Mazda CX-5 South Africa
New bumper, grille, lights?
The Mazda CX-5 was the first model to embrace the KODO-Soul design back in 2012 and now, there’s a facelift. Bolder grille and LED headlamps on Individual and Akera models as well as 19-inch gunmetal wheels. Mazda’s Managing Director, David Hughes said, “Our new-generation models have proven very popular among customers. The updated Mazda CX-5 reflects our latest technologies and the new-generation line-up responds to the needs of an even wider range of customers. Moving forward, we will continue refining our new-generation models to enrich people’s lives and build a strong and lasting bond between Mazda and our customers.”
What’s significant?
The adaptive LED headlights are a first for Mazda and provide glare-free lighting. They allow the driver to use high-beam all the time without blinding oncoming traffic. In principle not much different the Magic Lighting we saw on the Mercedes CLS – although probably at a fraction of the cost. The MZD Connect infotainment does all the usual but includes radio streaming – rare in this segment. The two petrol engines gain more kilowatts and Netwons and the both diesels (same displacement, different outputs) have claimed fuel figures below 6.0l/100km.
Early verdict.
Love the looks but then again the previous Mazda CX-5 was far from being a big hit. This one could bring the brand some of that deserved success but we’d still like Mazda to ditch SKYACTIV on petrol models and offer a small petrol turbo lump (like Qashqai) instead.
