2017 Mazda CX-5: Evolution and Revolution

Following its launch, the compact CX-5 quickly became one of Mazda’s best-selling vehicles. This sympathetic little vehicle was applauded by the press and customers right from the start. Some liked its modern and dynamic look, while its surprisingly sporty driving characteristics for the segment made it a desirable choice for those who needed to trade in their sports car for something more family-friendly.

The first CX-5 also marked the first step in Mazda’s rejuvenation, since it was the first vehicle created entirely based on the SKYACTIV philosophy.

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After four years on the market in its current form, the CX-5 nonetheless started to show its age. Its qualities weren’t diminished, but placing it alongside more recent models of the brand, like the CX-9 and the MX-5, we could immediately see that it was designed a long time ago.

Shaped by hand

And styling is something Mazda takes very seriously. Before presenting the second-generation CX-5 to us, the styling department director took the time to talk about the company’s KODO – Soul in Motion design language and the creative process that led to the development of their vehicle.

First off, we must know that the 2017 Mazda CX-5’s styling was elaborated by hand. Before even digging into the technical aspects, it was important for them that the vehicle be pleasing to look at, and that people who were looking at it would feel an emotion. According to them, this approach is also beneficial to the engineering team, since those in charge of the vehicle’s powertrain, cockpit and suspension would be even more motivated knowing they’re creating something spectacular.

Despite all that, the new CX-5’s style isn’t exactly revolutionary. Mazda simply picked up the lines of the previous generation and adapted them to their latest design trends, such as slimmer headlight clusters, a deeper front grille and a chrome strip that extends beneath the headlights. And you know what? It’s the best decision they could’ve taken.

The CX-5’s look wasn’t completely outdated; it just needed a nip and tuck as well as a new nose for it to look as modern as the CX-9. On the vehicle unveiled before us, we could also spot another new feature, a deep metallic paint called Soul Red Crystal. Pictures don’t do it justice, but the reflections of this colour make the convex portions look almost crimson, while the concave areas are darker, in a shade of burgundy. This paint colour will be offered on the vehicle when it goes on sale.

A promise finally kept

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 wasn’t just designed to be attractive. In the development of the compact SUV’s second generation, the brand optimised many characteristics that made the vehicle so popular. Dimensions haven’t changed (ok, since you insist, the roofline has been lowered by 10 mm) and cargo capacity remains unchanged. On the other hand, Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control, which limits lateral body movement by calibrating throttle response according to steering angle, will be added to the new CX-5. According to the company, the vehicle will be just as enjoyable for the driver than its passengers. We’re already anxious to drive it.

To motivate the new CX-5, Mazda hasn’t changed its recipe. Base versions will still be equipped with the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5-litre unit will power uplevel variants. A front-wheel drivetrain should still be standard, with AWD as an option, and we’re still waiting to see if a manual transmission will still be offered.

However, an important announcement has been made. Back in 2012, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda had announced that the 2014 Mazda6 would be the first model in its North-American lineup to be equipped with a diesel SKYACTIV engine. That deadline has passed a long time ago. The brand finally confirmed that it’s the 2017 CX-5 that will be the first Mazda product in North America to get that engine.

It’s a turbo-diesel, 2.2-litre four that will appear under the hood of the 2017 Mazda CX-5. The company didn’t give us any official numbers, but we know that this engine is already offered in Europe, and it develops about 150 horsepower at 4500 rpm and some 280 pound-feet of torque from 1800 rpm. If the North-American specifications remain the same, this version of the CX-5 would go head to head with the Chevrolet Equinox diesel, which will hit the market next year.

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 should be on sale in Japan next February, and the launch date for North America will soon be announced. As for the diesel powertrain, it should arrive in the fall of 2017.