South Africa’s popular Mazda CX-5 range will soon be reduced to a trio of FWD derivatives, with
both the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine and 2.5-litre petrol mill set to be axed, along with the
manual gearbox…
The Mazda brand has been loved in South Africa for the longest due to the reliability, practicality
and affordability of the Japanese automaker’s models.
Times have changed and not everyone can afford brand new Mazdas anymore but that has not
prevented the brand to surge ahead producing beautiful, with the CX-5 being a case in point for
this particular article.
The latest Mazda CX-5 has arrived in Mzansi, albeit with shrunken option as the latest model
has just 3 variants – down from six of the previous edition.
Each of the new variants is powered by the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine,
and the vehicles are driven by the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Following changes in the model line-up, the entry level for the CX-5 has risen from R524 600 of
the outgoing manual model, to R551 000 for the updated CX-5 2.0 Active 6AT.
The range topper, the CX-5 2.0 Carbon Edition 6AT, is available for R664 800.
By South African market conditions, these prices are competitive and it is also interesting to note
that the CX-5 was the biggest seller in the Mazda family in SA in 2023, with 1 369 units sold.
The CX-3 was a distant second with 765 units, followed by the Mazda2 (715 units).
Interior
The Mazda CX-5’s interior is the epitome of quality, with high-end finishes and fitment creating a
sophisticated space for owners and their passengers to always feel at ease. The inside is the
theatre of comfort and luxury, from adjustable seats designed to support your spine to top class
entertainment dished out by the 10.25” display screen. It is supported by the USB C-type
connection with two more USB charging ports in the rear seat armrest.
Performance
The CX-5 further delivers that feeling of pure Japanese efficiency with Mazda’s SKYACTIV
Technology. Every element, from the engine to the chassis, has been refined to provide a ride
that never compromises on performance.
Prices
CX-5 2.0 Active 6AT R551 000
Mazda CX-5 2.0 Dynamic 6AT R586 500
Mazda CX-5 2.0 Carbon Edition 6AT R664 800
A 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a service plan of the same duration will likely again
ship standard.
