Powered by a familiar range of Skyactiv engines, both Mazda’s Skyactiv-MT six-speed manual and Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions feature in the Mazda CX-5 range, as does the latest generation of Mazda’s intelligent i-ACTIV all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
The 2.0-litre 165ps e-Skyactiv G petrol engine is available in Centre-Line, Newground, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi trims and is offered exclusively in front-wheel drive with a choice of Mazda’s six-speed Skyactiv-MT manual or Skyactiv-Drive automatic gearbox. With a compression ratio of 13:1, the 1,998cc e-Skyactiv G naturally-aspirated direct injection petrol engine combines low-friction and lightweight all-alloy construction to deliver powerful torque at low- to mid-range speeds, linear acceleration characteristics and excellent fuel economy. Featuring a sophisticated four-two-one exhaust system, multi-hole injectors, and a unique cavity piston design to help eliminate knocking, the unit develops 165ps at 6,000rpm and 213Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.
Exclusively matched to the flagship Takumi grade with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox, the 2.5-litre 196ps e-Skyactiv G petrol engine features cylinder deactivation, as well as i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology.
New for 2023, the Mazda CX-5 sees the introduction of 24v Mazda M Hybrid mild-hybrid technology across all petrol models while the addition of cylinder deactivation to 165ps petrol automatic models, means all petrol CX-5’s now feature this efficient technology – the result of both updates is a petrol CX-5 range average CO2 reduction of 9g/km.
Compact and efficient, the mild hybrid system features a belt-driven integrated starter generator (ISG) and a 24V lithium-ion battery. It supports greater gains in fuel economy by recycling energy recovered during deceleration and powering the ISG, functioning as an electric motor, to assist the engine.
The ISG converts the recovered kinetic energy into electric power and stores it in the lithium-ion battery. The system then uses a DC-DC converter to transform that voltage to the appropriate level, and supplies it to the car’s electrical equipment. Adopting the belt-driven ISG also delivers a refined drive feel by enabling the system to provide drive assistance, and by helping the engine restart more quickly and quietly after shutting down for idling stop. The lithium-ion battery is mounted between the wheels, minimising its impact on interior space, while helping to optimise weight distribution and contributing to collision safety.
The popular 2.2-litre 184ps Skyactiv-D diesel is offered with Exclusive-Line models where with front-wheel drive it can be specified with either a manual or automatic transmission,. At the top of the range, the Takumi trim is matched exclusively to the 184ps diesel engine and AWD, but there is a choice of automatic or manual transmission.
Boasting low-friction and a lightweight all-alloy construction, Mazda‘s 2,191cc common-rail diesel engine employs various sophisticated technologies such as the use of high-pressure multi-hole piezo injectors capable of up to nine injections per combustion, and stepped, egg-shaped pistons facilitate the necessary precision fuel-injection and ideal combustion to achieve a 14.4:1 compression ratio.
The Skyactiv-D diesel engine features Mazda’s noise reducing Natural Sound Smoother and Natural Sound Frequency Control technology. The Natural Sound Smoother entails the fitting of a dynamic damper within the pin securing the piston to the connecting rod. This contributes to a marked reduction in vibration and engine knocking noise at around 3.5 kHz, the frequency audible within the car at start up and under slow acceleration.
The Natural Sound Frequency Control complements the Natural Sound Smoother by suppressing the other three critical frequency bands (1.3 kHz, 1.7 kHz and 2.5 kHz) where diesel powerplant components typically vibrate the loudest. Combined with extensive use of sound isolation material, the above technologies ensure the - Mazda CX-5 sets new standards for refinement.
In addition, the 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D engine benefits from Transient Control, which sharpens throttle responsiveness by more precise control of engine torque with optimised turbo pressure and finer adjustment of fuel injection. The 184ps engine has 445Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, a high 5,500rpm redline, while the twin-turbo layout provides minimal lag and powerful mid-range punch.
The mainstay of the range, Mazda’s Skyactiv-MT lightweight six-speed manual transmission features a gear lever base housing structure which adopts reinforcements where it attaches to the body. This suppresses any loss of rigidity due to the higher mounting position of the gear lever. The centre position around which the lever pivots has been designed to maintain the sports car like shift action it’s famous for. When mated to the diesel engine, the Skyactiv-MT adopts a speed control peak torque limiter within the hydraulic cylinder, which controls the speed of the clutch pedal. This improves response to quick clutch pedal action, and helps avoid excessive shock when the driver misses a gear change. It also contributes to reducing delayed response to pedal action when operating in extremely cold temperatures.
The Skyactiv-Drive six-speed lock-up automatic transmission brings together the best attributes of conventional step automatic transmissions, continuously variable transmissions and dual clutch transmissions in one compact and lightweight package. The Skyactiv-Drive for the Skyactiv-D 2.2 turbodiesel adopts a low-rigidity lockup damper, which is equipped with damper springs that feature a larger stroke and wider torsion angle. While improving driveshaft rigidity to support the engine‘s maximum torque of 445Nm, the springs also optimise torsional rigidity by extending the stroke of the lockup damper. As a result, the transmission delivers a quieter drive with a wider lockup range, and further increases fuel efficiency in the practical operating range.
Mazda’s new-generation intelligent all-wheel drive has been developed to maintain the connection between driver and road in all circumstances and conditions. Staying true to the spirit of Jinba Ittai regardless of grip levels, whilst at the same time ensuring there’s no sacrifice in fuel efficiency it features ball bearings for all its power take-off and rear differential unit bearings, and is the first Mazda car to also feature tandem ball bearings in locations where a high level of rigidity is required under heavy load.
Mazda’s intelligent AWD system uses 27 sensor signals to monitor road conditions and driver intentions, such as outside temperature, windscreen wiper activation, road gradient, steering angle and throttle application, 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.
While some lesser systems wait for individual wheels to lose grip before adjusting torque split, Mazda’s intelligent AWD anticipates and instantaneously diverts drive to the rear-wheels ahead of front wheel slip. 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 efficient front-wheel drive, under most normal driving conditions torque split to the rear wheels can vary from as little as 1 per cent to 50 per cent. Designed to deliver grip, handling agility, driver confidence and fuel efficiency, Mazda’s new-generation i-Activ AWD system works perfectly in conjunction with winter tyres in extreme snow and ice environments.
The Mazda CX-5 features Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) on all petrol automatic models, this allows for a Sport setting for more dynamic shift characteristics, while on the 196ps Takumi there’s an Off-Road setting that harmonises the settings of the gearbox with G-Vectoring control and the traction control to ensure the best possible traction and natural driving feel on low grip surfaces.
The Skyactiv-D diesel engine features rapid multi-stage combustion with ultra-high response piezo injectors, while an egg-profile combustion chamber minimises heat transition between the fuel and piston to help efficiency. The water flow management is optimised to help the engine warm up quicker to reduce emissions and help real-world MPG, while the SCR and AdBlue® treatment realises outstanding environmental operation without sacrificing the driving pleasure the Mazda CX-5 is famed for.
In addition to its efficiency, the high output 184ps 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D has a two-stage twin turbo with variable geometry that increases boost from mid to high revs thereby improving power and torque. The compression ratio is 14.4:1, while exhaust valves filled with sodium enhance heat-resistance for higher engine output.