Updated Mazda CX-5 starts at £27,845 05 | 10 | 2021

MAZDA’S UPDATED CX-5 family SUV is ow available to order, with prices starting at £27.,845. The mid-size model, which accounts for around 25% of Mazda’s UK sales, now benefits from new front and rear bumpers, new headlights and fresh tail lights. (Related: Review — Mazda CX-5)

Strengthening its position again primary rivals such as the Seat Ateca and Peugeot 3008, the latest CX-5 also gain reworked seats and suspension, both of which are aimed at improving comfort and reducing road noise compared with the previous model. (Related: Crossing the world's largest lake in a CX-5)

Mazda’s new Mi-Drive system — a series of selectable drivetrain modes that adjust the car’s characteristics to suit the road surface — is now also fitted, while a new Off-Road mode makes driving “feel more natural on unmade and slippery surfaces”, according to Mazda. (Related: Mazda MX-5 Sport Venture)

Inside th cabin there’s now a wireless smartphone charger in the centre console, along with Mazda’s Cruise and Traffic Support (CTS) system. The latter can take control of the car’s steering, throttle and brakes in slow-moving traffic to help reduce driver fatigue. (Related: Review — Mazda MX-30 GT Sport Tech)

Buyers can now also choose from a more comprehensive range of five trim levels: SE-L, Newground, Sport, Sport Black and GT Sport. The second, fourth and fifth options are new for the 2022 range. And for the first time on the CX-5, each new specification will have a range model-specific styling tweaks.

As before, the entry point to the CX-5 range is the SE-L model, which is offered with either the 163bhp Skyactiv-G petrol or 147bhp Skyactiv-D engine.

Making its debut, the Newground is priced from £28,845 and is only available with Mazda’s entry-level 163bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine. Standard features include ilver front and rear underguards, silver side skirts, lime green trim for the grille and 19in diamond-cut alloys. Inside the cabin there’s the same colour trim on the air vents and half-leatherette seats with green piping.

For a family SUV, there are a number of never added practical touches, too. For example, the reversible boot floor remains at the same level as the tailgate for easy loading, but the Newground model has a water-resistant side to the floorboard, which can be wiped clean easily. (Related: Mazda3 named Scottish Car of the Year)

Starting at £30,945, the Sport range is expected to be the biggest seller in the UK. Available with the choice of 163bhp Skyactiv-G petrol or 148bhp and 182bhp Skyactiv-D diesel, the larger diesel is offered with a choice of front or all-wheel drive. Matched exclusively to an automatic gearbox this 182bhp Skyactiv-D AWD Sport is the entry point of Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system in the 2022 Mazda CX-5 range.

The new Sport Black specification, which starts from £32,945 and is only offered with the 163bhp petrol engine, gets gloss black trim for the wheel arches, side skirts, side mouldings, door mirrors and grille surround as standard, plus 19in black alloys. Noticeably, there’s also red accents in the radiator grille and black leather seats with red stitching inside.

The range-topping GT Sport is available with a wide choice of engine, drivetrain and transmission with both the 2.0-litre 163bhp Skyactiv-G and 192bhp 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol available. As before, the 163bhp engine is matched to front wheel drive, while the larger 192bhp petrol comes exclusively with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox with cylinder deactivation for improved efficiency. The GT Sport is also offered with the 182bhp Skyactiv-D diesel matched to all-wheel drive.

The premium flagship GT Sport is identifiable by its unified one-colour exterior and high-class interior that features the smooth tactility of brown Nappa leather and the luxurious textures of genuine woodgrain. The CX-5’s dynamic proportions are accentuated by the single colour body and trim details.

Related: Two days, 1100kms and a Mazda CX-3

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on Instagram and Twitter

Jim McGill