The all-new Mazda CX-5 has touched down in South Africa.

The all-new CX-5 represents a complete redesign of the engine, transmission and chassis. Its 2.0-litre Skyactiv petrol engine uses 6.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in manual guise and 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres in automatic configuration.

The engine develops 114kW at 6000rpm and 200Nm at 4000 rpm. A new six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission is available on the Dynamic and Individual derivatives. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted to the Active model.

Inside, Mazda created a driver-oriented cabin with solid yet mature styling that reflects the CX-5's exterior strength and sturdiness. The manufacturer claims that it easily accommodates five people, and all of their luggage, in five-star comfort.

Safety reigns supreme in the CX-5, with every precaution considered to achieve Mazda's goal of top ratings in crash tests around the world.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incorporating a Traction Control System (TCS) are standard features across the whole range. ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) optimises brake force according to vehicle load. Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) boosts stopping power at just the right time by monitoring pedal force to recognise emergency braking. Additionally, the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) automatically flashes the hazard lights to warn the driver behind you when you are braking suddenly.

The Individual model also features Bi-Xenon headlights with an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) which swivels the headlights up to 15 degrees in the direction that you are steering to reveal more of the corner at night.  

Hill starts need not cause worry, thanks to the CX-5's Hill Launch Assist (HLA), which is a standard feature on all models. HLA helps ensure smooth starts on uphill gradients of two degrees or more by controlling brake pressure to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. The acceleration sensor in the CX-5 even has an integrated auto-learning function to better adapt to an individual's driving habits.

When it comes to passive safety, the CX-5 has it covered. Mazda engineers made no compromises designing the CX-5 to channel impact energy away from the cabin.

As the first Mazda built with the entire range of Skyactiv technology, the CX-5 comes with the highly rigid yet lightweight Skyactiv body. Utilising a straighter, more continuous frame and an extremely efficient multi-load path structure, the Skyactiv Body is designed to achieve top ratings in crash tests.

Absorbing impact was a central focus on the CX-5. It is the adoption of a new front suspension structure in which the engine breaks away from the suspension cross members during a crash. This maximises energy absorption by creating a larger crumple zone.

Front, side and curtain airbags are standard on all CX-5 models. Front seatbelts have pretensioners as well as load limiters, which mitigate the impact on the chest. The steering column, with its tilt and telescopic functionality for maximum comfort, helps prevent injury, shifting forward during an accident to absorb the driver’s momentum.

For the smallest of passengers, the CX-5 has ISOFIX attachments as well as top-tether anchors, which are standard features across the range, deliver maximum child seat safety and installation ease, which is available on all three models.

Every CX-5 will also come with a three-year Mazda Roadside Assistance plan, a five-year or 90 000km Service Plan and a four-year or 120 000km warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km.


Pricing (including VAT and CO2):
2.0L Active 2WD 6M\T: R309 000    
2.0L Dynamic 2WD  6A\T:    R336 900
2.0L Individual 2WD 6A\T: R389 500