Mazda’s CX-5 gets a makeover

Since Mazda Southern Africa launched in October 2014 with two additional engines to the line-up, the CX-5 has seen great sales success.

Mazda Southern Africa is proud to announce the introduction of the 2015 Mazda CX-5 facelift model with advanced technology, improved functionality and refined interior and exterior design for the South African market.

Revamped to heighten its appeal, the facelift CX-5 model has cosmetic updates with a bold new front grille that accentuates the body’s Kodo design. On the Individual and Akera models, new-generation LED headlamps and gunmetal 19-inch alloy wheels are introduced – giving the exterior a more premium design expression.

The MZD Connect infotainment system – a simple to operate system that allows easy access to internet radio streaming and social networking services that Mazda drivers consider essential – forms part of the enhancement across the model range. The electronic parking brake, which replaces the conventional handbrake, is a new feature. Satellite navigation is standard on the Individual and Akera models and optional on Active and Dynamic models.

Mazda CX-5 has improved functionality and refined design. Picture: Supplied

Mazda managing director David Hughes said: “Our new-generation models have proven very popular among customers. The updated CX-5 reflects our latest technologies and the new-generation line-up responds to the needs of an even wider range of customers. Moving forward, we will continue refining our new-generation models to enrich people’s lives and build a strong and lasting bond between Mazda and our customers.”

The 2015 Mazda CX-5 Individual and Akera models are the first in South Africa to adopt Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), a new-generation headlamp system, which implements LED array glare-free high-beam technology. With an LED array, the LED light source for the high beams is divided into four blocks which can be switched on and off independently. The system uses a camera to detect the headlamps of oncoming vehicles or the tail-lights of cars ahead and turns off only the light-source block which is illuminating in the specific direction of the other vehicles. This makes it possible to drive with the high beams on at all times, significantly improving visibility when driving at night without dazzling drivers of other vehicles.

Mazda CX-5 has improved functionality and refined design. Picture: Supplied

ALH also features wide-distribution low beams. By adding an LED light source to the side of the headlamps, wide-distribution low beams expand the area of illumination on either side of the vehicle, illuminating areas traditional headlamps can not. This makes it easier to see pedestrians and other obstacles at intersections at night. In addition, ALH utilises the motor of the headlamps’ auto-levelling mechanism to automatically raise the axis of lighting when travelling at highway speeds, making it easier to see road signs and obstacles as early as possible.

The model line-up continues with the 2.0-litre and a 2.5-litre petrol engines as well as two versions of the 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel engine. In both manual and automatic transmissions, Skyactiv technologies help the car deliver precise responsiveness coupled with efficient engine performance.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine has received improvement on the power and torque to deliver a sporty 121kW of power and 210Nm of torque, using only 6.4 litres of fuel every 100km, it is claimed. The muscular 2.5-litre petrol engine punches out 141kW and 256Nm, yet uses just 7.4 litres of fuel per 100km, it is claimed.

In these Skyactiv-G petrol engines, the precise direct injection’s multi-hole system minimises fuel use. A unique piston design helps achieve more efficient combustion of the fuel and air mix – boosting power and lowering emissions.

Mazda CX-5 has improved functionality and refined design. Picture: Supplied

A major reduction of internal friction liberates extra free-revving power, while a free-breathing 4-2-1 exhaust layout enhances efficiency.

The lower powered 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine produces 110kW of power and 380Nm of torque, while the higher powered 2.2-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine produces 129kW of power and a muscular 420Nm of torque – both said to be using just 5.7 litres of fuel per 100km.

With a two-stage turbocharger maximising power and efficiency, the Skyactiv-D engine is able to meet strict Euro stage IV emissions standards without the need for expensive after-treatment of exhaust gases.

A significantly lower compression ratio than conventional diesel engines allows for far lighter internal components. This reduces friction and inertia, enabling much higher-revving and more exciting power – right up to 5 200rpm. Multi-hole piezo injectors and variable valve lift combine to optimise engine breathing and economy.

Mazda CX-5 has improved functionality and refined design. Picture: Supplied

The 2015 Mazda CX-5 keeps the highest safety standards on your side. A new safety measure sees the addition of the Lane Keep Assist (LKA) on the Individual and Akera models, which assists by adding a slight amount of torque to steer the vehicle back into the lane. This functionality operates at speeds over 65km/h.

Safety features range from Dynamic Stability Control to ABS.