UPDATED CX-5: ELEGANT, EXHILARATING THE SUV THAT ENLIVENS THE JOURNEY

11/09/2018

Mazda

From a simple commute to an epic road trip, experiences are formed, and memories are made. Mazda vehicles are more than a mode of transportation, they are created to be part of the journey and help enliven the adventure for all those who are part of the ride. Mazda aims to enrich people's lives through a vehicle ownership experience that celebrates driving and to become a brand that creates an emotional bond with its customers.

The Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV is an excellent embodiment of that philosophy, as a vehicle that allows all to share in the excitement of the time spent on the road. CX-5 is Mazda's best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and has surpassed 2 million units sold worldwide. With many industry accolades to its credit, including a Top-Three Finalist for the 2018 World Car of the Year and one of Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2018, it's easy to see why it's had so much success.

In its 2012 debut, CX-5 helped introduce the world to Mazda's KODO-Soul of Motion design ethos and SKYACTIV Technology that would lay a path for Mazda vehicles to come. Since then, CX-5 has seen continuous improvements, including an all-new redesign in 2017. Now for 2019, it takes its next key step with a high-quality interior befitting a new top-tier Signature trim level, the refinement of the powertrain lineup with the addition of the turbocharged SKYACTIV-2.5T engine and an enhanced focus on the chassis featuring the latest technologies with G-Vectoring Control Plus.

2019 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV signature turbo

SIGNATURE LOOK AND FEEL

Beauty is in its simplicity and a single look is enough to sense the updated CX-5's sophistication, prevision and superior craftsmanship. CX-5 has already benefited from premium features such as leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front and rear seats, but 2019 looks to heighten the feeling of the interior even more.

With the success of the Signature trim level in the CX-9 and the recent addition in the Mazda6, Mazda's flagship SUV and sedan, respectively, it was only appropriate to follow suit in the ever-popular CX-5. The new 2019 CX-5 Signature composes elegant features such as Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats that appeals to mature sensibilities, genuine layered wood trim that gives a feeling of warmth and modernity and satin chrome accents to tie the whole look together.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel features unique stitching, while ambient interior LED lighting, a black headliner and a frameless rearview mirror all play their part in creating a refined interior atmosphere.

The updated design features of the CX-5 Signature is only part of what make it an appealing SUV. The feeling of being in the CX-5 has also received changes that go beyond the sensations at the fingertips. Complementing the interior is a premium driving experience by way of the turbocharged SKYACTIV-2.5T engine, refined suspension system and latest in G-Vectoring Control technologies. All refinements operating in a way to help the vehicle feel like an extension of the driver.

Additionally, a 360°View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors in the CX-5 Signature builds upon a host of new technology features.

INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGY

The 2019 CX-5 hosts many new technological features that help improve on the vehicle's comfort, convenience and safety. The aforementioned 360° View Monitor is a great aide when maneuvering into a parking spot. The 7-inch, full-color touchscreen display, holds another new feature for the 2019 CX-5; available Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM compatibilities.

These infotainment technologies can help occupants use smartphone applications in a more safe manner. With Mazda's philosophy to minimize distracted driving, safer operations of these infotainment systems can be simply done with the multi-function Commander knob and shortcut buttons or voice command functions. This integration helps keep the driver's hand and eyes away from their smartphone.

In addition to the MAZDA CONNECTTM system supporting these infotainment technologies, new technology includes available features:

Reconfigurable 7.0-inch TFT gauge display

Ventilated front seats

Power-folding mirrors

SiriusXM(R)3 Year Traffic and Travel Link Subscription

2019 CX-5 Signature Turbo

SMOOTH AND SPIRITED

Mazda has expanded the engine lineup of the CX-5 to meet more customer needs with two engine options. Ideal for brisk city driving, the familiar, fuel-efficient SKYACTIV-G 2.5 naturally aspired engine is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine found in the previous model year that continues to exemplify Mazda's efforts of continuous improvements and cylinder-deactivation technology.

