Refined Toughness is the Keyword

The development keyword for the new CX-5 is said to be "deepening the joy of driving." This means that while Mazda has always pursued the joy of driving by enhancing the unity between car and driver, they now aim to deliver this joy not only to the driver but to all occupants, including passengers. To achieve this, the CX-5 is designed with the goals of elevating its distinctive design, thoughtful functionality, and responsive driving to a higher level.

First, regarding the exterior, while based on Mazda's design philosophy of "Kodo - Soul of Motion," the design is centered around three pillars: a mature structure, an elegant form, and a finely crafted texture, with "REFINED TOUGHNESS" as the keyword.

The structure features a 10mm wider front and rear tread, pushing the tires to the outermost position. This creates a flush appearance between the fenders and tires, giving the impression of a body that is firmly supported. Furthermore, retracting the A-pillars by approximately 35mm and optimizing the position of the front axle and A-pillars significantly contributes to the exterior's impression.

Regarding the form, the design emphasizes changes in surface to alter the play of light, while suppressing exaggerated expressions of contour lines. To maximize the effectiveness of this expression, a new color, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, was developed.

Shinichi Isayama, Chief Designer at Mazda's Design Division, explained, "We have refined the dynamic sense of speed that runs through the body and the car's dignified presence. We have created a stately form that looks good from any angle. The front also has a deep, sharp expression to convey a mature atmosphere. We have also reviewed the balance between the body and the cabin to approach a beautiful car form. We have polished the body to a lustrous finish that evokes elegance, despite being an SUV."

Inside, the focus is on the steering wheel's height. "We aimed for a space that allows the driver to feel a comfortable tension while concentrating on driving. Furthermore, the design creates a sense of wide spaciousness, making it a comfortable space for passengers as well," said Isayama. The materials and craftsmanship in areas frequently touched by hand have also been reviewed. Specifically, high-quality double stitching and soft materials are used in the upper areas, from the dashboard to the front and rear door trims.

Thorough Pursuit of Improved Quietness

While the new CX-5 aims for a higher level in all aspects, the greatest effort was put into quietness. The goal was to allow all occupants to enjoy a pleasant drive, enabling conversations to flow without stress for everyone, front and rear.

Regarding the specific approach to achieve this, Mazda Product Planning Manager Shinya Kodama stated, "We focused on suppressing the sound sources themselves, blocking sound from entering the cabin, and effectively absorbing sound that does enter the cabin. In other words, we thoroughly analyzed every aspect from the sound source to the occupant's ears, and improved quietness to a level where occupants do not perceive it as unpleasant."

Specific examples include setting the wipers below the hood line and optimizing the curvature of pillars and the shape of components. Furthermore, by reducing gaps and steps between parts, wind noise generation is suppressed, along with countless other sound insulation measures.

Another focus for the new CX-5 is the temporal aspect of sound. Sound entering the cabin is not only heard directly but also reflected by interior materials. These reflected sounds, as reverberations reaching the ears with a time delay, can detract from the perceived quality. Therefore, efforts have been made to improve the sound absorption characteristics of interior materials to quickly dissipate sound.

A Ride That Doesn't Disrupt Human Unconscious Balance

In terms of vehicle dynamics, the aim is naturally to create an enjoyable experience for all occupants. Kodama explained, "It was important to deeply understand human characteristics during driving and riding. For example, when walking, the human body actually moves about 5 centimeters vertically and 2 centimeters horizontally. However, you don't consciously try to keep the scenery from moving up and down or side to side while walking. In other words, humans unconsciously maintain balance to stay in equilibrium. We have engineered the car's movements to not interfere with these natural, unconscious human movements – in other words, to move as naturally and balanced as when walking."

One example of this is "G-Vectoring Control," which Mazda is actively introducing with product improvements. This system precisely controls engine torque in response to steering inputs, integrating lateral and longitudinal acceleration to optimize tire contact load and achieve natural, smooth vehicle movements that align with human perception. The new CX-5 comes standard with this feature on all models.

The engine lineup includes the 2.0-liter gasoline engine "SKYACTIV-G 2.0" (FF only), the 2.5-liter gasoline engine "SKYACTIV-G 2.5" (4WD only), and the 2.2-liter turbo diesel "SKYACTIV-D 2.2" (FF, 4WD). The diesel engine incorporates Natural Sound Smoother and Natural Sound Frequency Control, also found in models like the Demio.

In terms of safety, Mazda has adopted a driving position that allows drivers to face the car and drive without stress, which is Mazda's ideal. It also features an Active Driving Display (head-up display) that projects information onto the windshield. By reducing the amount of eye movement and focus adjustment time when shifting attention from the road to the display, the aim is to reduce driver distraction, thereby lowering the risk of unsafe driving.

The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (Active Cruise Control) has also been enhanced with a follow-up function from 0 km/h, incorporating all of Mazda's latest safety technologies to support the joy of driving for all occupants.

The Mazda CX-5 debuted in February 2012 as the first model in Mazda's new generation product lineup. It has seen steadily increasing sales each year, growing into a core model that accounts for one-quarter of Mazda's global sales. Mazda President and CEO Masamichi Kogai stated, "At that time, Mazda was in a very difficult period, so we launched this product globally as a gamble for the company's future. It received excellent reviews, sales increased year by year, and this product truly empowered and inspired all Mazda employees." He praised it as a wonderful car that saved the company. He added, "Since the launch of the previous generation, we have received many suggestions for improvement and feedback from users. The results of our diligent efforts to address these points are all incorporated into this new model," emphasizing its high level of perfection.

Pre-orders for the new CX-5 have already begun, with sales scheduled to start on February 2 next year. Prices range from ¥2,462,400 to ¥2,689,200 for the 2.0-liter gasoline "20S," ¥2,689,200 to ¥3,213,000 for the 2.5-liter gasoline "25S," and ¥2,775,600 to ¥3,526,200 for the diesel "XD."