The all-new third-gen Mazda CX-5 has arrived in PH for Php 2.495M
Probably one of the most controversial vehicle redesigns in recent times is that of the Mazda CX-5. Revealed in the middle of last year as the compact SUV’s third generation, it was met with much criticism, largely born from its minimalist interior, which did away with most physical hard buttons and replaced them with a large center touchscreen.
Since then, we’ve been wondering when it will arrive in the Philippines. That time is now, as Mazda Philippines has officially launched it, and at the right time too, as other automakers have been introducing new and refreshed versions of their respective compact SUV offerings in our market throughout the past few months.
The third-generation Mazda CX-5 is available in a single Premium Plus variant for our market. It receives a mix of evolutionary and revolutionary design changes. We’ll start with the former which is on the outside.
Looking at its exterior, the all-new Mazda CX-5 shares a similar silhouette to the previous generation. Don’t let the similar shape fool you, though, as it’s actually larger, measuring at 4,690mm long (+115mm), 1,860mm wide (+15mm), and 1,695mm tall (+15mm), and riding on a 2,815mm wheelbase (+115mm).
It wears an evolved version of the brand’s signature Kodo design language, featuring new L-shaped headlights that integrate into the front grille with a winged-element. Black body cladding is present for a more rugged and sporty look. At the rear, it’s more upright and features wide L-shaped taillights, and the Mazda emblem has been replaced by M-A-Z-D-A spelled out.
And for the revolutionary part, that’s the aforementioned controversial interior design. According to Mazda, the new minimalist design prioritizes space, balance, and harmony, inspired by the Japanese principle of Ma.
Taking center stage is a new 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which now houses the majority of vehicle functions. The most criticized part of the new Mazda CX-5, Mazda says that it’s designed for a more streamlined layout and is “smartphone-like” in terms of usability. Of course, it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and is paired to a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Outside the tech department, Mazda says the CX-5 now offers best-in-class legroom and enhanced cargo room with a lower load floor thanks to its new longer wheelbase. The interior is finished in a tan colorway and features Japanese Sen Wood trim.
As for standard equipment, the all-new Mazda CX-5 gets blacked-out 19-inch alloy wheels, a new panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power tailgate, genuine leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, power-adjustable front seats with ventilation, driver seat memory function, interior ambient lighting, and a suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), among others.
Six exterior colors are available. Carried over from before are Soul Red Crystal, Rhodium White, Machine Gray, and Jet Black. New on the Mazda CX-5 is Aero Gray, and making its first appearance here is the new Navy Blue Mica.
Under the hood of the all-new Mazda CX-5 is still a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G Inline-four cylinder naturally aspirated engine (PY-VPS). It now gains Mazda Hybrid (M-Hybrid) tech, which is a mild-hybrid system that pairs a 4.80kW electric motor (6.5 horsepower) and 0.21kWh lithium-ion battery to the engine. Output is 181 horsepower and 242Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
The all-new Mazda CX-5 2.5 AWD HEV Premium Plus retails for Php 2,495,000. As with other Mazda vehicles, customers will be able to take advantage of a complimentary five-year service plan (free preventive maintenance service) and a three-year or 100,000km vehicle warranty, whichever comes first.
The Mazda CX-5 has always been one of Mazda Philippines’ more popular offerings. With this latest iteration, do you think it will have what it takes to remain popular amongst its target consumers, especially with the compact SUV segment once again overflowing with fresh new options?
Photos by Sam Surla
