The new-generation Mazda CX-5, known internally as the KM, replaces the outgoing KF generation, which was Mazda’s best-selling model in South Africa for nearly a decade. The KM shares its platform, albeit with some fundamental changes, with the CX-50 sold in North America.
The new CX-5 adopts a refined version of Mazda’s Kodo design language. It measures 4 690mm long, 1 860mm wide and 1 695mm high, with a 2 700mm wheelbase. Compared with the KF, the KM is 115mm longer, 15mm wider, and 20mm taller, while its wheelbase has also grown by 115mm.
With the 40/20/40-split rear seats upright, boot space has increased by 61ℓ for a total capacity of 500ℓ.
No hybrid boost
Power is provided by the naturally aspirated 2,5ℓ Skyactiv-G petrol engine. The 2ℓ, which was the only option towards the end of the KF’s life, has been dropped. Unlike in Europe, the South African CX-5 is fitted with a mild-hybrid system. Power remains unchanged at 132kW, while torque is down slightly from the KF’s 242Nm to 240Nm.
As before, drive is sent to the front or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Claimed fuel consumption is 7,6ℓ/100km for the front-wheel-drive model and 7,7ℓ/100km for the all-wheel-drive version.
Four-model range
Mazda has returned to a four-model structure, comprising the Active, Dynamic, Individual, and Homura, having done away with the Carbon. The Homura replaces the Akera, which was discontinued in 2024 when the 2.2 Skyactiv-D turbo-diesel engine was dropped.
The entry-level Active comes standard with auto-levelling LED headlights, 17” alloy wheels, electric folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, one-touch electric windows all round, keyless entry, cloth upholstery, a 10” digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Safe and sound
In terms of safety and driver assistance, the Active comes standard with six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam assist, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, road-departure prevention, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, traffic-jam assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also features Mazda’s new 12,9” MZD Connect infotainment display.
Building on the Active’s specs, the Dynamic swaps the 17” wheels for 19” alloys, the manual tailgate for an electrically operated set-up, and the cloth upholstery for imitation leather. It also adds an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, roof rails, a memory function for the driver’s seat, and a head-up display.
Stepping up
The Individual is the most affordable model with all-wheel drive. It also replaces the standard audio system with a 12-speaker Bose unit and the imitation leather upholstery with genuine leather.
Capping the range, the all-wheel-drive Homura gets the new 15,5” infotainment display, as well as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. It also has a black-and-beige interior, paddle shifters, heated rear seats, a transparent chassis-view camera, and road-departure prevention.
The CX-5 is available in seven colours: Aero Grey Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic, Rhodium White Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, Soul Crystal Red Metallic, and Navy Blue Mica.
Vehicle pricing
CX-5 2.5 Active AT – R578 250
CX-5 2.5 Dynamic AT – R636 000
CX-5 2.5 Individual AWD AT – R717 000
CX-5 2.5 Homura AWD AT – R749 100
Pricing includes a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a five-year/unlimited kilometre service plan.