For more spirited driving, higher trim-level CX-5 models will be available with Mazda's award-winning turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine. First available in the current-generation Mazda CX-9 midsize crossover SUV and most recently adopted in the 2018 Mazda6 sedan, the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T is a technological tour de force that produces 310 lb-ft of torque from just 2,000 RPM and 250 horsepower on 93-octane fuel (227 horsepower with 87-octane gasoline).

Mazda's Dynamic Pressure Turbo builds boost at low RPM by using a small inlet port to accelerate the exhaust gasses hitting the turbine, akin to how water velocity increases when one holds his or her thumb over a hose. From there, a secondary valve can open up at higher RPM for increased airflow and maximum horsepower. A pulse-scavenging 4-3-1 manifold that prevents exhaust from restricting airflow through the engine and helps the engine breathe freely.

Cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used to reduce combustion temperatures, preventing knocking and therefore reducing the need for fuel-enrichment (when extra fuel is dumped into the cylinders as a means to cool the engine). Many times, when turbocharged engines fail to achieve EPA-estimated fuel-efficiency numbers in the real world, it is because laboratory tests don't replicate the higher-load driving styles that necessitate fuel-enrichment.

In too many instances, turbocharged engines are mated to continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVT), operating in a narrow band of efficiency, sacrificing a connectedness between driver and car-a valued characteristic of all Mazda vehicles called Jinba Ittai. Mazda's six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission, paired as standard to the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine, keeps its torque converter locked through most of its operation, giving a more connected sense of controllability than many other automatic transmissions.

A smoother and more enjoyable ride can be had when the feeling of acceleration matches the expectations of the driver. This focus, to make the vehicle feel like an extension of the driver, is found in both engines and meant to complement the premium driving experience of the updated CX-5.

2019 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV signature turbo

ENHANCED STABILITY

To complement the more powerful engine, new G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) is standard across all trim levels of the 2019 CX-5. The original G-Vectoring Control is a Mazda-exclusive technology that makes steering response more precise and consistent by using small changes in engine output to shift weight to the front tires whenever the driver turns the wheel. In this updated version, GVC Plus also improves steering response as the driver straightens the wheel, by adding a hit of braking to the outside front wheel.

The more precise response of GVC Plus helps prevent the driver from accidentally over-driving the car in high-speed and emergency maneuvers, resulting in better stability for the vehicle, and more confidence for the driver.

GVC Plus can help make any driver better by helping CX-5 go where the driver expects it, which can result in increased driver confidence and enhanced peace of mind. Purely a software control system, GVC Plus adds no weight, simply coordinating the existing electronic control systems as never before, allowing the engine and brake system to respond to the steering wheel for a seamless, coordinated response.

Additionally, the updated CX-5 receives the latest in refinements to the suspension system to offer a smoother, more linear ride quality that all occupants can enjoy. The suspension was re-tuned to reduce friction, allowing the wheels to easily glide over bumps while maintaining confident control of body motions. Steering geometry was also improved to help the CX-5 carve through corners more naturally.

2019 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV signature turbo

ELEGANT AND EXHILARATING

There is something special about the way Mazda creates its vehicles. Fueled by an abiding thirst for challenge and uncompromising beliefs, Mazda designers and engineers infuse their passion into their work to evoke an emotional bond between the brand and its customers. These efforts to further enhance the driving experience are all seen in the continuous improvements in the CX-5 and allow it to delight customers and enrich their lives.

Instantly captivating, CX-5 gives a feeling of elegance and exhilaration all in one package. Genuine, high-quality materials and the latest in comfort and convenience technologies invite you to sit inside. With a push of a button, the adventure is underway. Performance updates and improvements are complemented with a smooth, comfortable feel to help create a premium driving experience. Along with excellent fuel efficiency and a host of proactive safety features, CX-5 can be an essential part of anyone's life.

From becoming Mazda's second-fastest vehicle to reach 1 million units to winning the hearts of customers all over the world, the CX-5 has been an unequivocal success for the Mazda brand and this trend looks set to continue.

The updated Mazda CX-5 goes on sale in the U.S. in fall 2018. Full specifications will be announced at a later date.