Big news for the Mazda from April is the launch of the facelifted, second generation CX-5, which we first saw arrive in 2017.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presents subtle enhancements of the previous model, with suspension and drive upgrades, new specification levels and improvements to the safety features.

Updates to the CX-5 created an opportunity for Mazda NZ to reiterate its parent company’s views regarding the development of future automotive powertrains.

Mazda subscribes to an all-encompassing approach of combining existing and emerging technologies when it comes to motive energy solutions, rather than pinpointing an exclusive ‘silver bullet’.

With its research into both gasoline and diesel bio-fuels, e-fuels and hydrogen and the technology to harness them, Mazda is ensuring the maximum potential for the evolution of the automobile.

At the launch of the first generation CX-5, Mazda introduced the Kodo or ‘soul of motion’ design philosophy, which has carried through to other Mazda products and seen refinements on the way.

Mazda now introduces Monotsukuri Innovation or ‘improved manufacturing efficiency through bundled product planning, which can translate across models and market segments.’

Mazda’s CX-5 is Mazda NZ’s strongest seller, making up 29 per cent – 27,225-unit sales from launch to December 2021 – of the brand’s sales in this country.

An interesting shift occurred in 2020; the CX-5 became more a private buyer’s choice with 55 per cent of buyers going to the more demanding private sector and 45 per cent going to business.

Mazda’s three new grades for the 2022 CX-5 are heavily weighted to the user chooser buyer.

Those grades are Activ, SP25T and Takami which sit above the GSX AWD model (both a GLX and GSX FWD model are available) with the already established Limited grade in the ‘new’ pricing ladder.

For the 2022 model year, CX-5 offers 7 variants, two of which are front wheel drive, the rest having Mazda’s i-Activ AWD. All feature the Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic.

The new CX-5 features either Skyactiv-G 2-litre and 2.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engines

or the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines. There is no diesel powerplant available. 

Safety upgrades across the CX-5 range include Smart City brake support, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, Mazda radar cruise control with Stop and Go, emergency stop signalling, hill launch assist, and tyre pressure monitoring.

All of which are in addition to the four-wheel anti-lock braking system (4W-ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a Traction Control System (TCS).

The 2022 CX-5 introduces Mazda Intelligent Drive select (Mi-Drive) which allows the driver to select Normal or Sport mode and, for the Activ and Takami models there is an Off-Road setting which has evolved from Mazda’s off-road traction assist system.

Mazda has also introduced a new hero colour – Zircon Sand, a hark back to Mazda’s introduction of resin coated sand castings in 1953 – making up 9 exterior colours for the CX-5 range.

Historically, the mid-range GSX has been Mazda’s top seller for the CX-5, accounting for 67 per cent of CX-5 sales in 2021. Mazda’s top end Limited models came in at 27 per cent with the entry level GLX accounting for 6 per cent.

For 2022, the CX-5 is more an evolution than a revolution.

The visual changes are subtle, while significant attention has been paid to handling, interior design, and the AWD system.