As compact Sport Utility Vehicles go, the Mazda CX-5 is arguably one of the more premium offerings in the market. We don’t refer to its price but rather, to the materials used and how they are all stitched together. And of course, the tech that goes into it.
Mazda, being the car company that it is, will not rest on its laurels but will continue to push the envelope. Case in point is the updated 2019 CX-5. Unveiled recently in its Japanese home market, it doesn’t look much different from the current iteration. It does, however, hide some interesting bits under that gorgeous sheetmetal.
Chief among the changes is the new SkyActiv-G 2.5T that is found on models like the CX-9 and the US version Mazda6. Packing 230hp and about 420Nm of torque, the turbocharged mill gives the compact crossover even more punch off the line and in the all-important mid-range power band.
For the first time, Mazda also puts a 6-speed SikyActiv-MT manual gearbox into the mix. This one can be paired with the SkyActiv-D 2.2-liter diesel motor, giving drivers a bit more control and putting back the fun into the drive.
Speaking of better control, the updated G-Vectoring Plus system finds its way into the new CX-5. Taking its cue from the vaunted system, this one gives improved control on slippery surfaces. Needless to say, straight-line stability is also part of the equation.
Of course, what’s a Mazda update without making the cabin just a tad more luxurious than it already is. A special edition model endows the CX-5 with goodies like Nappa leather, a 360-degree camera, and ventilated front seats, just to name a few.
Mazda is now accepting pre-orders for the CX-5 in Japan.
