2021 Mazda CX-5 gets tech updates and new trims

KUALA LUMPUR: Last week, Mazda revealed the updated CX-9 with some needed improvements, including a larger touchscreen display and a number of other technological and styling upgrades. And, now its turn of Mazda’s best-seller model to get similar modifications. Yes, we are talking about the 2021 Mazda CX-5, which recently made a debut in the US. Let’s see what the Japanese automaker has added to the SUV’s palette.

For 2021, CX-5 gets a new infotainment system with a new 10.25-inch high-resolution widescreen, similar to the new CX-9. The software on which it runs is also much improved over the previous one. This time, Mazda has designed this system to be exclusively operated via a rotary, rather than touch if the vehicle is stopped. The new screen comes standard, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is also standard.

The crossover SUV is now offered in seven trim options, with the Carbon Edition and Carbon Edition Turbo being the new ones. The new variants boast a Polymetal Grey exterior, gloss black door mirrors, and 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy rims. The cabin is decked up with honeycomb interior trim on the dash and door panels and red finishings on the steering wheel and shift knob.

The automaker also updated the other variants by adding a bundle of features including a Bose 10-speaker audio system, leather seats, power liftgate, moonroof, power front seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition and low-spec variants get the power from the ongoing SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine generating 187 hp and 252 Nm of torque. In contrast, the Carbon Edition Turbo version and high-spec trims are equipped with a turbocharger that produces 227 hp and 420 Nm with regular 87 octane fuel or 250 hp and 434 Nm with premium 93 octane fuel.

A six-speed automatic gearbox, G-Vectoring Control Plus, and front-wheel drive come as standard with the AWD option. In terms of safety, i-Activsense features come as standard, bundling blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, smart braking, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The new CX-5 is set to arrive in the US showrooms next month, at a starting price of USD 25,270 (RM 105,310).

Also read: Upcoming Mazda CX-50 could be the successor of CX-5