What better place than STAY by Inimitable to introduce the all-new Mazda CX-5, which enters its third generation after a long line of facelifts. The CX-5 gains an entirely new visual architecture, a long list of interior technology upgrades, but just one primary choice to power the vehicle in this new generation.
A long awaited graduation of generation that bring about new looks
When the topic of appearance and exterior changes arises, think Evolution over Revolution for the CX-5. The new Mazda's face gets a set of new LED lights with daytime running lights that cascade neatly into the revised grille, sporting the Japanese stable's signature "M" emblem. To get a better look at the new design compared to the old one, Mazda set up an exhibition of the entire CX-5 generation displayed at the venue.
The side profile stays geninuely the same, gloss cladding, depending on the chosen trim rims begin from 17 inches up to the 20s fitted to the top of the range Homura spec. The newly launched, 3rd-generation Mazda CX-5 (the KM series) features a substantially larger footprint than the 2nd-generation (KF series) model it replaces. Mazda expanded the physical footprint to increase cabin roominess, adding 115 mm to the wheelbase alone to improve rear-seat legroom and expand cargo space by 61 litres.
And despite the addition in the distance between the car and the ground, this new model's body design achieves a 5% reduction in overall drag coefficient, making it slicker through the air to aid fuel efficiency. Finally, the rear too is understated in the changes it bears. Carefully squinting or being a Mazda expert will help you notice the redesigned rear LED lights, which almost look like those of a CX-60, and of course the retention of real single-position tailpipes located snugly in the lower bumper.
The interior loses out but keeps a clean, spacious and high quality interior
The is the biggest overhaul believe it or not, lives in the interior where you find a crisp 12.9-inch touchscreen display on the base models with the range-topping Homura flagship model stepping things up to a massive 15.5-inch centre display—the largest screen ever fitted to a production Mazda.
The driver now also gains a digital 10.9-inch display instead of the analog dials which was standard on all derivatives of the previous outgoing model. The infotainment setup also runs Mazda’s latest Human Machine Interface technology which allows for Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ phone pairing, upon scrolling I realized that this car even has a built in calendar so there is no chance of missing your friends birthday.
Another new addition to the cabin is the multifunctional steering wheel, which features buttons that provide both physical and haptic responses. Of course, the SUV is adorned with the best materials as you might expect, the base model gains cloth seating which are quite comfortable, while going further up the range offers a premium tan leather interior trim, ambient interior lighting, and a power panoramic roof.
Family space shines through in the cabin of the Mazda more than ever, this is seen by the configurability of the seats which have a 40:20:40 split-folding flexibility, allowing longer items to be carried while retaining seating for two rear passengers. Convenient luggage-area seat-release levers and a hands-free liftgate make the CX-5 even easier to adapt when plans change unexpectedly.
Beneath the hood is a sole engine
The CX-5 only has a 2.5-litre petrol engine that delivers 132kW of power at 6,000rpm and 240Nm of torque to pick from for now. This means that this time around there won't be alternatives like the 2.2- litre SkyActiv-D or 2.0- litre SkyActiv-G that the previous generation offered due to the brand's alignment with global emissions regulations and a leaning towards more efficient engines, which means we might see a PHEV or HEV in the future.
Safety is no question in the CX-5
The all-new CX-5 has earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating under Euro NCAP’s 2025 testing protocol, achieving scores of 90% for Adult Occupant protection, 89% for Child Occupant protection, 93% for Vulnerable Road User protection and 83% for Safety Assist. This rating reflects a rigorous assessment of both passive safety and active technologies designed to help support the driver before a collision occurs.
The all-new CX-5 also features an enhanced suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems designed to improve awareness, reduce fatigue and provide reassurance in a variety of driving conditions. Technologies such as a 360° View Monitor, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Proactive Driving Assistance, i-Activsense safety technologies and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System work seamlessly to help drivers remain more aware of their surroundings.
The drive
Even though this is a naturally aspirated vehicle, I truly enjoyed the way that it responded and managed to find a gear during my time behind the wheel. The redesigned steering wheel has a slim feel to it and is of a pleasant quality to hold. Buttons migrating to the screen will always be a bit of a hassle for me; however, hotkeys located on the steering wheel, together with always-present graphics on the screen, did just enough to make things livable.
The ride is comfortable and the ride is tolerable, made me think about how the car would handle itself on a long trip when filled with some humans and luggage. Mazda claim 7.6L/100km on the front wheel drive and 7.7L/100km on the All wheel drive variant however, together with my co-driver we were only able to touch 9.1L / 100km which again made me wonder whether this figure can go lower.
Pricing and lineup structure for the new CX-5
The new generation Mazda CX-5 will have four derivatives to choose from locally :
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 Active (FWD) — R578 250
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 Dynamic (FWD) — R636 000
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 Individual (AWD) — R717 000
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 Homura (AWD) — R749 100
Confidence also continues beyond the drive. The all-new Mazda CX-5 is backed by MazdaCare, including a five-year, unlimited-kilometre service plan, a five-year, unlimited-kilometre factory warranty and five years of roadside assistance. For eligible CX-5 owners with an active five-year service plan and warranty, Mazda’s Courtesy Service Programme also provides same-day access to a courtesy Mazda vehicle when booking a service, subject to dealer availability and applicable terms and conditions.
The compact SUV segment is one that is highly contested in Mzansi, but then again, all segments are becoming harder to compete within(in South Africa), making things no better for brands like Mazda than they are for other legacy brands. With that being said, the CX-5 has some hard work to do in order to fend off the likes of your Volkswagen Tiguan or your new players like the Haval H6, which have the upper hand with more engines to choose from, including NEV variants. How the new CX-5 will do remains to be seen.