The last couple of years saw a lot of activity in compact crossover market. For instance, there’s an all-new Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V, while the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 received updates.
Locally, it’s the CX-5 that has yet to get an update, at least for its entire model lineup. But that could all soon change as the Malaysian-build version of the crossover has just been rolled out of the factory.
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Why is it big news, you ask? Well, the turbocharged CX-5 sold here comes from Japan, but the rest of the range is sourced from Malaysia. Now that the Malaysian market has it, it’s only a matter of time before the Philippines gets it.
With that, the lesser variants now also get the turbo version’s looks. There’s the reshaped bumpers, redesigned headlight clusters, and new wheel designs to go along with it. The rear end also gets a few stying updates, namely the tail lights and bumper.
The interior is still largely the same as before. However, the most significant bit here is the new seats. The non-turbocharged CX-5s now benefit from orthopedic seats that should make it more comfortable on long drives. Not that the pre-facelift models were uncomfortable.
Additional tech features are also fitted standard to the Malaysian-built Mazda CX-5. These features are likely to appear on our version given that the Philippine-spec model is sourced there. It includes auto-folding side mirrors, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, a larger 8-inch infotainment display, and LED interior lighting.
Mazda says it also made several improvements to the chassis. The lateral frame has been made more rigid, along with a different set of springs and shock absorbers.
Engines have been carried over from the pre-facelift model. It kicks off with the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder unit that makes 160hp and 213Nm of torque. That’s followed by a larger 2.5-liter mill with 190hp and 258Nm of torque.
The turbodiesel is still offered in Malaysia and its 2.2-liter block puts out 185hp and 450Nm of torque. The 2.5-liter turbo, also available here, punches out 225hp and 420Nm of torque. All these engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
