THE ever popular Mazda CX-5 has been handed greater versatility, improved safety and comfort, and the car maker’s newly developed Off Road Traction Assist functionality, delivering improved rough road driving capabilities.
Available from this month, the updated model also gains a quieter cabin, with the aforementioned off road functionality available at the push of a button in every all-wheel drive variant across the model range.
The technology brings the AWD and traction control systems together to effectively electronically lock the rear differential in the same way rugged 4×4 vehicles operate. The CX-5 then intelligently monitors traction to distribute the right amount of torque.
The innovative process ensures the tyres have enough grip to extricate the vehicle when stuck, suppressing tyre spin and maximising traction performance. Driver control is also enhanced for Maxx Sport and above, with paddle shifters now standard.
For models equipped with the highly efficient Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre petrol engine, it’s now easier to track fuel consumption and engine operation, with a cylinder deactivation display added to MZD Connect.
This function allows the driver to see when the engine shuts down cylinders one and four to conserve fuel, giving tangibility to the otherwise imperceptible operation.
All grades benefit from enhanced safety, with the advanced autonomous emergency braking function and smart city brake support (SCBS) adding night-time pedestrian protection to its operation.
The updated Mazda CX-5 is quieter too, with several NVH improvements applied to achieve a more comfortable driving experience. In all models, the headliner material now absorbs more low frequency sound, reducing cabin noise.
For petrol powered models, a steering vibration countermeasure was added to reduce vibrations from the road surface felt through the wheel. For vehicles equipped with the Skyactiv-G 2.5T petrol engine, there is further NVH improvements.
In those models, the capacity of the silencer shell has been expanded, the exhaust tail sound suppressed, and the rigidity of the tyre pan that holds the spare increased, culminating in a quieter, more pleasing cabin atmosphere.
Additional updates include a larger 8-inch display for the entry grade Maxx, new generation nameplate badging and key fob design for all grades and the addition of Polymetal Grey Metallic to the body colour lineup.
The updated Mazda CX-5 comes standard with Mazda’s 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 5-year premium roadside assistance. It’s available now, with prices starting at $30,980 plus on-roads.
