In 2010 when Mazda unveiled the Shinari – a four-door sports coupe concept – it also revealed its new Kodo – Soul of Motion design philosophy. This styling was incorporated into its next concept, the Minagi compact crossover SUV, which also brought to the public’s attention Mazda’s new suite of Skyactiv technologies. The award-winning Mazda CX-5 followed soon after, debuting at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It combined both Kodo and Skyactiv attributes and set out a new blueprint for the company’s future.
Leading design
“Creating an SUV that would appeal globally was a difficult task,” recalls Masashi Nakayama, General Manager of Mazda’s Design Division who styled the original CX-5. “But we set ourselves the challenge, bringing together conflicting design elements and adding sporty components to an SUV, creating a vehicle that can be called the ‘CX- 5 segment’.”
The second-generation CX-5 was launched in 2017. Shinichi Isayama, the chief designer, says the design built on and evolved the original car’s key features, such as the stunning exterior and high-quality interior. “I think the emotional value of the CX-5’s design is understood and loved by Mazda customers. I’m incredibly proud to have played a role in the car’s design and development.”
Nakayama notes how the latest model, the 2022 CX-5, shares the same DNA as its predecessor. “We didn’t want to change the parts of the design that resonate with our customers, but instead advance the signature appearance to enhance its unique form, especially at the front of the car.”
Take the headlights, for example. Takanori Tsubaki, chief designer of the latest model, says their shape has purpose. “We fitted elongated headlights that enhance the car’s sense of strength and also provide extra safety on the road at night courtesy of the powerful Adaptive LED Headlights.” The CX-5’s design credentials even extend to the paintwork. It was the first vehicle to wear Soul Red Crystal, which has become synonymous with Mazda. And the updated model now adds a brand-new colour option: Zircon Sand Metallic.
Awards and international recognition
The CX-5 is the best-selling Mazdas worldwide. It has won over 100 awards internationally, taking home 45 accolades in its launch year alone. And its safety credentials include a TOP SAFETY PICK rating every year since 2012 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Other outstanding achievements include WWCOTY Family Car of the Year (2017) and two highly coveted awards for Best New Small Utility Vehicle (2018) and Best New Mid-Size Utility Vehicle (2019) from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. In Europe, the CX-5 was voted Best in Test in the Mid-Class SUV category for the Dutch Consumer Association’s annual Car Guide (2015), beating nine other competitors to the title.
Challenging convention
From battling the elements in Chile to exploring Vietnam on and off the beaten track, the CX-5 has proven it can handle any terrain. In 2019 a fleet of CX-5s set off from Sweden travelling through ice and snow to reach Norway’s North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe. Mazda also became the first car manufacturer to cross frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia– the world’s oldest and deepest lake – in a CX-5. More recently, the compact SUV excelled in a 100,000-kilometre endurance test conducted by German magazine Auto Bild, achieving one of the best marks ever and earning a fourth-place spot in its all-time rankings.
The 2022 Mazda CX-5
Combining high quality design and comfort with legendary driving performance, the 2022 CX-5 is available in three new grades to suit any lifestyle. The Homura grade pays tribute to the first-generation Mazda MX-5, with its classic sporty, red accents, while the High+ design features a luxurious Nappa leather and wood interior. The Newground grade is the perfect companion for any outdoor adventurer with its dirt-resistant interior and maximised all-wheel- drive performance. With more than three million models sold worldwide since its launch, the latest CX-5 is joining an exciting legacy.
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