Exterior

Powered tailgate

A power-operated tailgate is standard on Sport Nav+ models and above. Opened and closed, smoothly and quietly, by a lightweight, compact, spindle damper system, the open/close switch is located both on the tailgate itself and inside the cabin. It can also be operated via the smart keyless entry button; the degree of tailgate opening can be set seamlessly, whilst touch sensors prevent items becoming trapped during closure.

Dimensions

The second-generation Mazda CX-5 is 10mm longer and 35mm lower than its predecessor but retains the same 2,700mm wheelbase. With both the front and rear tracks slightly wider than before and the wheels placed as close as possible to outer edges of the bodyshell, the latest CX-5 has a powerful stance on the road. Aerodynamically, the latest CX-5’s all-new body has resulted in a drag coefficient that has been lowered by some 6% over that of the first-generation model.

Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint

By raising the brightness level over the hugely popular Soul Red Metallic by approximately 20 per cent and increasing the depth by some 50 per cent, Mazda’s Soul Red Crystal paint finish achieves stunning levels of transparency to highlight the beauty and quality of Kodo design’s dynamic body shapes. Soul Red Crystal continues to use three coats -a reflective layer, a translucent layer and a clear top coat- but represents a major advance in Mazda’s TAKUMINURI painting technology. The end result is precisely controlled reflections which produce more vivid highlights and even deeper shadows. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 can also be specified in a choice of seven further colours – Machine Grey Metallic, Sonic Silver Metallic, Eternal Blue Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, Snowflake White Pearlescent and Arctic White.

Body and chassis

With approximately 3 per cent more ultra-high-tensile steel used in the body compared to the first-generation model, the Skyactiv-BODY of the Mazda CX-5 is 15 per cent more rigid. While the basic structure of the platform is carried over, more than 50 per cent of the parts have been changed or redesigned. Detailed changes to suspension and chassis deliver improvements in ride, handling and refinement, ensuring that the human-centred development of Mazda’s Jinba Ittai car-and-driver as one philosophy is more apparent than ever in the driving dynamics of the current Mazda CX-5.

G-Vectoring Control (GVC)

The Mazda CX-5 benefits from the introduction of the first of Mazda’s new Skyactiv-VEHICLE DYNAMICS range of technologies – G-Vectoring Control (GVC). Utilising integrated control of the engine, transmission and chassis to enhance the connection between car and driver, GVC varies engine torque to optimise vehicle dynamics. By monitoring steering and throttle position when entering a corner under power, GVC momentarily reduces the amount of torque delivered to the front wheels, thereby transferring a fraction more weight onto the front axle. This increases front tyre grip, which allows the front wheels to turn more precisely. The CX-5 features an updated version of the G-Vectoring Control system – GVC Plus, which now features direct yaw control to enhance stability at speed.

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system

Matched to the 184ps Skyactiv-D diesel engine, Mazda’s intelligent AWD system uses 27 sensor signals to monitor road conditions and driver intentions, instantly determining how power should be split between the front and rear wheels. The Active Torque Control coupling sends the right amount of torque to the right place at exactly the right time, maximising front and rear grip by precisely calculating how much grip is required at each wheel, even when road conditions are constantly changing. This intuitive set-up also delivers superb fuel efficiency by ensuring that the - CX-5 doesn’t unnecessarily transmit torque to the rear wheels when conditions don’t demand it. With a focus on fuel efficiency, under most normal driving conditions torque split to the rear wheels can vary from as little as 1 per cent to 50 per cent.