2017 MAZDA CX-5 - One of The Best SUV's $$ Can Buy

*** ADDITION ***

The new second-generation 2017 Mazda CX-5 is now on-sale in Australia, with a starting price of just under $30k in manual form. (Add $2,000 for auto). Top spec model could see you spending up to $50,000.

With stiff competition in the medium SUV market, which include the VW Tiguan and Hyundai Tucson, and the upcoming Honda CR-V, Holden Equinox and Subaru Forester – we predict the CX-5 will remain one of Australia's favourite SUV.

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5 Price: from $28,690 (plus on-road costs)
Fuel Economy: 6.9 and 7.5L/100km; 6.0L/100km
Safely rating: TBC

*** Original Post, 29 January 2017 ***

Mazda's decision to invest big dollars into the growing segment of mid-size SUV and creating the CX-5, first launched in 2012, resulted in SUCCESS for the carmaker. The success helped put Mazda on the shopping list, becoming one of their bestselling global models.

The package of SkyActiv technologies has also gone on to star across most of the company's range.

So how important is the 2017 launch of an already successful model? VERY! This all new medium crossover is built beautifully, as you would expect from Mazda, fun to drive and very good-looking too.

It looks like a clear evolution of the car it replaces rather than a radical overhaul, but there are some important design changes. At the front it gets slimmer headlights and a slightly larger grille, joined by a re-profiled taillights and a tweaked tailgate at the back. The new model is a longer car by 10mm and sits 15mm lower than generation one.

New upgrades include improved interior ambience and increased safety technology to reset the benchmark with rivals.

Interior may not be as spacious as some rivals, though from what we have seen we think will appeal to many families. The CX-5 gets the latest evolution of Mazda's infotainment system. Its 7-inch display is sharper than before, thanks to a new process that uses optical bonding to join the LCD screen to the touch panel, and the unit now sits high up on top of the dash.

A first for the new CX-5 will be the introduction of a 7-seat version. Mazda Australia is currently assessing whether this model will make its way here, due to the availability of the 7-seater CX-9.

The new CX-5 is due in the first 3 months of this year with pricing to-be-confirmed. We expect the range to be similar to the current model, starting at approximately $31,000.