Mazda launches new flagship CX-5 02 | 01 | 2019

MAZDA HAS LEAPT into 2019 by introducing a new flagship CX-5 model. The new GT Sport Nav+, available to order now from Mazda’s Scottish dealership network, tops the revised 2019 CX-5 range at £37,195. First deliveries are scheduled for February. (Related: Crossing the world's largest lake in a Mazda CX-5)

Since the launch of the original Mazda CX-5 in 2012, more than 48,000 have found homes in the UK, while sales of the second-generation model have passed the 13,000 mark, ensuring that the CX-5 is now Mazda UK’s biggest-selling model. (Related: Roadtest — Mazda CX-5)

Launched in June 2017, the current CX-5 was updated in the summer of 2018 with additional standard safety equipment, the introduction of a petrol automatic model and a power increase for the high-output 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine.

Featuring an unchanged range of Skyactiv engines, and building on last year’s updates, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 now features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the range, while the keen-eyed will spot a revised climate control panel. However, as you’d expect for a car that is less than six-months on from its last update, the CX-5’s bold and elegant styling remains unaltered. (Related: All-new Mazda3 revealed in LA)

Always an SUV praised for its dynamic ability, Mazda’s unremitting commitment to driver engagement has seen subtle tweaks to the CX-5’s suspension set-up to further refine the CX-5’s well-regarded balance of agile handling and comfortable ride quality. (Related: Roadtest — Mazda6 2018 facelift)

A thicker front-anti roll bar, smaller rear anti-roll bar and revised front stabiliser bushings combine with new urethane material in the rear damper top mounts and amended damping valve structures to deliver the improvements. In addition, the 2019 CX-5 features an updated version of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control system, GVC Plus, which now features direct yaw control to enhance stability at speed.

Available with a choice of front-wheel drive 165ps petrol and 184ps all-wheel drive diesel drivetrains, the new range-topping GT Sport Nav+ brings the same level of interior luxury and equipment found in the Mazda6 GT Sport Nav+.

Marked out externally by 19-inch bright alloy wheels, it’s inside that the new flagship CX-5 really stands apart. Real wood and satin chrome on the dashboard and door trim inlays is matched to standard Nappa leather and black roof lining to deliver the most luxurious Mazda SUV cabin yet, while white LED illumination and a frameless rear view mirror are further examples of high end features in the cabin.

Also unique to this new flagship trim is a 7-inch colour TFT dial display and an exclusive steering wheel design with a chrome centre bezel and high-grade stitching. As you’d expect for a luxury SUV, the new GT Sport Nav+ features a host of equipment highlights over and above the well-equipped Sport Nav+ including: front seat ventilation, heated outer rear seats and sunroof. In addition to the extensive safety kit tally found across the range, the GT Sport Nav+’s standard Safety Pack includes Adaptive LED Headlights, Driver Attention Alert, Rear Smart City Brake Support and 360o View Monitor.

Mazda Motors UK managing director, Jeremy Thomson, said: “The CX-5 showcases how Mazda can make an SUV that’s stylish, great to drive and capable of luring customers from premium badged rivals. The updates last year introduced new levels of sophistication to our large SUV, and the 2019 model ensures Mazda’s love of driving is even more apparent in the CX-5’s outstanding balance of ride and handling.”

“The fact that over 80% of CX-5s sold in the UK are Sport Nav+ trim shows that our customers value the superb blend of luxury and equipment offered by our high grade models. So with the introduction of the GT Sport Nav+, we now have a new model that offers even more exclusivity and interior comfort for discerning SUV buyers.”

All 2019 Mazda CX-5s feature a generous standard equipment tally that includes LED headlights, auto power-folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control. Highlights on Sport Nav+ cars include a reversing camera, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Smart keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, plus a power lift tailgate and a windscreen projecting head up display that features Traffic Sign Recognition.

Standard safety equipment across the range includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic alert, Smart Brake Support, High Beam Control and Lane Keep Assist. Other highlights include Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Machine Grey Metallic paint, which both use Mazda’s unique three-layer TAKUMINURI painting technology. Compared to the first-generation CX-5’s Soul Red Metallic paint, Soul Red Crystal increases brightness by approximately 20% and depth by 50%.

Available to order now, deliveries of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 will begin in February.

Related: Three days, 2000kms and a Mazda3 in Eastern Siberia

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Jim McGill