New front-drive grade for Mazda CX-5

MAZDA Australia is set to broaden its CX-5 range once more this June, adding a new front-wheel drive (FWD) variant and more equipment to its strong-selling mid-sized SUV line-up.

Leading the enhancements for the MY25 refresh is the introduction of the G25 Touring FWD model grade, replacing the G25 Maxx Sport AWD, and expanding the total number of FWD options available in the CX-5 range to three – Maxx, Sport, and Touring.

Importantly, all Touring grades, front- or all-wheel drive, are upgraded with adaptive LED headlights and cruising and traffic support (part of the adaptive cruise control system) as standard.

Elsewhere, we find front parking sensors as standard issue on G25 Maxx Sport models and adaptive LED headlights on CX-5 G25 and G35 GT SP grades.

The MY25 line-up will comprise five CX-5 all-wheel drive (AWD) grades in total, with the GT SP and the flagship Akera continuing to use G25 2.5-litre Skyactiv G petrol or G35 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol powerplants.

Mazda Australia has yet to announce further mechanical, equipment, or pricing details pertaining to its updated CX-5 range, the Japanese importer saying further information will be advised closer to the model’s June launch.

The Mazda CX-5 range is currently priced from $36,590 plus on-road costs for the Maxx 2WD and tops out at $55,000 +ORC for the flagship Akera Turbo AWD.

Vying within the hotly contested Medium SUV under $60K segment, the model currently places in third position with year-to-date sales of 3804 units (and 10.5 market share points). It is trumped by the Toyota RAV4 (9481 units and 26.1 per cent) and Mitsubishi Outlander (4475 units and 12.3 per cent) and leads fourth-place Hyundai Tucson (2905 units and 8.0 per cent), and fifth-place Nissan X-Trail (2626 units and 7.2 per cent).