New Mazda CX-5 is evolved but no hybrid for a while

Mazda has now revealed the third-generation CX-5, with deliveries getting underway before year end in Europe. But here, as in most non-European markets, it won’t arrive until the second half of next year. And the hybrid is still two years away at least. Locally, AWD will be standard.

CX-5 is the sweet spot for Mazda here and abroad, showcasing SkyActiv technology and Kodo design. Since 2012, Mazda has sold over 4.5million CX-5s, some 33,000 retailed in New Zealand.

The new generation is bigger all round, and will offer a more spacious cabin with updated and ‘intuitive’ technology. Mazda says new CX-5 is “more capable, engaging, and desirable than ever before”.

Read our review of Mazda’s CX-80 SP Hybrid.

More Kodo

CX-5 displays the latest evolution of Kodo thinking. The silhouette is recognisably CX-5, while optimising proportions to offer more cabin and luggage space. The exterior design is meant to suggest ‘capable and stable’. 

Up front there’s a wider, more purposeful look – tracks expand by 15mm – the grille positioned between more angular lighting elements. At the rear are new lights and bigger brand lettering instead of the traditional Mazda badge.

Thanks to a 115mm wheelbase stretch, overall length also increases to 4690mm for enhanced practicality.

Calm cabin

Inside, the latest CX-5 exudes ‘calmness and functionality’. The interior Mazda describes as uncluttered, spacious, serene and functional, for a relaxing drive. Door openings are larger, improving access, especially for parents loading car seats. There’s also increased rear leg, knee and headroom for greater occupant comfort.

The increased dimensions also mean a larger, more useful cargo area, up 61L to 490L to the cargo cover. However, with split folding capacity increases by 560L to 1900L.

Materials and finishes are chosen to offer both lasting quality and a refined atmosphere. Technology is key too, with a 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen display on upper level variants, the biggest on any Mazda yet. Expect sole control of ADAS features via this as the rotary controller has been dropped. The infotainment system with Google built in is evidently intuitive in operation and familiar thanks to smartphone-like usability. Premium models get a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Various seat finishes and colours will be available, likely in three or four specification levels.

Carryover powertrain

The new CX-5 uses a variant of the existing 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD. A combined fuel use figure of 7.4L/100km (168g CO2/km) is quoted. The latest iteration of the naturally aspirated 2.5 is tuned for added flexibility, and is said to be more responsive. While no figures are available yet expect the 2.5 to produce around the same output as it does currently, 140kW and 252Nm. Whether or not the 170kW/420Nm turbo version of the mill will be retained is unclear. Hope so though. Braked towing capacity will be around the two tonne mark.

A hybrid powerplant, dubbed SkyActiv-Z with Mazda Hybrid System, is coming but is at least two years away. So in summary, bigger, roomier and higher tech but the lack of a hybrid powertrain from the get-go and a carryover six-speed auto for Mazda’s most popular model must be seen as disappointing. Perhaps Mazda was worried about a cost blowout, like with their larger, more premium SUVs.