New tech and revised engine line-up for Mazda CX-5

Mazda has updated its CX-5 SUV for 2018, giving it a revised diesel engine and a more generous list of standard kit. It’s also introduced an automatic gearbox on petrol models, the first time this combination has been available on the car.

The updates stop short of being a full facelift. There are no styling changes, for example – though the sharply-designed CX-5 does gain a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels and Mazda’s new Soul Red Crystal metallic paint.

The CX-5 is offered with a single petrol engine, named SkyActiv-G. It offers 163bhp and though it comes as standard mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, it can now be partnered with a six-speed automatic too. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels.

Bulking out the middle of the line-up is a 2.2-litre diesel engine with 148bhp, available in front- or four-wheel drive and with a manual or automatic gearbox.

At the top of the range sits a higher-output 2.2-litre diesel, which has had its power boosted from 173bhp to 181bhp. Torque has also improved by 25Nm.

Mazda says the new engine achieves this power gain through a revised turbocharger and improved compression ratio, and despite the additional grunt, CO2 emissions are actually lower than before. Mazda claims a cut of 5g/km, thanks to the addition of AdBlue injection.

Trim levels have been slightly upgraded to, with Mazda renaming the existing SE-L Nav and Sport Nav grades SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav+. That plus symbol comes with a new level of standard equipment – all cars are now equipped with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist and rear cross traffic alert.

Top-spec Sport Nav+ can also be specified with a new 360-degree camera set-up and adaptive LED headlights.

The new CX-5 range is priced from £24,795 – an increase of £700 over the outgoing model.
The new automatic gearbox adds £1,500 to the price of the petrol models. Order books are open now.