When it was presented in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 was the first model of the Japanese company designed under the “Kodo” philosophy, a term created by Ikuo Maeda that literally translates as “soul of movement” and seeks to transmit energy to the car, elegance and purity of nature’s lines, with clean and minimalist shapes. The first CX-5 popularized the concept worldwide and made Mazda’s design a benchmark, in addition to becoming the brand’s best-selling car.
But that CX-5 also did something else; It changed the perception of SUVs and showed users that a car of this type could be equally passionate and attractive.
With the second generation of the model, launched in 2017, the design bar was raised by adopting the idea of ??“Jinba Ittai” that made the desire to create a fusion between the vehicle and its driver a reality. The first “Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics” technologies were also introduced; Mazda’s next generation of structural designs designed to make driving less stressful.
Since then, the Mazda CX-5 has not stopped being updated season after season to be more comfortable, refined and safe. And that is why, in the third generation of the model, the engineers had to go further by improving the general perception of it as a vehicle in the premium segment and providing it with the dynamic details, finishes and equipment that allow drivers to feel it as natural both in the cabin as on the road.
In this line, the revolutionary “Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture” concept has been applied to the CX-5, which was introduced for the first time in the Mazda3 and which has represented an evolution of the body, suspension and seat structure. The lateral rigidity of the frame in the central part of the body has been reinforced, a structural adhesive has been incorporated that helps reduce vibrations and improved the vehicle’s maneuverability. The result is an impressive reduction in rolling noise, especially on uneven surfaces such as gravel or sandstone.
The challenge was to achieve such a low noise level in the cabin that it would allow the occupants to converse in any circumstance and regardless of the speed of the vehicle.
To achieve this, the engineers studied what the ideal sound pressure should be and adjusted the resonance frequency of the suspension components to dissociate it from the noise of the road and the cabin itself.
The driving aids of the i-Activsense system have also been renewed, incorporating new functions to the traffic and cruise assistant (CTS) with the aim of reducing driver fatigue, such as accelerator assistance, brake pedal and steering control in emergency situations. intense traffic.
The system is responsible for automatically adjusting the speed to maintain the appropriate distance from the vehicle in front and at speeds of up to 55 km/h the steering assistance keeps the vehicle in its lane.
But without a doubt what draws the most attention about this third and renewed generation of the Mazda CX-5 is that now the model is available in three new special versions – Newground, Homura and Signature – that allow each user to find the Mazda configuration that suits them. best suits your needs and adds to the current finishes already known Origin, Evolution and Zenith.
The Newground version is the most adventurous. It has front and rear Off Road lower fenders in silver finish; tone that is repeated in the lower door trims. The exterior mirrors are also black and the front grille offers lime green details, to which are added black wheels with a “diamond cut” finish. Inside, the upholstery is leather and follows a hexagonal pattern with lime green stitching, a shade that is also present in the air conditioning vents.
The sportiest is the Homura version, which stands out for the front grille with a glossy black sport finish. The black also extends to the lower sections of the bumpers, wheel arches, door trims and mirrors. The wheels are finished in metallic black. The same color, but in leather, has been chosen for the seats, steering wheel, gear knob and door panels are decorated with red stitching, as well as the central part of the seats in “Gran Luxe” synthetic suede leather.
For its part, the Signature finish – the one that includes the most equipment – proposes a more minimalist exterior image in a single tone designed to highlight the beauty of the dynamic forms of the Kodo design.
The 19-inch alloy wheels are finished in a shiny silver tone that reinforces the feeling of metallic solidity of the vehicle. The cabin has soft nappa upholstery and real wood decorative moldings on the dashboard and front and rear doors.
Another important technical aspect is that, for the first time in its gasoline versions with automatic transmission, the CX-5 comes with a driving mode selector called Mazda Intelligent Drive (Mi-Drive), which allows the driver to select the most convenient driving mode. suitable at the touch of a button.
If the model includes the i-Activ AWD all-wheel drive system, the Mi-Drive selector will additionally have an Off-Road mode, which provides an even more natural feel on unpaved surfaces and slippery surfaces.
With these updates and improvements, the Mazda CX-5 aspires to continue being one of the benchmark SUVs on the market and the best-selling model in the brand’s entire history, with a current share of 21% of its annual sales in Europe. . Since its launch in 2012, the Hiroshima brand’s SUV has sold more than 3.2 million units in more than 130 countries, of which more than half a million correspond to the Old Continent.
