Mazda CX-5 SUV enjoys facelift for 2021

In a nutshell: 

• Mazda CX-5 family SUV updated for 2021
• Powerful new 2.5 litre 194 PS petrol engine joins the range
• Popular diesel mill is also retained for UK market, though won’t be available until April
• Exterior is unchanged from previous model
• But there are improvements to the tech
• New ‘Kuro’ limited edition also available

Mazda’s sporty CX-5 family SUV has been revamped for 2021 - with the limelight stolen by a powerful new petrol engine.

The CX-5 makes an exceedingly good choice as a lease vehicle, coming well-specced as standard, including front and rear parking sensors, and boasting a huge 506 litre boot.

And now a thumping new 2.5 litre petrol engine with 194 PS has injected extra levels of fun into the mix, too.

The new mill, the ‘2.5 Skyactiv-G’ and which has already been available in the Mazda6, can only be equipped with range-topping, all-wheel-drive GT Sport models.

With 258 Nm of torque, it means the CX-5 can leap from 0-62mph in just 9.2 seconds while returning a very decent 35 miles to the gallon and emitting 182 g/km of CO2.

That’s thanks to clever cylinder deactivation technology - as the engine switches seamlessly between four and two-cylinder operation - which improves real-world fuel economy without hampering performance.

If you’re in the market for something even more frugal, worry not.

Mazda has confirmed that its retaining the popular 2.2 litre ‘Skyactiv-D’ diesel engines, which will be available throughout the range as of April, and will return close to 50 miles to the gallon.

And the Japanese firm also says it has improved the drive by way of ‘optimised throttle pedal calibration for better response and control’ across the board, ‘with improved engine response to throttle inputs, while the responsiveness of the six-speed automatic transmission has also been improved.’

So far, so good - but besides the CX-5’s performance, what else has been updated?

Well, Mazda has taken an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach to the exterior styling, which is absolutely unchanged from the last model.

There are, however, improvements when it comes to interior tech.

All models get a new ‘larger, faster and clearer’ 10.25-inch centre display screen, with a range of connected services - including remote door locking and vehicle finder - available through the MyMazda App.

There’s also a limited edition new ‘Kuro’ model - of which just 750 vehicles will be built.

Powered by a 165 PS Skyactiv-G petrol engine, the Kuro Edition is offered with a choice of free-of-charge ‘Soul Red Crystal Metallic’ or ‘Polymetal Grey Metallic paint’, and comes with chunky 19-inch black alloy wheels and black mirror caps.

Step inside the Kuro and customers get a power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a distinctive black dashboard, black door inserts, as well as swathes of red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, knee pads, gearshift surround, armrest and door surround.

Mazda Motors UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson said: “It’s always been a hugely popular car that’s loved for its style, practicality and dynamic appeal, the second-generation car only enhanced that further and thanks to successive updates and refinements it’s remained right at the top of the class. To date, 490,849 units have been sold in Europe and more than 3.1million globally making it Mazda’s best-selling model.”

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is available to order now.

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