Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-G 194

Mazda has refreshed its successful SUV CX-5 again. This time, the facelift mainly affects the look, and there are also new special models.

Who is for one Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv decides, gets one thing above all: a well-kept model. Like hardly any other manufacturer, Mazda pursues the strategy of constant renewal. Internally, the Japanese call this process IPM (Inside Product Modification). The aim behind this is to keep models as state-of-the-art as possible. The best example of this is CX-5. Since the second generation of the successful SUV came onto the market in 2017, there have already been two model upgrades. Now comes the third. 

Design with character

The modifications were always kept so subtle that previous buyers are not offended and have the feeling that they are sitting in an old car. With the current facelift of the CX-5, Mazda's sheet metal surgeons are once again cutting with a very fine scalpel. The grille and lower clasp are now more three-dimensional, adding volume and character to the CX-5's face. The bumpers and the standard, now elongated LED headlights with integrated fog lights have also been redesigned.

Mazda is also screwing new bumpers and modified LED taillights to the rear. Under the flap, the newly tailored trunk swallows 16 liters more (petrol engine 522 liters, diesel 510 liters) and has a height-adjustable loading floor. Finally, new 17 and 19-inch light-alloy wheels round off the visual freshness package. 

Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-G 194
The bumpers and the standard, now elongated LED headlights with integrated fog lights have also been redesigned

In addition, Mazda updated the equipment lines. The well-known versions, starting with the Prime-Line for 28.290 euros, are currently being joined by the new top equipment line Sport-Line Plus and two special models. The robustly styled "Newground" (34.990 euros) in a trendy beige sand color has an underride guard that doesn't necessarily appear massive and, according to Mazda, is "intended for everyone who sometimes wants to leave the beaten path." The "Homura" (from 40.890 euros) on the other hand is more the dynamic horse in the stable and relies on a sporty look. 

Japan premium inside

Before we set off, a few words about the interior, which only received its last upgrade in 2021. Mazda has had a knack for materials and quality here for a long time. Everything looks as high quality as ever, Japan premium. A new addition - and that is remarkable for an existing model - is the so-called Skyactiv vehicle structure. It is already in new models from the Japanese, such as the Mazda 3 or the CX-30.

Here's the innards of the vehicle. Based on new calculations, the body, wheel suspension and seats have been further developed in the direction of comfort. Sounds less complicated than it is. For the comfortable, not exactly sporty seats, for example, this means that they had to be completely repositioned so that the occupants now travel more upright and relaxed. On the other hand, the rest is more of a normal model update: the four-wheel drive vehicles with a petrol engine have the Mi-Drive driving mode switch (normal, sport or off-road), there is also an extended traffic jam assistant on board and cell phones can now be charged inductively in a charging cradle. Otherwise, Mazda's successful model for connectivity and driving assistants is up to date. Many are already standard, some systems are tied to equipment lines. 

Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-G 194
Mazda has long had a knack for materials and quality. Everything looks high quality as usual

When driving, as we can already guess, we don't have to be prepared for any big surprises. Engines and tuning remain untouched, two petrol engines (165 and 194 hp) and one diesel in two performance levels (150 and 184 hp) are on offer. The CX-5 is no longer electrified in this model life. Those who want a plug-in hybrid will have to switch to the new CX-60 crossover, which will be delivered from June. 

Chilled on the go with unimagined power

For the first test round in the prettied CX-5, we grabbed the top model G194. The four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, which, contrary to all trends, continues to do without turbocharging, instead relying on large displacement and high compression, is a comfortable character with a somewhat rough throat when you push it. Particularly temperamental jump actions are the nature of the comfortably springy CX-5 anyway rather foreign, although the chassis can do more than you would think the tall guy capable of.

He's just not a sporty daredevil, more of a relaxed glider type. Maybe it's because of the age that you always notice at the wheel that there are no small cars around the corners here. In any case, the size of the CX-5 is always present. The Japanese is still fun. It goes quickly, but not exuberantly spirited, but then the pressure of a turbo is missing. Power delivery is beautifully linear, and the automatic distributes its six gears just as reliably as it does spontaneously. And if you want, you can be quite economical thanks to cylinder deactivation. Driven with a disciplined gas foot, the two outer cylinders log off. The factory specification of 7,7 liters according to WLTP seems realistic after our test drive. 

Conclusion

As if wrapped in cling film, Mazda keeps the CX-5 in the running. A well-groomed type of high maturity and good quality. Since the veteran is no longer connected to the power grid, its sell-by date is likely to be getting closer. There will certainly not be a fourth facelift.

What Habby says about the predecessor

Technical data


4,56-door SUV; Length: 1.85 meters, width: 2,12 meters (with exterior mirrors: 1,68 meters), height: 2,70 meters, wheelbase: 522 meters, trunk volume: 1.638 - XNUMX liters. 
2,5 liter four-cylinder in-line engine with cylinder deactivation, 143 kW/194 hp, maximum torque 258 Nm, 6-speed automatic transmission, 0-100 km/h: 9,0 seconds, Vmax: 195 km/h, consumption 7,7, 100 l Super/2 km (WLTP), CO174 emissions (WLTP): XNUMX g/km, efficiency class: C, Price: from 36.390 euros

In brief

Why: because the CX-5 is a cheap alternative to the premium SUVs.

Why not: because Mazda has so far failed to electrify the CX-5.

What else: Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, VW Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Ford Kuga

When does he come: from March

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