We want power too, damnit.
Mazda is throwing a raft of updates at its hit mid-size family SUV, the CX-5, for the 2019 model year. In Japan, the CX-5 now benefits from a brand-new engine, G-Vectoring Control Plus, and a host of other small changes to keep the car looking and feeling fresh against its rivals.
The big change is under the bonnet, where the 2019MY CX-5 will offer in its home market the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine from the CX-9 (which they don’t get). It’s actually the first model Mazda offers in Japan with the engine, which outputs a healthy 170kW and 420Nm. With an 8.0L/100km fuel economy rating, that’s really not bad for such a forceful engine.
The 2.5-turbo CX-5 will be paired exclusively with a 6-speed automatic, but power can be sent to either just the front wheels or to all-four depending on spec.
The other big change comes in the form of G-Vectoring Control Plus, debuting on the CX-5. An enhanced version of G-Vectoring Control, GVC+ now applies light braking force to the outside wheels as you come out of a corner, improving extra stability as drivers straighten out. This, they claim, makes the transitions in roll, yaw, and pitch of the car smoother, and enables better responsiveness during sudden changes too.
Further upgrades can be found in the Advanced Smart City Braking Support (or AEB to you and I), which now features pedestrian detection in low-lift situations. New options include smartphone mirroring, 360º camera, and tweeters to improve the sound quality.
We’re certainly of the mind that Australian-spec CX-5 would benefit greatly from the extra pep the 2.5-turbo mill offers, and we’d love to know if you agree (or disagree, for that matter). Maybe if we collectively make enough of a noise, Mazda’s local office will listen, as they did with the more-powerful Mazda MX-5.
For the best deals on a new Mazda, check out our Showroom.
