Mazda officially facelifts 2022 CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has been revealed a week after leaked images previewed the new look of the mid-size SUV, as the carmaker looks to hunt down Toyota to top the market segment.

Featuring a redesigned front end, the 2022 CX-5's front bumper is smoother than the previous model, with fog lights on both sides deleted – allowing an uninterrupted lower bumper, which adopts Mazda's Kodo Design principles.

Gone are the traditional circular bulbs inside the slim headlights, instead the updated model shows off its new rectangular LEDs providing a sharper, more modern look for the slowly ageing front design.

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For the first time in the CX-5's history, the range-topping Akera grade will feature body-coloured exterior cladding, replacing the traditionally flat black wheel arch and skirt surrounds.

The Akera will also provide a contrast to the body with bright silver finished wheels as well as a Nappa leather interior, setting it apart from the GT SP, which sits below it in the line-up. Meanwhile, the sports-focused variant now also features a gloss black wing, grille, mirror caps and wheels – tying in with its black interior with red accents.

One more step below the GT SP is the Touring – now available in Mazda's new Zircon Sand Metallic finish – which stands out with its lime green accent on the grille, seat upholstery and interior louvres.

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Mazda says all grades will benefit from redesigned seats, which provide greater support for the front occupants, in addition to improved dampers – helping to keep the vehicle under control while still retaining ride comfort.

The driving experience is also said to be improved, with a revised automatic transmission allowing smoother shifts, while Mazda's intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) will also debut on the CX-5 – allowing the driver to choose between a variety of driving modes to best suit the conditions.

Set to be launched in the first half of 2022, Mazda will confirm pricing and features about its local line-up closer to the CX-5's release date.

To the end of August, Mazda has sold 19,918 CX-5s throughout 2021, making it the fourth highest selling vehicle in Australia and second in the medium SUV segment to Toyota – which has shifted 25,873 units of its RAV4.

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