Mazda New Zealand has added three new model variants to the refreshed mid-size 2022 CX-5 SUV, namely the Activ, SP25T, and Takami, targeting business and private buyers.
In the registration madness that was March, Mazda New Zealand sold 378 units of CX-5, a mixture of the superseded model and the newly arrived 2022 line-up.
Since the first generation CX-5 arrived in 2012, Mazda New Zealand has retailed more than 27,225 units. The CX-5 accounts for 30% of its annual sales and of that, 55% are sales to private customers while the remaining 45% go to business buyers in larger fleets and small medium enterprises.
For those buyers, the familiar GLX, GSX, and Limited grades remain, indeed Mazda New Zealand says that the GSX all-wheel-drive remains its largest seller, accounting for more than 30% of overall CX-5 retail volume.
A diesel version remains off the table unless there is sudden and increased demand for it. In previous iterations, Mazda New Zealand managing director David Hodge says one in nine CX-5 sales was a diesel model and primarily to one fleet customer.
Three petrol engines remain, a naturally aspirated 2-litre four-cylinder (GLX, GSX), a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre (GSX, Limited, Activ) and a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder (SP25 T, Takami). A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all cars, and all-wheel-drive is standard on those models with a 2.5-litre engine.
The addition of three new grades will allow Mazda New Zealand to target the refreshed CX-5 at a much broader audience than before.
The Activ targets outdoor adventurers with its weatherproof, reversible load space floorboard, the SP25T targets more dynamic drivers with its sports performance, and the high-end Takami offers a premium feel thanks to its Nappa leather upholstery and Maple Wood trim.
Both the Takami and Active offer a new Off-road mode through the Mazda MI-Drive system for greater traction when driving on mud, grass, and snow.
Unfortunately, the short drive experience around the suburbs surrounding Auckland Airport during the peak hour snarl on a Friday afternoon didn’t allow us to investigate this new feature but the Traffic Support function worked perfectly.
So, what else is new?
There’s a new colour added to the CX-5 palette called Zircon Sand Metallic which is shown above on the new Activ grade model.
All CX-5 models have received a restyled front grille and front bumper with a new LED headlamp design for a sleeker yet more aggressive stance, and the rear tailgate and rear bumper have also been squared off with a larger rear tailpipe and a new tail lamp design.
Complementing the new design, the driving dynamics and ride quality of the 2022 CX-5 has evolved with updates to the seats, body, and suspension carried across from other Mazda models.
The newly introduced Activ grade features a silver under guard style treatment to the front and rear bumpers and door garnishes, black door mirrors, lime green accents to the front grille and 19-inch black machine-cut alloy wheels. The interior combines suede upholstery with lime green stitching and air-conditioning louvres.
The SP25T has a distinct ‘blackout’ design aesthetic. Sporting black chrome on the front grille signature wing, and gloss black on the lower bumper sections, wheel arches, door garnishes and door mirrors. The 19-inch alloy wheels are finished in black metallic paint, and the front grille incorporates red accents. Red stitching trims the black leather seats, steering wheel, gear shift lever and door panels.
The top-of-the-range Takami is distinguished by one-colour exterior which highlights the Kodo design complemented by silver 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior features the smooth tactility of Nappa leather and the luxurious textures of genuine woodgrain.
A two-piece, reversible load space floorboard and the tailgate sill are on the same level to aid loading or can be lowered for extra cargo space.
All new 2022 CX-5 models sit in the neutral zone of the Clean Car Standard, with the exception of the SP25 T and Takami models powered by the 2.5-litre turbo engine.
The CX-5 is covered by the Mazdacare 5-year warranty and 5-year Mazda On-Call Roadside Assistance with a 3-year/100,000km (whichever comes first) scheduled servicing at no extra cost.
Pricing for the CX-5 starts at $42,290* for the GLX 2WD model through to $64,290* for the Takami model.
*Recommended Retail Price including GST, excluding On Road Costs. $300 (including GST) surcharge for Soul Red Crystal and Machine Grey Metallic Paint Colours.
| Model Description | RRP ¹,² |
| CX-5 FWD 2.0L GLX 6AT Petrol | $42,290 |
| CX-5 FWD 2.0L GSX 6AT Petrol | $44,790 |
| CX-5 AWD 2.5L GSX 6AT Petrol | $47,990 |
| CX-5 AWD 2.5L Activ 6AT Petrol | $50,990 |
| CX-5 AWD 2.5L Limited 6AT Petrol | $57,790 |
| CX-5 AWD 2.5T SP25T 6AT Petrol Turbo | $61,290 |
| CX-5 AWD 2.5T Takami 6AT Petrol Turbo | $64,290 |
