Never change a winning team
The Mazda CX-5 is still very important for the brand, despite the arrival of various new Mazda SUVs. We expect Mazda not to radically change the next chapter.
Highlights new Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 once had a quiet life as an SUV in the Mazda showroom, but that has changed. Nowadays, it is accompanied in the Netherlands by its little brother CX-30 and the larger CX-60 and CX-80. There is also the electric high-legged MX-30. Threat from within? Well, not entirely, because of course the CX-5 is somewhat distant from the CX-30 and CX-60 due to its size, and the CX-5 is still a well-known fixture in the range, with a fairly loyal group of customers. The CX-5 was simply the best-selling model worldwide again last year.
A stable position, but with introduction year 2016, the current and second generation of the Mazda CX-5 is no longer the youngest. So gradually it is time to take a closer look at the CX-5. In March we received an important sign that Mazda is indeed working on a new generation, because it was spotted heavily packed in Germany. Despite the camouflage, it was already clear how Mazda is proceeding with the generation change: very carefully. We can well imagine that with the illustrations you see here you do not immediately realize that it is not the current CX-5. At least, at the front, because the rear is undergoing some more changes.
Mazda CX-5 (Illustration: Larson)
In the nose of the new Mazda CX-5, it is particularly noticeable that the headlights extend somewhat deeper down along the grille. At the rear, there are even completely newly shaped lamps. These give the CX-5 a touch of BMW. We also expect that from now on an spelled-out brand name instead of a logo will be visible between the taillights. We saw this earlier with the Mazda 6e. It is still questionable whether Mazda will also connect the taillights with a strip of LED lighting. Our illustrator has not shown this in any case.
On a technical level, despite the perhaps somewhat conservative appearance, we expect some solid changes. For example, it is likely that the CX-5 will grow a bit, to stand a little further from the CX-30 and a little closer to the CX-60. In terms of drive, there is also hybrid power in the barrel. At the end of last year, Mazda revealed that it is working on hybrid technology for the new CX-5. How exactly these powertrains will look is not yet known. It is also questionable whether it will soon be possible to plug in with the CX-5. In principle, we again expect a relatively large fuel engine for the CX-5. There is a good chance that the mild-hybrid version of the 2.5 SkyActiv-G will find its way to the CX-5.
The Mazda CX-5 is popular among caravan pullers.