Dazzling new CX-5 arrives in South Africa

Facelifted Mazda CX-5 sports all the latest bells and whistles

MAZDA’S facelifted-for-2015 CX-5 hits South Africa this week with a new grille, and on the Individual and Akera models, new LED headlights and gunmetal 19” alloys.

But the important upgrades are inside, where the MZD Connect internet radio streaming and social networking infotainment system is now standard across the range, the conventional handbrake lever gives way to an electronic button (sorry, Sarel, no more handbrake turns!) and satnav becomes standard issue on Individual and Akera models and optional on Active and Dynamic variants.

The new CX-5 is the first Mazda model in South Africa with adaptive LED headlights; each high beam is the sum of four focused LED blocks that can be individually switched. The system uses a camera to detect the lights of oncoming cars – or the tail-lights of cars ahead, and turns off only the light-source block that’s focused in that specific direction – which means that, as soon as you leave the streetlights behind, you can drive with your brights on all the time, without dazzling other road users.

The headlamps also light up the edge of the roads where traditional lights can’t, making pedestrians and other roadside detail easier to see.

The base two-litre direct-injection petrol engine now delivers 121kW and 210Nm (up from 114kW and 200Nm) at a claimed fuel-consumption of 6.4 litres per 100km, while the 2.5-litre petrol has been slightly boosted to 141kW and 256Nm (from 138kW and 250Nm) at a claimed 7.4 litres per 100km.

The 2.2-litre turbodiesel is available in two outputs, delivering either 110kW and 380Nm, or 129kW and 420Nm – each quoted at 5.7 litres per 100km. Driver aids now include lane keep assist, on the Individual and Akera models, gently applying steering torque to help the car back into its lane at speeds above 65km/h, as well as six airbags and dynamic stability control across the range.

The 2.0L Active comes in frontwheel drive with either manual or auto-transmission, featuring auto headlights, 17” alloys, dual-zone aircon, MZD Connect with seven” display, Bluetooth connectivity, sixspeaker radio/CD/Aux/USB player with satellite controls, cruise control, split-folding rear seat-backs, hill hold, front foglights, push-button keyless start, tinted windows, fabric upholstery, auto windshield wipers and reversing camera

The 2.0L Dynamic adds Smart advanced keyless entry and 19” alloys rims.

The 2.2L Active has the 110kW turbodiesel and the same specifications as the base petrol model – with the exception of the reversing camera – while the 2.2L Akera comes with the 129kW engine and all-wheel drive, LED adaptive headlights with high-beam control, satnav and 19”rims.

The range-topping front-wheel drive 2.5L AT adds a power-operated sliding and tilt sunroof, leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, high-beam control, a nine-speaker Bose sound system, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring and an autodimming rear-view mirror. PRICES 2.0L Active - R319 500 2.0L Active AT - R329 300 2.2L Active AT - R378 300 2.2L Akera AWD AT - R465 400 2.5L Individual AT - R408 700 These include a three-year unlimiteddistance factory warranty, a three-year service plan and three years' roadside assistance. - www.motoring.co.za