MAZDA’S popular CX-5 has just been given a fresh new look for 2022 as well as a raft of technical and engineering improvements.
As a result, the upmarket Japanese marque’s family-sized SUV has even more kerb appeal and it is also better to drive and more comfortable.
The CX-5 has been with us now for more than a decade and this is its third major change in that time.
It is a very important vehicle in the Mazda family as it accounts for 25 per cent of all its UK sales, so the latest changes have been designed to keep it competitive in a very tough market sector that has loads of choice.
Since its launch back in 2012, more than 70,000 have been snapped-up by UK buyers.
As a result, the designers have elected to merely update its award-winning Kodo design with new front and rear bumpers, new headlight and tail light clusters and new grilles to give it a sharper, more modern look.
There are now no fewer than 20 models in the 2022 CX-5 line-up, which features five trim levels: SE-L, Newground, Sport, Sport Black and GT Sport.
For the first time, individual model grades feature subtle styling changes to give customers the option of choosing a CX-5 with a unique character and focus.
As before, the entry point to the CX-5 range is the SE-L model, which is offered with either the 165PS Skyactiv-G petrol or 150PS Skyactiv-D engine. Prices start at £28,145.
Making its debut, the Newground model is only offered with the Skyactiv-G engine and features a more rugged look with front and rear silver underguard trims matched to silver lower body side skirts, black door mirrors and 19in black diamond cut alloy wheels.
Lime green accents in the grille are replicated inside with lime green air vent trims, while the Newground’s black half-leatherette seats also feature green piping.
Perfect for an active lifestyle, the boot has a reversible waterproof cargo board, while the Newground can also be ordered in the new and unusual Zircon Sand Metallic paint colour.
The biggest seller will probably be the Sport model, which comes with a choice of 165PS Skyactiv-G petrol or 150PS and 184PS Skyactiv-D diesel engines. The higher output diesel is offered with a choice of front or all-wheel drive.
The new Sport Black trim is another model that offers customers a unique look and is offered exclusively with the Skyactiv-G petrol engine and front wheel drive.
It delivers a sportier interpretation of the CX-5’s new 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 19in black alloy wheels finish the sporty look while, inside, the black leather seats feature red stitching, which is also found around the cabin in areas like the door trim, centre console and steering wheel.
The GT Sport is the flagship model and combines a unified one-colour exterior with a high-class interior that includes smooth brown Nappa leather and genuine woodgrain trims.
The GT Sport also has a wide choice of engine, drivetrain and transmission choices matched to either two-wheel or AWD systems.
The 2022 CX-5 introduces Mazda Intelligent Drive select (Mi-Drive) on petrol automatic models, which enables the driver to select the most appropriate drive mode with one touch of a switch.
On 194PS petrol GT Sport models, the i-Activ AWD system now benefits from an Off-Road Mode, which makes driving feel much more natural on unmade and slippery surfaces.
Changes have been made to the bodyshell and suspension to improve the ride and reduce road noise while the seats have been altered to provide more support and comfort.
The 2022 CX-5 has also been boosted with even more safety equipment as standard and some new features.
The newcomer was launched on Highland roads and I spent most of the time in my favourite GT Sport with the top 184PS diesel engine, six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel-drive, which turned out to be ideal for the very wet and slippy conditions on twisting roads and hill climbs.
Priced from £37,445, it is good for 129mph and takes 9.3 seconds to reach 62mph smoothly and offers stacks of grunt for overtaking. It is also not much thirstier than the smaller-output diesel and is good for up to just over 50mpg on longer journeys.
As you would expect, it offers bags of grip and the latest changes make it even better to drive, with little roll, accurate steering and excellent stopping power.
The spacious cabin is superbly put together and allows four adults to travel in real comfort with plenty head, shoulder and legroom. All the materials are soft-touch and fine quality, and the instruments and dials are easy to read and use.
A rotary controller allows you to select the infotainment and other functions such as sat nav on the 10.25in screen without fuss.
The CX-5 is thankfully still very practical, with a large 522-litre boot that can be increased to 1638 litres if you collapse the 40:20:40 split rear seats.
It may be classed as a mainstream product but it is truly premium in any specification and represents fine value for money. Mazda Motors UK boss Jeremy Thomson said: “The CX-5 is an incredibly important car in Mazda’s history.
“From the launch of the original car in 2012, it has been a hugely popular choice for UK SUV buyers, who have loved its style, quality and driver engagement.
“It’s the car that established Mazda as a maker of genuinely sporty SUVs, which deliver class-leading quality and high levels of standard equipment.
“And with the launch of the 2022 model, more than ever, the CX-5 is an SUV that’s stylish, great to drive and capable of luring customers from premium-badged rivals.”
