Next gen Mazda CX 5 lineup confirmed

THE 2017 Mazda CX-5 will feature an extra model variant for its all-new next generation, as well as rear air vents and a power tailgate in some grades, when it goes on sale in Australia next year.

It has been confirmed the Mazda CX-5 range will grow from four to five variants, with the inclusion of a new mid-spec Touring grade to sit above the current best-selling Maxx Sport, which makes up 50 percent of the local sales mix.

Currently there's a reasonable price gap between Maxx Sport and GT, so Touring slots in there as a stepping stone for those who want a touch more luxury," said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak.

Boasting styling cues taken from the larger CX-9 and a more up-market interior, the second-gen CX-5 should also deliver a step forward in refinement, addressing a traditional Mazda bugbear of intrusive road and tyre noise.

"It'll be much quieter, but also have second-row air vents and power tailgate," added Doak, who hinted the vents and tailgate will feature on mid-spec GT grades and above.

Mazda's torque vectoring G-Vectoring Control system will also be available, which is designed to improve steering feel and dynamics. In terms of engines, buyers will have the choice of three four-cylinder units (two petrols and one turbo diesel) split across front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed, but slight increases of $500-$1000 are expected across the range, meaning a starting point of around $28,000 for the entry-level Maxx.

"We haven't actually locked pricing in yet, but value will very much be a part of the CX-5 story," said Doak. "Value for money is a key pillar for the Mazda brand, and while our cars always evolve and become more refined, they'll always represent strong value."

The CX-5 has consistently been Australia's most popular SUV, with Mazda selling 22,658 year-to-date to the end of November, edging it ahead of key rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson (18,748) and Toyota RAV4 (18,031).