Mazda Southern Africa has officially unveiled the all-new Mazda CX-5. At The Capital on the Park in Sandton, the launch was an exciting, fun-filled evening with entertainment and plenty of fanfare. It was clear that Mazda is aiming high and wanted guests to experience the excitement surrounding the brand and one of its most important nameplates.
So what’s new?
The new CX-5 brings a refresh in design, technology, safety and practicality, while remaining true to Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai philosophy, which focuses on creating a natural connection between driver and vehicle.
The new CX-5 has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating under the organisation’s 2025 testing criteria, recording scores of 90% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection, 93% for vulnerable road-user protection and 83% for safety assist systems.
The SUV comes equipped with an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance technologies, including:
360-degree camera system
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Change Assist
Mazda Radar Cruise Control
Proactive Driving Assistance
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Mazda’s i-Activsense safety technologies
A step into the tech era
Inside, Mazda has done away with the classic rotary dial and buttons, replacing it with a touchscreen infotainment system and a digital driver’s display. One could say the Japanese marque is moving with the times and embracing the tech-focused direction many buyers now expect.
Under the bonnet sits the familiar naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine, producing 132kW and 240Nm of torque. Power has been bumped up slightly compared with the outgoing CX-5. Mazda also says aerodynamic improvements have reduced drag compared with the previous model. Engineers have also improved sound insulation and reduced mirror vibration to create a more refined cabin environment.
On the styling front, the SUV adopts a more sculpted exterior design, complemented by premium interior finishes, ambient lighting, roof rails and a panoramic sunroof on selected derivatives.
Mazda is also introducing a new exterior colour, Navy Blue Mica, developed specifically for the latest CX-5. The colour reveals different characteristics under changing light conditions, showing brighter blue tones in direct sunlight while maintaining a deeper navy appearance in darker settings.
Ownership benefits include MazdaCare, which comprises a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, a five-year unlimited-kilometre service plan, and five years of roadside assistance. Eligible customers will also have access to Mazda’s Courtesy Service Programme, which provides a replacement Mazda vehicle during scheduled servicing, subject to availability.
First impressions
With its blend of technology, safety, and comfort, Mazda believes the all-new CX-5 will strengthen its position in South Africa’s highly competitive midsize SUV segment.
On paper, the updates look promising. While we only got a static look at the vehicle during the launch event, the real test will come once we get behind the wheel. We are certainly looking forward to spending proper time with the new CX-5 to see whether it delivers and how it stacks up against some of the toughest rivals in the segment.
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