounting for a full quarter of the brand’s global sales volume, the CX-5 is preeminent model in the Mazda lineup. The last one I drove – a couple of years back – had crisp handling, the badly named “SKYACTIV technologies, decent all-around performance, and build quality and a good presence in a world now over-populated with cookie cutter crossovers. The CX-5 has received more than 100 awards (Mazda’s count), including the Japan Car of the Year award, since the launch of the first-generation model in 2012.
This time around the block, the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T is added to powertrain offerings, making the CX-5 the first model in Japan available with this 2.5-liter inline-four direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine. The soon to be extinct diesel – thank Volkswagen and emissions regulators – has torque and therefore is good for long-distance cruising. My likely pick, awaiting real testing, will be the North American version of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T. It should be fast, smooth and flexible – if it gets here given NAFTA LIGHT woes. (See AutoInformed.com on NAFTA Light – US-Mexico-Canada Agreement Hurts US Workers)
G-Vectoring Control Plus (semi-marketing babble alert – GVC Plus) in theory enhances handling stability on slippery road surfaces and when changing lanes. This is an updated version of G-Vectoring Control so it now directs/tames vehicle motion when returning the steering wheel to center, as well as during turn in. Simply put it is a yaw axis damper from the artwork, with who knows what- if any control – in the pitch axis and roll axis.
Models in Japan powered by the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine are available for the first time with a six-speed manual transmission. The updated CX-5 diesel becomes the only model in its class2to offer a manual option, providing SUV drivers with the pleasure of greater control over the car.
As the highest-grade CX-5 available, the Exclusive Mode special edition combines a finely-crafted interior with high-quality materials such as Nappa leather and real woodgrain decorative panels to create a refined cabin space that blends warmth and modernity. Such high-quality materials and fine craftsmanship bring new joy to the experience of owning a CX-5.
Updates to the Mazda CX-5
Powertrain, handling stability and ride comfort
- The first model in Japan available with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T, a 2.5-liter inline-four direct-injection gasoline turbo engine. Burning regular unleaded gasoline, it outputs up to 169 kW (230PS) at 4,250 rpm and produces up to 420 N･m (42.8kgf･m) of torque at 2,000 rpm.
- GVC Plus, a new technology that improves handling stability at high speeds and during emergency maneuvers while suppressing sudden, unintended movements t comes as standard equipment on all model grades.
- The SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission is now available with the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine in both FWD and AWD configurations.
Safety and Convenience
- Nighttime pedestrian detection is added to Advanced Smart City Braking Support (Advanced SCBS).
- A 360° View Monitor is standard equipment on the Exclusive Mode special edition and is available as a factory-installed option for all model grades.
- Mazda Connect car-connectivity system supports Apple CarPlay for the first time on a Mazda model in Japan.
- Mazda Connect car-connectivity system supports Android Auto ™6 for the first time on a Mazda model in Japan.
Improvements in design and quality
- – The 17-inch aluminum wheels are painted Gray Metallic instead of Dark Silver. (The design is unchanged.)
- – The climate control panel, switches and dials are redesigned for better feel and operability.
- – For models with normal speakers, the surface material of the A-pillar trim has been changed from resin to fabric. In addition, tweeters have been added at the base of the A-pillar, increasing the number of speakers from four to six.7
Exclusive Mode with SKYACTIV-G 2.5T or SKYACTIV-D 2.2
The Exclusive Mode special edition offers what in Mazda’s view the highest-grade interior, using selected materials such as Nappa leather upholstery and real wood-grain trim. In addition, features and functions that improve comfort and safety enhance the joy of ownership.
- Seats are upholstered in soft, smooth Nappa leather and the exclusive interior color coordination uses black on the pillars and ceiling and Deep Red in the lower areas.
- Real woodgrain is used in decorative trim panels for a look of refinement and warmth.
- -The frameless rear-view mirror provides a wider field of vision and a cleaner look.
- 19-inch aluminum wheels with exclusive dark gloss paint accentuate a look of composure and toughness.
- Both front seats feature a ventilation system that extracts hot air trapped between the occupant and the seat surface.
- The smallish seven-inch TFT LCD display mounted in the center of the meter cluster shows essential driving information is allegedly well-organized and easy-to-read.
- White LEDs are used throughout the cabin for consistent interior lighting, and foot lamps come as standard equipment for both front and rear seats.
Freshened Mazda CX-5 Launched in Japan
The last one I drove – a couple of years back – had crisp handling, the badly named “SKYACTIV” technologies, decent all-around performance and build quality. Above all, a good presence in a world over-populated with cookie cutter crossovers.
Mazda Motor Corporation has begun accepting pre-orders for the updated Mazda CX-5 at dealerships throughout Japan. The freshened crossover SUV (their words here and following) has what’s called a distinctive design coupled with the pleasure of Jinba-ittai driving – responsive control over driving, turning and braking – in everyday driving situations.
Pre-orders have also begun for the CX-5 Exclusive Mode special edition. This range-topping special edition money maker (Mazda is financially challenged since the Ford Motor divorce that demonstrably hurt both parties) has selected materials that create a look of “warmth and modernity.” Sales of the updated CX-5 and CX-5 Exclusive Mode special edition start on November 22. and the crossover will, maybe, eventually find its way to the U.S.
Sold in 120 different countries and accounting for a full quarter of the brand’s global sales volume, the CX-5 is preeminent model in the Mazda lineup. The last one I drove – a couple of years back – had crisp handling, the badly named “SKYACTIV technologies, decent all-around performance, and build quality and a good presence in a world now over-populated with cookie cutter crossovers. The CX-5 has received more than 100 awards (Mazda’s count), including the Japan Car of the Year award, since the launch of the first-generation model in 2012.
This time around the block, the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T is added to powertrain offerings, making the CX-5 the first model in Japan available with this 2.5-liter inline-four direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine. The soon to be extinct diesel – thank Volkswagen and emissions regulators – has torque and therefore is good for long-distance cruising. My likely pick, awaiting real testing, will be the North American version of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T. It should be fast, smooth and flexible – if it gets here given NAFTA LIGHT woes. (See AutoInformed.com on NAFTA Light – US-Mexico-Canada Agreement Hurts US Workers)
Models in Japan powered by the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine are available for the first time with a six-speed manual transmission. The updated CX-5 diesel becomes the only model in its class2to offer a manual option, providing SUV drivers with the pleasure of greater control over the car.
As the highest-grade CX-5 available, the Exclusive Mode special edition combines a finely-crafted interior with high-quality materials such as Nappa leather and real woodgrain decorative panels to create a refined cabin space that blends warmth and modernity. Such high-quality materials and fine craftsmanship bring new joy to the experience of owning a CX-5.
Updates to the Mazda CX-5
Powertrain, handling stability and ride comfort
Safety and Convenience
Improvements in design and quality
Exclusive Mode with SKYACTIV-G 2.5T or SKYACTIV-D 2.2
The Exclusive Mode special edition offers what in Mazda’s view the highest-grade interior, using selected materials such as Nappa leather upholstery and real wood-grain trim. In addition, features and functions that improve comfort and safety enhance the joy of ownership.