By Khulekani Dumisa

The popular Mazda CX-5 has been given tech, interior and exterior updates for 2022.

Exterior

The front of the upgraded CX-5 features a new, three-dimensional grille and signature wing design. Both front and rear lamp clusters have also been restyled, and new exterior colour, Zircon Sand, added. Three grades (Newground, Sport Black and GT Sport) are on offer with these features:

• Newground features silver underguard-style treatment to the front and rear bumpers and door garnishes, black door mirrors, lime green accents to the front grille and 17” silver or 19” black machine-cut alloy wheels. The interior combines suede upholstery with lime green stitching and air-conditioning louvres.
• Sport Black boasts a sporting, gloss black finish to the front grille, signature wing, lower bumper sections, wheel arches, door garnishes and door mirrors, giving the body a taut, athletic look. 19” alloy wheels are finished in black metallic paint, and the front grille incorporates red accents. Red stitching trims the black leather seats, steering wheel, gear shift lever and door panels.
• GT Sport combines a unified, one-colour exterior and 19” alloy wheels. The interior features Nappa leather and genuine woodgrain.

Interior

The interior of the 2022 CX-5 now benefits from a wireless Qi phone charging tray in the centre console. The two-piece, reversible loadspace floorboard and the tailgate sill are on the same level to aid loading. Newground models also feature a floorboard with a water-resistant side for wet or dirty items.

Tech

The has handed the CX-5 with new Mazda Intelligent Drive select (Mi-Drive), which enables the driver to select the most appropriate drive mode with one touch of a switch. Some model grades equipped with i-Activ AWD further benefit from an Off-Road Mode, which Mazda says, makes driving feel more natural on un-made and slippery surfaces.

The updated CX-5’s range of i-Activsense safety systems now includes Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS). CTS helps reduce driver fatigue by assisting with accelerator, brake pedal and steering operations when stuck in traffic jams. Finally, the front Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) have also evolved to give finer control over light distribution.

Local availability

Mazda SA is yet to confirm the local availability of the updated CX-5. The above information applies to overseas markets and local specification, and pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.