Mazda has revealed the all-new CX-5 in Los Angeles. It shows a new design, updated chassis as well as improved safety and entertainment systems.

Soul Red is certainly the CX-5’s colour, just about every example we've seen on our local roads is red. The new CX-5 has just been announced and as you can see from the pictures, it’s red too. The exterior design has been tinkered with, but not overhauled entirely. The grille and headlights appear to be the major differentiator. The headlights are more slanted and aggressive and the grille is set deeper into the front end creating a 3-dimensional effect.

New narrowed headlight design and recessed grille

The centre of gravity of the new CX-5 has been lowered and the front and rear tracks widened by 10 mm each. The A-pillars have been shifted back 35 mm creating the appearance of a longer bonnet and sportier demeanour. The new chassis is 15.5% more rigid than before and Mazda says that this makes the CX-5 quicker at responding to steering inputs. This should mean even more agility from the sporty SUV.

Inside, the CX-5 has undergone a more thorough update. The interior’s surfacing and buttons have been improved to feel more premium with the layout of the controls optimised for quick and easy operation. The instrument cluster now has a 4.6-inch hi-res display screen between the updated analogue dials that displays trip information and navigation instructions, among other things.

The infotainment screen measures 7-inches and has been moved slightly closer to the driver. It also benefits from a better resolution screen. The system now has internet capability as well as App integration in order to connect to social media networks and cloud-based content.

Both screens (instrument display and infotainment) have been updated to feature hi-res displays

The rear seats have been fitted with a 2-stage recline feature for added comfort and the luggage capacity is said to be505-litres. That’s only 5 litres bigger than the previous model sold in Europe and America. Our local model, fitted with a spare wheel reduced the boot size to 403 litres, so it will be interesting to see whether Mazda South Africa will make the same decision to favour the spare wheel at the cost of load space.

The engine lineup looks to remain the same as the current generation with the 2.2-litre turbodiesel topping the range. The 2.0-litre petrol and 2.5-litre petrol will also be carried over.

Some new safety and convenience features have been added such as adaptive cruise control and road sign recognition. The increased strength from the chassis is also said to improve occupant safety in the event of a collision.

As for local introduction, Mazda SA expects the new CX-5 to be here during the second quarter of 2017.

Previously…

Mazda has announced that itplans to reveal the all-new CX-5 in November 2016.

The Mazda CX-5 has been a top-seller in the family SUV segment, especially in SA. It's sporty style, well specced interior and reasonable practicality have undoubtedly helped the Hiroshima-based firm meet customers needs. The new model, which will be shown for the first time at next month's LosAngeles Auto Show, is said to have refined all aspects of the previous model.

The new CX-5 will see another evolution of the Kodo design (soul of motion) for the exterior. The only image Mazda has released is the above teaser image, which doesn't give too many details on what to expect – other than it's likely to come in Soul Red. We will have to wait for 16 November to divulge further details.

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