Mazda Southern Africa has introduced the facelifted CX-5, which gains subtle design updates and some under-the-skin tweaks. Here’s what you need to know and how much you’ll pay for the Japanese marque’s family car.

Though changes to the facelifted Mazda CX-5’s exterior styling are best described as minor, the Japanese firm says the mid-cycle update applied to its popular SUV is a “major” one. Indeed, various upgrades have been made beneath the surface, with the company claiming improvement to both driving dynamics and ride comfort.

Mazda says the vehicle’s damping control structure has been improved, which combines with increased frame rigidity to ostensibly help suppress vibrations and road noise.

Look closely and you might just notice the revised front bumper, along with fresh light clusters fore and aft. The CX-5 also receives new alloy wheel designs, along with the option of a fresh Zircon Sand Metallic paint colour. Inside, you’ll find an updated seat design allowing a “more natural and comfortable sitting posture”, along with increased luggage space at the rear.

The updated Mazda CX-5’s cabin features updated finishes and trim.

The Fuchū-based automaker says the range-topping Akera derivative benefits from a raft of model-specific updates, including gloss-black detailing on the bumpers, wheel arches, side mouldings and side mirrors, along with larger-diameter dual tailpipes. It furthermore gains red accents on the grille and 19-inch black metallic alloy wheels.

Inside, the Akera model boasts black leather seats with red stitching, a treatment repeated on the likewise leather-trimmed armrest, steering wheel, gear lever and console lid. A black finish on the fascia and door panels, along with black pillars and headliner, complete the dark look.

As before, the range comprises six derivatives, with the choice of three (unchanged) powertrains. The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit again feeds the front wheels 121 kW and 213 Nm, and is available with either a six-speed manual gearbox (in base Active trim) or an automatic transmission with the same number of cogs. This engine furthermore powers both the Dynamic and Carbon Edition models.

The Carbon Edition introduced early in 2021 remains in the updated CX-5 range.

The likewise-atmospheric 2.5-litre four-cylinder still makes 143 kW and 258 Nm, and is again available in all-wheel-drive, self-shifting, Individual-spec guise only. Finally, the aforementioned Akera flagship variant is powered by Mazda’s 140 kW/450 Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel unit, which drives all four wheels via a six-speed auto.

How much does the facelifted Mazda CX-5 cost in SA?

The updated Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a 3-year/unlimited km warranty and service plan.

Buy a used Mazda CX-5 on Cars.co.za