Styling

Launched in 2012, the original Mazda CX-5 was a landmark car for Mazda, not only did it mark the debut of Mazda’s Skyactiv technology, it was also the first production car to feature Mazda’s now range wide Kodo: Soul of Motion design philosophy. Praised at launch for its sharp looks and dynamic proportions, a mid-life update in 2015 updated the looks ensuring that throughout its life the first-generation remained a benchmark for style in the compact SUV sector. Launched in 2017, the next generation took this award-winning concept to the next level with its mature physique and elegant form.

Since the 2022 model year, the Mazda CX-5 has seen a bold new look and an evolution of its award-winning Kodo Design. Revised front and rear bumper designs combine with new headlight and taillight clusters to give the CX-5 a distinctly more modern and sharper look. At the front a more three-dimensional and powerful grille design is combined with a new signature wing trim that no longer heads into the lamp cluster, while at the back the new bumper shape and stronger tail light design sharpens the rear styling compared with previous model years.


In addition, individual model grades feature subtle styling differentiation to give customers the option of choosing a CX-5 with a unique character and focus. In the UK the 15 model Mazda CX-5 line-up features five trim levels: Centre-Line, Newground, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi.

The three stand out trim grades: Newground, Homura and Takumi each have a distinct personality to ensure the CX-5 range offers more choice than ever before. Offered exclusively with the 165ps e-Skyactiv G engine and front-wheel drive, the Newground model features a slightly more rugged look with front and rear silver underguard trims matched to silver lower body side skirts, black door mirrors and 19-inch black diamond cut alloy wheels. Subtle lime green accents in the grille are also exclusive to Newground.

The Homura trim is another model that offers customers a unique look. Also offered exclusively with the 165ps e-Skyactiv G petrol engine and front wheel drive, it delivers a sportier interpretation of the CX-5’s look with gloss black detailing on the wheel arches, side moldings, door mirrors and signature wing grille surround. Subtle red accents within the grille and 19-inch black alloy wheels finish the sporty look.

Sitting at the top of the Mazda CX-5 range, the Takumi is the premium flagship model that combines a unified one-colour exterior with a high-class interior. Externally, the single colour body and trim details highlight the CX-5’s dynamic proportions and represents the first time the CX-5 has been available with a one-colour exterior that sees the wheel arch side mouldings painted in body colour.

At 4,575mm long, 1,845mm wide and 1,675mm high, the CX-5’s dimensions are all but identical to the outgoing model and it shares the same 2,700mm wheelbase. Helped by the revised styling, with the tyres placed as near as possible to the outer corners of the bodyshell, the 2023 CX-5 has the sporty stance you’d expect of an SUV focused on delivering class-leading style and driver-focused dynamics.

An example of the evolution of Mazda’s Kodo design, the beauty and quality of the CX-5’s dynamic body shape represents a mature and elegant interpretation of Kodo design where character line accents are minimised and the transitions between body surfaces are emphasised to create changes in light reflecting off the body.

The CX-5’s front design replaces mesh surfacing with a front grille design that now features a three-dimensional series of piercings that appear to float on the face of the grille, giving it a deeper appearance. The distinctive signature wing that extends outwards from the grille has been restyled with surface forms rather than lines, assuming the look of a sturdy frame to convey the rugged stature of the updated CX-5.

The headlights feature two oblong LED lamps in each light, which hint at greater aggression and performance whilst emphasising the CX-5’s wide, planted stance. At the rear, the tail lights also feature the twin oblong look of the headlights, while the lower bumper trim sees the rear fog lights relocated higher up with a cleaner and more slender shape.

The Mazda CX-5 becomes the second car to be offered with Mazda’s new signature paint colour – Rhodium White, which made its debut on the larger Mazda CX-60 SUV. Like Soul Red Crystal and Machine Grey, Rhodium White is created using Mazda’s Takuminuri painting technology.

To read more about Mazda’s Kodo Design philosophy, visit: https://www.insidemazda.co.uk/2020/11/18/kodo-design-turns-10-how-the-beauty-of-natural-movement-has-inspired-mazda-car-designs/