Mazda CX-5 turbo confirmed for Australia

MAZDA Australia has finally confirmed the imminent arrival of turbo power for the popular CX-5, with the CX-9’s boosted 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine making its way to the mid-size SUV.

Available from late November, the CX-5 GT and Akera variants will be available with Mazda’s SkyActiv-G 2.5T engine, which debuted in the CX-9 and is also fitted to the existing Mazda6.

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It offers 170kW and 420Nm using 91RON fuel, bringing a healthy dose of additional grunt to the CX-5, which until now was available with either a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine (140kW/252Nm), a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (140kW/450Nm), or a 2.0-litre atmo petrol (115kW/200Nm).

Mazda expects the 2.5 turbo will make up 12 percent of CX-5 sales in its first year, in line with the 2.2-litre diesel. The naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre is predicted to remain the heavy-lifter in terms of sales with a 48 percent share expected, while the 2.0-litre atmo petrol (115kW/200Nm) available in the Maxx is slated to make up 28 percent of sales.

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The powerful turbo engine has claimed fuel economy of 8.2L/100km in CX-5, making it the thirstiest in the range, compared to 7.4L/100km for the atmo 2.5 and 5.7L/100km for the diesel. Though the extra shove means GT and Akera models with the turbo engine will accelerate to 100km/h from rest in 7.7 seconds, more than a second quicker than diesel variants (8.8 seconds).

In addition to bringing the more powerful engine to the CX-5 line-up, Mazda Australia has also introduced G-Vectoring Plus. GVC Plus is an evolution of Mazda’s G-Vectoring system, which reduces driver fatigue and improves corner turn-in, while the new system can brake outside wheels on corner exit in order to provide better stability and “help restore the vehicle to straight line running”.

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Mazda’s full safety suite has been fitted across the range as standard, which includes smart brake support, active cruise control, driver attention alert, high beam control, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist.

Flagship Akera variants have received a working-over inside the cabin, with Nappa leather trim for the seats, genuine timber dash and door inserts, front seat ventilation function, heated steering wheel, a frameless rear-view mirror and rear outer heated seats.

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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now fitted as standard to the CX-5 range, while Maxx and Touring grades are treated to restyled 17-inch alloy wheels.

The most recent round of upgrades is the second for the CX-5 in 2018, following engine and equipment updates in April.

“The addition of the celebrated 2.5T engine not only gives breadth of choice to the much-loved Mazda CX-5 line-up, but it further extends the appeal and diversity of our SUV offering in Australia,” says Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi.

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There are now 14 CX-5 variants to choose from considering all four engines, front- and all-wheel-drive options and transmission selection. A six-speed automatic gearbox is standard everywhere except the 2.0-litre CX-5 Maxx, which has the option of a 6-speed manual.

UPDATE:

Mazda Australia has revealed official pricing for the updated CX-5 range, with the 2.5-litre turbo $500 cheaper than the 2.2-litre diesel, and $2500 more expensive than the 2.5-litre atmo engine.

See below for pricing for the full range

• Maxx 2.0-litre FWD manual: $29,770
• Maxx 2.0-litre FWD automatic: $31,770
• Maxx 2.5-litre AWD automatic: $34,770
• Maxx Sport 2.0-litre FWD automatic: $34,870
• Maxx Sport 2.5-litre AWD automatic: $37,870
• Maxx Sport 2.2-litre AWD automatic: $40,870
• Touring 2.5-litre AWD automatic: $39,470
• Touring 2.2-litre AWD automatic: $42,470
• GT 2.5-litre AWD automatic: $44,470
• GT 2.2-litre AWD automatic: $47,470
• GT 2.5-litre turbo AWD automatic: $46,970
• Akera 2.5-litre AWD automatic: $46,670
• Akera 2.2-litre AWD automatic: $49,670
• Akera 2.5-litre turbo AWD automatic: $49,170