New Mazda CX-5 puts up brave face in fight to regain market share

The new Mazda CX-5 has made a valiant effort to revive the brand's presence in the market. Once a dominant force alongside Toyota and Volkswagen, Mazda now finds itself fighting a losing battle against rapid Chinese competition. The recently launched medium-sized SUV is a promising step for the manufacturer, but it's a late arrival in the game.

Starting at R578,250 for the entry-level Active variant, the new CX-5 lineup is priced lower than traditional competitors like the VW Tiguan, Nissan X-Trail, and Kia Sportage. Despite subtle styling updates, the CX-5's tech upgrades have significantly enhanced its spec department. However, the base engine remains a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol with a six-speed automatic transmission, lacking turbocharging and hybrid alternatives.

Mazda's decision to forgo diesel and turbo technology, along with hybrid alternatives, is an intriguing one. The engine's reputation is solid, but it doesn't propel the brand forward. Testing the R749,100 flagship Homura variant on a short route around Hekpoort revealed a smooth power delivery, but it's not exceptional and can feel underwhelming, especially under hard acceleration.

The Homura model offers a plush and comfortable interior, featuring mostly soft-touch materials and luxurious leather seats. Standard features include an 15.5-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, 12-speaker Bose sound system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated and heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and a transparent chassis view camera.

Advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and rear cross traffic alert are also included.

While the new Mazda CX-5 has improved, it's still a challenge in today's market, where price often determines a buyer's choice. The brand's conservative approach to updates may protect its reputation but is unlikely to attract buyers seeking alternatives.