The Mazda CX-5 mid-size SUV is the firm’s best-selling car in the UK – and globally, 1 in 4 new Mazdas sold is a CX-5. So the firm has rolled out a series of revisions for 2018 to keep it sharp in the marketplace.
Put away your specs: nothing has changed outside. This car was only launched as a new model barely a year ago, so the only difference is a new 19-inch alloy on Sport Nav+ models.
The interior is the same too: it’s what’s offered as standard that’s been upgraded. All 2018 CX-5 now get more active safety kit as standard, including radar-assist active cruise control, blind spot monitoring and automatic high beam control.
There’s a bleeper that warns if there’s something or someone approaching as you reverse, and lane-keep assist that also warns if you drift out of your lane. (The sheer irritation factor means many may be leaving this turned off, though.)
On Sport+ models, further active safety can be optioned: a 360 degree camera and piercingly bright Adaptive LED headlights. They also get Mazda’s first-ever power tailgate and a head-up display that includes traffic sign recognition.
Paint colour options are the same but the Soul Red Crystal metallic and Machine Grey metallic both have three-layer ‘Takuminuri’ paint tech – it’s 20 percent brighter and 50 percent deeper than the original CX-5 paint.
For the first time, Skyactiv-G petrol models can be had with an optional automatic, while the higher-power 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D diesel is even more powerful: up from 175hp to 184hp.
All Skyactiv-D engines have new injectors, a new turbo, revised combustion chamber and a NOx-eradicating selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system – it means CX-5 owners may have to occasionally top up with AdBlue, but can drive safe in the knowledge their exhaust gases are as clean as can be.
Prices? They start from £24,795, and ordering opens 31 August. The model range is 10-strong and, for simplicity, includes just two trim lines, SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav+.
“Thanks to the 2018 CX-5’s improved equipment and upgraded diesel engine,” said Mazda UK MD Jeremy Thomson, “I’m sure our SUV will carry on winning over British buyers, especially as superb residual values mean it continues to represent great value for retail and fleet customers alike.”
