Five-star upgrades
JOHN MURDOCH checks out the improvement’s made to Mazda’s popular CX-5 family SUV for 2020
MAZDA’S multi-award-winning CX-5 SUV has been updated for 2020, with a more efficient version of its Skyactiv-G petrol engine that now features cylinder deactivation technology joining the line-up.
The new model range from the Japanese marque is available to configure and order now, with prices starting from £27,030 and going up to £39,085.
Cosmetically the latest CX-5 is identical to last year’s model but a new Polymetal Grey Metallic paint is available as an optional extra.
Inside, the biggest change is to the SUV’s eight-inch infotainment system screen. The graphics have been extended to the very edge of the screen to make it appear larger.
But the biggest update for the CX-5 is the introduction of cylinder deactivation technology on the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine.
The system now shuts down two of the unit’s four cylinders under light load, contributing to an 8g/km reduction in CO2 emissions. Power and torque figures remain at 165PS and 210Nm respectively.
Buyers have a choice of three trimlevels: SE-L, Sport and GT Sport. Generous standard equipment for the entry-level SUV includes 17in alloy wheels, privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors, LED fog lamps, automatic windscreen wipers, lanekeeping assist and dual-zone climate control.
Mid-range Sport models, which will account for almost 75 per cent of UK CX-5 sales, will be priced from £30,130. Equipment over the basemodel will include 19in alloy wheels, a reversing camera, a poweroperated tailgate, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and a 10-speaker Bose stereo system.
Prices for the flagship GT Sport variant start from £32,530. For the extra cash, you get a set of freshly designed 19in alloy wheels, a partially digitised instrument panel with a seven-inch display alongside traditional dials, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, adaptive LED headlamps and a 360-degree camera.
Power choices include the 2.0-litre petrol unit, as well as two versions of Mazda’s Skyactiv-D 2.2-litre fourcylinder diesel engine, available in either 150PS or 184PS outputs.
All three powertrains can be specified with either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, while the most powerful diesel can also be had with four-wheel-drive.
The stylish CX-5 has continued to improve over the last couple of years as Mazda has continually revised the SUV, tweaking its elegant design and increasing the output of its most powerful 2.2-litre fourcylinder diesel engine from 173 to 184PS.
The company also added all the latest safety equipment and last year saw Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fitted as standard across the range.
The last update also brought a range of chassis improvements designed to enhance the ride and handling.
Revisions included a thicker front anti-roll bar, a smaller rear anti-roll bar, revised front stabiliser bushings and new urethane top-mounts for the rear dampers. All of these changes feature on the 2020 model.
The new version is also quieter thanks to extra sound deadening, which improves the car’s refinement.
Commenting on the launch of the updated 2020 CX-5, the firm’s UK managing director Jeremy Thomson said: “The CX-5 showcases how Mazda can make an SUV that’s welldesigned, great to drive and capable of luring customers from premium badged rivals.
“The CX-5 is a sophisticated, practical and stylish SUV that delivers an outstanding balance of ride and handling.”