The CX-5 is the Japanese company’s best seller and it is a very popular choice in the UK family SUV segment thanks to its style and premium quality interiors.
In this instalment of Drive Time, John takes a look at the exciting all-new Mazda CX-5 and the Mercedes-Maybach limo, which takes luxury to the next level.
The all-new Mazda CX-5 has been eagerly awaited since its reveal late last year – and it is now on sale, with prices starting from £31,550.
The CX-5 is the Japanese company’s best seller and it is a very popular choice in the UK family SUV segment thanks to its style and premium quality interiors.
With global sales of more than five million units across two-generations since its launch in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 was the first car to feature Mazda’s Kodo Soul of Motion design and its Skyactiv engine technology.
The third generation model can be ordered and configured now before its arrival in showrooms in early summer.
Offered in the UK across four trim grades: Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura, all models feature Mazda’s optimised 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G 141ps petrol engine, paired with 24V Mazda M Hybrid technology – replacing the previous 2.0-litre base unit.
This engine delivers solid performance with improved torque for quicker response, seamless acceleration, and better driving comfort.
Producing 141ps and 238 Nm of torque, the front-wheel drive variant accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds.
Exclusive-Line and Homura models can be specified with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while all models feature a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Priced from £31,550 to £40,950, the all-new CX-5’s price entry point undercuts the outgoing car.
The all-new Mazda CX-5 retains the iconic shape of its predecessor while advancing Mazda’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design philosophy to present a sportier, more confident form.
Longer, wider and taller its new proportions and the 115mm extended wheelbase enhance road presence, stability and space – increasing overall practicality for daily use.
Inside, connectivity and usability have been elevated through a reimagined HMI.
The new 12.9-inch – or on Homura grade 15.6-inch – centre display delivers smartphone-style interaction with customisable menus.
For the first time in a Mazda, the all-new CX-5 features Google built-in1 making every day driving easier.
A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and streamlined steering wheel controls help ensure essential information is delivered clearly.
On top of that, Exclusive Line and Homura grades also include a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
The cabin itself offers a clean, spacious and calming environment crafted with refined materials.
A simplified layout that wraps around the entire front contributes to a driver-focused yet family-friendly atmosphere.
Key features include a new centre console with enhanced storage and on Exclusive-Line and Homura grades a panoramic sunroof that emphasises openness.
Exclusive to Homura models, the ambient lighting on the front door trims adds to the cabin’s refined and tranquil environment.
Designed for family life, the all-new CX-5 now has an additional 61 litres of boot space, wider-opening rear doors and a 40:20:40 split-folding bench for extra versatility.
The all-new CX-5 is offered in four grades – Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line, and Homura – each with distinct interior finishes and equipment.
Interior options include black or tan leather (Homura) and a two-tone black-and-white artificial leather and suede-like finish (Exclusive-Line).
Under the bonnet, the all-new CX-5 is powered by a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G 141ps petrol engine, paired with 24V Mazda M Hybrid technology, replacing the previous 2.0-litre base unit.
This engine delivers confident performance with improved torque for quicker response, seamless acceleration, and better driving comfort.
Producing 141ps and 238 Nm of torque, the front-wheel drive variant accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds, while cylinder de-activation enhances efficiency.
Dynamically, the all-new CX-5 benefits from chassis and suspension updates, providing better ride comfort and road handling.
With a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg, the latest CX-5 is more capable than ever – ready to keep up with active on-the-go lifestyles, while equipped with a comprehensive suite of updated ADAS features, the all-new CX-5 achieves a Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating.
Jeremy Thomson, managing director, Mazda Motors UK, said: “Tthe Mazda CX-5 is an incredibly important car in Mazda’s history and I’m excited for the third-generation model to join Mazda’s SUV line-up this year.
“From the launch of the original first-generation car in 2012, the CX-5 has been a hugely popular choice for UK SUV buyers who have loved its style, quality and driver engagement, and having recently surpassed 100,000 sales in the UK, it’s clear this ever-popular SUV has seen amazing customer loyalty and satisfaction.”
He added: “It’s incredible to look back and consider just how much the UK market has changed since the CX-5’s launch in 2012.
“The huge increase in the popularity of SUVs means that today the CX-5 sits alongside the Mazda CX-60, all-new Mazda CX-80 and the smaller Mazda CX-30 in our line-up, but it was the success of the award-winning CX-5 that established Mazda as a maker of genuinely sporty SUVs, which deliver class leading quality and high levels of standard equipment.”
Meanwhile, the company has been boosted by the news that the Mazda6e which will also arrive in the summer has been awarded the World Car Design of the Year title at the New York Auto Show.
It is the third time that Mazda has won the title.
In other motoring news, a new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class limousine has been announced and for the first time it features the Mercedes‑Benz Operating System MB.OS.
It has an illuminated front grille with double-star-shaped headlights, surrounded with Rose Gold accents and the option of 21-inch wheels with a golden finish.
In the front, the car has Mercedes’ latest MBUX Superscreen infotainment system, featuring a 14.4-inch central infotainment system, a 12.2-inch passenger display and a 14.4-inch digital instrument cluster which can rise at an angle to give a 3D-effect.
There will be a choice of three powertrains with the entry-level S 580 coming with a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine that uses mild-hybrid technology and develops 553bhp and 750Nm of torque.
A plug-in hybrid set-up,has a new six-cylinder petrol engine with a 22kWh battery pack that can manage a claimed 60 miles on electric power while the flagship S 680 features a 6.0-litre V12 that produces 621bhp and 900Nm of torque, giving a 0 to 60mph acceleration of 3.8 seconds.
Prices are still to be revealed and further details on the car will be announced in due course but it is expected that the new Maybach S-Class will start from around £175,000, with options that can rise to around £250,000.
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