There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the new Mazda CX-5, with plenty of preliminary information surfacing lately. Now, the second-generation (KF) SUV has been officially previewed by Mazda Malaysia during a roll-out ceremony at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah. We were also provided with full specifications of all five CX-5 variants, along with official prices.

First introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2016, the CX-5 features a thoroughly revised design with cues from stablemates such as the CX-9. At the front, you’ll find slimmer headlights to go along with the new bonnet, giving the SUV a sharper look than before.

The busy lower apron on the previous model has also been done away with, replaced with one that doesn’t include faux inlets. Additionally, there’s now a honeycomb-style grille instead of a multi-slat one found on its predecessor.

Moving on, the A-pillars have been moved back approximately 35 mm, while the relative positions of the front axle and A-pillars have been optimised as well. At the rear, the SUV gains a new taillight arrangement inspired by the CX-9, with a line linking the two lighting units.

Inside, there’s a totally new dashboard layout that offers a better sense of symmetry, featuring shapely air-con vents and a dedicated area for the seven-inch touchscreen. The centre console is positioned higher up than before for better ergonomics, playing host to the gear lever and Mazda’s Commander Control.

Other bits should be pretty familiar to what you’ll find in Mazda’s recent models, like the three-spoke steering wheel (from the CX-9), air-con switchgear (Mazda 6) and 4.6-inch TFT LCD display in the instrument cluster.

As mentioned at the start, customers will be able to choose from five CX-5 variants – 2.0G 2WD GL, 2.0G 2WD GLS, 2.5G 2WD GLS, 2.2D 2WD GLS and 2.2D AWD GLS. Three four-cylinder engines will be fitted to the SUV, including two revised SkyActiv-G powerplants that feature a higher compression ratio of 14:1 (previously 13:1).

The 2.0 litre unit now makes 162 hp and 210 Nm (previously 155 hp and 200 Nm), while the 2.5 litre outputs 192 hp and 257 Nm (previously 185 hp and 250 Nm). The last engine is a sole 2.2 litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel (173 hp/420 Nm).

The only transmission pairing here is a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission, but you’ll get a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive as denoted in the variant names. All models also come with Mazda’s SkyActiv-Vehicle Dynamics suite that includes the new G-Vectoring Control system.

In terms of specifications, we start with the 2.0G 2WD GL, which gets LED projector headlights (with bulb-type DRLs), bulb-type taillights and front fog lamps, 17-inch wheels (with 225/65 tyres), manual front seat, dual-zone climate control (with rear air-con vents) and keyless start.

There are also rear USB charging ports, fabric upholstery, gunmetal trim, Commander Control and a MZD Connect infotainment system with six speakers and a seven-inch touchscreen. Safety kit on the base variant includes six airbags (front, side and curtain), ABS with EBD, brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and traction control.

Moving up to the 2.0G 2WD GLS, you’ll gain LED DRLs, front fog lamps and taillights, along with leather upholstery, 10-way powered driver’s seat, Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS), metal and wood trim, walk away lock and keyless entry.

The higher-spec 2.0 litre also gains the i-Activsense suite with Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), forward Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) and four front parking sensors in addition to the standard four in the rear. The 2.5 litre variant meanwhile, adds on larger 19-inch wheels (with 225/55 tyres).

Lastly, both diesel variants pile on the safety systems with the introduction of Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKA), forward and reverse SCBS, Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH). They also get a full colour 4.6-inch display in the instrument cluster instead of the monochrome one fitted to petrol variants.

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Price wise, the base model kicks things off at RM134,605.50 on-the-road without insurance, while the 2.0G 2WD GLS is marked at RM148,605.50. The 2.5G 2WD GLS is said to go for RM160,996.70, and the front-wheel drive diesel variant is priced at RM164,579.10. Lastly, the range-topping 2.2D AWD GLS has a price tag of RM175,179.10.

Keep in mind these prices are for cars with a metallic paint finish, which is RM400 more than those with solid paint, according to a dealer price list. The premium colours – Soul Red Crystal (an evolution of Soul Red Metallic), Machine Grey as well as Snowflake Pearl White Pearl Mica – will cost an extra RM2,000.

The obvious competition for the CX-5 is the Honda CR-V, which is available in four petrol-powered variants, priced between RM142,400 and RM167,700.



Mazda CX-5 2.2D AWD GLS













Mazda CX-5 2.5 2WD GLS













Mazda CX-5 2.0 2WD GLS