The Mazda CX-5 is the latest model in the Japanese company’s range to receive a 2021 update in Australia, headlined by a sporty new GT SP variant and a new infotainment system for high-grade models.
Like the Mazda 6 and CX-9 before it, the CX-5 now offers a GT SP version between the existing GT and Akera grades, which brings unique specification like black alloy wheels and leatherette/suede upholstery.
GT, GT SP and Akera models also pick up the latest Mazda Connect infotainment setup – already seen on the Mazda 3, CX-30 and CX-9 – which sees a higher-resolution 10.25-inch widescreen display now sitting atop the dashboard.
Lower grades continue with the existing 8.0-inch MZD system, however.
Mazda Australia says the new infotainment system offers clearer graphics, quicker load times, and even better sound quality thanks to digital signalling rather than analogue. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard across the range.
Rounding out the 2021 upgrades is the addition of 17-inch alloy wheels on the entry-level CX-5 Maxx, compared to the previous model’s steelies.
Pricing
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 Maxx 2.0 FWD 6MT: $31,190
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 Maxx 2.0 FWD 6AT: $33,190
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 Maxx 2.5 AWD 6AT: $36,190
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport 2.0 FWD 6AT: $36,490
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport 2.5 AWD 6AT: $39,490
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport 2.2TD AWD 6AT: $42,490
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5 AWD 6AT: $41,280
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.2TD AWD 6AT: $44,280
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 GT 2.5 AWD 6AT: $46,990
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 GT 2.5T AWD 6AT: $49,490
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 GT 2.2TD AWD 6AT: $49,990
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 GT SP 2.5 AWD 6AT: $47,490
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 GT SP 2.5T AWD 6AT: $49,990
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 Akera 2.5 AWD 6AT: $49,380
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 Akera 2.5T AWD 6AT: $51,880
- 2021 Mazda CX-5 Akera 2.2TD AWD 6AT: $52,380
All prices exclude on-road costs
Engines
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 retains its range of four powertrains, which is a rarity in the segment.
Petrol front-wheel drive models are powered by a 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine developing 115kW at 6000rpm and 200Nm at 4000rpm.
Across the range there’s a petrol and all-wheel drive combination available, featuring a larger 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol bumping outputs to 140kW at 6000rpm and 252Nm at 4000rpm.
GT, GT SP and Akera models can be had with a 2.5-litre turbocharged version of the four-pot petrol, outputting 170kW at 5000rpm and 420Nm at 2000rpm.
Finally, the 2.2-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel continues for 2021, available on Maxx Sport, Touring, GT and Akera grades. Outputs for the oiler are 140kW at 4500rpm and 450Nm from 2000rpm.
The 2.0-litre petrol offers a six-speed manual in Maxx trim, with a six-speed auto optional on the base grade and standard on higher grade. Front-wheel drive is the sole option with this engine.
All other models are standard with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic.
Fuel Economy
The base 2.0-litre petrol claims to use 6.9L/100km in both manual and auto versions, while the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol uses 7.4L/100km combined.
Opting for the turbo petrol ups fuel use to 8.2L/100km, while the diesel claims to use as little as 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
All versions are fitted with idle stop/start technology, and all petrol versions are designed to run on 91 RON regular unleaded.
Dimensions
The Mazda CX-5 measures 4550mm long, 1840mm wide and 1680mm tall, with a 2700mm wheelbase.
Luggage capacity is rated at 442L in five-seat configuration, expanding to 1342L with the rear bench folded.
Maximum towing capacity is rated between 1800kg and 2000kg depending on engine variant.
Safety
All versions of the Mazda CX-5 wear a 2017-stamped five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The CX-5 scored 95 per cent for adult occupant protection, 80 per cent for child occupant protection, 78 per cent for pedestrian protection, and 59 per cent for safety assist.
Dual frontal, side chest and side head (curtain) airbags are standard across the range, as are:
- Autonomous emergency braking (Forward/Reverse) with pedestrian detection (Forward)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Driver attention alert
- Auto high-beam
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go (stop/go auto only)
- Rear parking sensors
- Tyre pressure monitoring
Further up the range, other available safety features include:
- Front LED fog lights (Maxx Sport and above)
- Head-up display (Touring and above)
- Front parking sensors (Touring and above)
- Traffic sign recognition (Touring and above)
- Adaptive front-light system (GT and GT SP)
- 360-degree camera system (Akera)
- Adaptive LED headlight (Akera)
Servicing and Warranty
The Mazda CX-5 is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance for the same period and capped-price servicing.
Services are priced between $324 and $386, with 12-month or 10,000km intervals.
These service prices don’t include items like cabin air filters and brake fluid, which are replaced every two years or 40,000km at an additional charge.
Standard Equipment
CX-5 Maxx standard specification:
- 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/65 tyres
- LED headlights with auto on/off
- Two-speed front wipers with rain-sensing function
- Powered exterior mirrors in body colour with folding function
- Front seats with height adjustment and seat-back pockets
- Rear seats with reclining function and 40/20/40 split-fold backrest
- Black cloth seat upholstery
- 8.0-inch full-colour touch screen display (MZD Connect)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker audio system with AM/FM tuner and DAB+ digital radio
- Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability
- Internet radio integration (Stitcher and Aha)
- Leather-wrapped gearshift and steering wheel
- Multi-function commander control
- Advanced keyless push-button engine start
- Electric parking brake with Auto Hold function
CX-5 Maxx Sport gains:
- Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning with rear air vents
- Paddle shift gear controls
- Rear-view mirror with auto-dimming function
- Rear seats with centre armrest storage and USB charging ports
- Satellite navigation
CX-5 Touring gains:
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Front parking sensors
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Active Driving Display
- Black Maztex and Black Grand Luxe synthetic suede seat upholstery
- Advanced keyless entry
CX-5 GT gains:
- 19-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 tyres
- 10.25-inch full-colour widescreen display (Mazda Connect)
- Power sliding and tilt glass sunroof
- Remote-operated power tailgate (open and close)
- Front seats with 2-position memory function and 10-way power adjustment (driver) and six-way power adjustment (passenger)
- Front row seat heating
- Choice of Black or Pure White leather seat upholstery
- 10-speaker Bose sound system with 249-watt amplifier and subwoofer
CX-5 GT SP gains:
- Black metallic 19-inch alloy wheels
- Black exterior mirror caps
- Black Maztex and Black Grand Luxe Synthetic Suede seat upholstery with red contrast stitching
- Black finished interior trims
CX-5 Akera gains:
- 360-degree camera system
- 19-inch ‘brilliant dark’ alloy wheels
- Front seats with ventilation
- Heated steering wheel
- Rear seats with heating (outer second-row)
- Dark Russet Nappa leather seat upholstery
- Steering wheel heating
- 7.0-inch TFT LCD multi-information display
- Ambient lighting (LED)
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Black headliner
- Frameless rear-view mirror
- Genuine wood door and dashboard trim inserts
- Unique overhead console
All models are available with a range of mica and metallic paints, with most being no-cost options. However, Machine Grey Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic and Soul Red Metallic are ‘Premium’ finishes that command a $495 charge.
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