The 2021 model year Mazda CX-5 is the only model to receive the highest possible ‘good’ safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) after they put 20 small SUVs through a rigorous new side impact test. Conducting these tougher collision tests for the first time, the IIHS noted that the CX-5 stood out among a group of 2020 and 2021 model year SUVs offered in the North American market.
An independent safety-testing body funded by the insurance industry in the US, IIHS commenting on the recent test, saying: “The Mazda CX-5 was our top performer” adding: “the vehicle structure held up extremely well during the test, the airbags did a really good job of protecting the heads of the crash test dummies and there was very little intrusion into the occupant compartment, meaning less likelihood of injury. This is how we’d like to see all vehicles perform in the future”.
All 2021 model year Mazda cars and SUVs tested by IIHS so far have been rated Top Safety Pick +, the institution’s highest possible overall ranking. The new side impact test carried out on the CX-5 was introduced to replicate a side impact from a large modern SUV or pickup truck into the a cars doors and B-Pillar. The test uses a heavier barrier than its predecessor (1,900kg vs 1,500kg) travelling at a higher speed (37mph vs 31mph) with the end result being 82 per cent more crash energy than the previous test. The barrier was also redesigned to better imitate a real-world side impact from a large SUV or pickup.
Arriving in the UK in January and available to order now, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 features the same acclaimed passive safety technology recognised in this recent test of the 2021 model year CX-5 by IIHS and the CX-5’s 2017 five-star Euro NCAP performance. In addition, the 2022 CX-5 features an even wider range of i-Activsense passive safety support systems. All models feature Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS), which helps reduce driver fatigue in traffic jams by assisting pedal and steering operations, while GT Sport models feature Adaptive LED lights, Driver Attention Alert, Rear Smart City Brake Support and a 360 degree camera.
A significantly updated version of Mazda’s stylish, spacious and dynamic SUV – the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is the latest example of Mazda’s successive updates and refinements to every aspect of this ever-popular SUV. Since the launch of the original Mazda CX-5 in 2012, nearly 70,000 CX-5s have been sold in the UK and today it accounts for around 25 per cent of UK sales.
The 2022 model features a bold new look with an evolution of its award-winning Kodo Design. Revised front and rear bumper designs combine with new headlight and taillight clusters to give the 2022 CX-5 a distinctly more modern and sharper look. At the front a more three-dimensional and powerful grille design is combined with a new signature wing trim that no longer heads into the lamp cluster, while at the rear the new bumper shape and stronger taillight design sharpens the rear styling.
In the UK the 20 model 2022 Mazda CX-5 line-up features five trim levels: SE-L, Newground, Sport, Sport Black and GT Sport. For the first time, individual model grades feature subtle styling differentiation to give customers the option of choosing a CX-5 with a unique character and focus. The three stand out trim grades: Newground, Sport Black and GT Sport each have a distinct personality to ensure the CX-5 range offers more choice than ever before.
As before, the entry point to the CX-5 range is the SE-L model, which is offered with either the 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol or 150ps Skyactiv-D engine. Making its debut with 2022 Mazda CX-5, and offered exclusively with the 165ps Skyactiv-G engine, the stand-out Newground model features a slightly more rugged look with front and rear silver underguard trims matched to silver lower body side skirts, black door mirrors and 19-inch black diamond cut alloy wheels. Subtle lime green accents in the grille are replicated inside with lime green air vent louver trims, while the Newground’s black half leatherette seats have matching green piping. Perfect for an active lifestyle, the boot even features a reversible waterproof boot floor, while the Newground can be specified in the new for 2022 model year Zircon Sand Metallic paint colour.
Predicted to be the biggest seller in the UK, the Sport model is offered with a choice of 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol or 150ps and 184ps Skyactiv-D diesel. The higher output diesel is offered with a choice of front or all-wheel drive. Matched exclusively to an automatic gearbox this 184ps Skyactiv-D AWD Sport is the entry point of Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system in the 2022 Mazda CX-5 range.
The new Sport Black trim is another model that offers customers a unique look, offered exclusively with the 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol engine and front wheel drive, it delivers a sportier interpretation of the CX-5’s new look with gloss black detailing on the wheel arches, side moldings, door mirrors and signature wing grille surround. Subtle red accents within the grille and 19-inch black alloy wheels finish the sporty look, while inside the black leather seats feature red stitching, which is also found around the cabin in areas like the door trim, centre console and steering wheel.
Sitting at the top of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 range, the GT Sport is the premium flagship model that combines a unified one-colour exterior with a high-class interior that features the smooth tactility of brown Nappa leather and the luxurious textures of genuine woodgrain. Externally, the single colour body and trim details highlight the CX-5’s dynamic proportions, while the cabin features the luxurious materials and high levels of technology you’d expect of a premium SUV.
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 GT Sport also features a wide choice of engine, drivetrain and transmission with both the 2.0-litre 165ps Skyactiv-G and 194ps 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol available. As before, the 165ps engine is matched to front wheel drive, while the larger 194ps petrol comes exclusively with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox with cylinder deactivation for improved efficiency. The GT Sport is also offered with the 184ps Skyactiv-D diesel matched to all-wheel drive.
Thanks to the unique styling of the GT Sport, Sport Black and Newground models, and a 20-model range that offers a choice of automatic or manual gearbox with every trim level, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is a family SUV tailored around customers to give them more choice and options for personalisation than ever before.
The 2022 CX-5 introduces Mazda Intelligent Drive select (Mi-Drive), which enables the driver to select the most appropriate drive mode with one touch of a switch. On 194ps petrol GT Sport models the i-Activ AWD system now benefits from an Off-Road Mode, which makes driving feel more natural on un-made and slippery surfaces. Mazda’s next generation of Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture has now been applied to the 2022 CX-5, further evolving the bodyshell, suspension and seats to enhance ride comfort and reduce fatigue, while road noise has also been greatly reduced, particularly when driving on rough surfaces such as gravel.
Commenting on the arrival of the 2022 Mazda CX-5, Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK, said: “the Mazda CX-5 is an incredibly important car in Mazda’s history. From the launch of the original first-generation car in 2012 it has been a hugely popular choice for UK SUV buyers, who have loved its style, quality and driver engagement. It’s the car that established Mazda as a maker of genuinely sporty SUVs, which deliver class leading quality and high levels of standard equipment. And with the launch of the 2022 Mazda CX-5, more than ever the CX-5 is an SUV that’s stylish, great to drive and capable of luring customers from premium badged rivals”.
Adding, “the new GT Sport, Sport Black and Newground models offer a unique look inside and out, giving even more choice for our customers who can order a 2022 Mazda CX-5 now with deliveries early next year”.
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 joins Mazda’s SUV line-up alongside the Mazda M Hybrid mild-hybrid system equipped Mazda CX-30, which now features the updated e-Skyactiv X engine and the Mazda MX-30 – Mazda’s first battery-electric vehicle, ensuring Mazda has a SUV range that offers customers a wide choice depending on their motoring needs.
