Order of the day
After only four months in the Murdoch garage my top of the range Mazda CX-5 Sport Nav AWD 2.2 diesel will soon be replaced by a new model.
For the Japanese manufacturer has just announced the UK prices and specification for the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact SUV which will go on sale at the end of June.
I will be driving it early in the month before it goes on sale so I will be well placed to identify the changes and improvements.
I am still really just getting to know all the things that the current model can do so I am looking forward to sampling the newcomer which promises to be even better than the current car.
The CX-5 was launched back in 2012 and since then has won wide acclaim with global sales of over 1.5 million.
It now accounts for roughly 25 per cent of Mazda’s worldwide sales volume with more than 32,000 current-generation CX-5s sold in the UK.
The latest model comes with an all-new interior and a new-look body which features a new front end design, with sleeker sides and a lower roofline to underscore its sporting lines.
The designers and engineers have worked to reduce noise and vibration within the cabin and improvements have also resulted in better handling.
The new model boasts 15 per cent stiffer body rigidity than the outgoing car plus refinements to the steering, suspension and brakes.
When it hits the road in the UK it will be available in two trim levels and the 10-model range starts at £23,695 and up to £33,195 for the top of the range.
Both Mazda’s SKYACTIV-MT sixspeed manual and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions feature in the range, as does the latest generation of Mazda’s intelligent i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system.
Power comes from a range of SKYACTIV engines. The 2.0-litre 165bhps SKYACTIV-G petrol engine is available in SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trim and is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive and Mazda’s six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual gearbox.
Making up the bulk of the range, the popular 2.2-litre 150ps SKYACTIV-D diesel is available with front-wheel drive and AWD transmissions.
All models feature a high standard equipment tally that includes LED headlights, auto power-folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, DAB radio and a seven-in colour touch-screen display with Mazda’s integrated navigation.
Commenting on the all-new Mazda CX-5 Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK said, “the CX-5 will go down as a landmark car in Mazda’s history, not only did it introduce SKYACTIV Technology and KODO: Soul of Motion design, it also showcased how Mazda could make an SUV that was stylish, great to drive and capable of luring customers from premium badged rivals.
“Today the all-new Mazda CX-5 takes this to the next stage, elevating exterior design, cabin quality and refinement to new levels of sophistication, whilst at the same time ensuring Mazda’s love of driving is even more apparent in the handling.”
Adding, “When it arrives in UK dealerships this summer I’m sure the all-new Mazda CX-5 will carry on winning over British SUV buyers, especially as increased equipment levels and superb residual values mean it continues to represent great value for our retail and fleet customers alike.”