The evolution of the Mazda CX-5

INNOVATION

Mazda CX-5: the making of an icon

Following the launch of the new CX-5, Mazda Stories celebrates more than a decade of its automotive firsts, international accomplishments, and special moments.

From concept to car

In 2010 when Mazda unveiled the Shinari – a four-door sports coupe concept – it also revealed its new design direction ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’. This styling was incorporated into its next concept, the Minagi compact crossover SUV, which also brought to the public’s attention Mazda’s suite of Skyactiv technologies. The award-winning Mazda CX‑5 followed soon after, debuting at the September 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It combined both Kodo and Skyactiv attributes and set out a new blueprint for the company’s future.

The Minagi concept car was inspired by the image of a cheetah ready to pounce on its prey.

The four door-coupe Shinari concept car and the Minagi compact crossover SUV concept car.

Leading design

“Creating an SUV that would appeal globally was a difficult task,” recalls Masashi Nakayama, General Manager of Mazda’s Design Division who styled the original CX-5. “But we set ourselves the challenge, bringing together conflicting design elements – adding sporty components to an SUV – resulting in a vehicle that can be called the ‘CX-5 segment’.”

The second generation CX-5 launched in 2016. Shinichi Isayama, the chief designer, says: “The second generation CX-5 built on (and progressed) the original car’s key features, such as the beautiful exterior and high-quality interior.” “I think that the emotional value of the CX-5’s design is understood and loved by Mazda customers. I’m incredibly proud to have played a role in the car’s design and development.”

The latest model shares the same design DNA as its predecessor with Nakayama adding, “We didn’t want to change parts of the design that resonate with our customers, but instead advance the car’s signature design to enhance its unique form, especially at the front of the car.” Chief Designer of the new CX-5, Takanori Tsubaki emphasises this point adding, “We fitted elongated, headlights that both enhance the car’s sense of strength, and also provide extra safety on the road at night, courtesy of the powerful ALH beams (Adaptive LED Headlights).” The CX-5’s design credentials even extend to the paintwork. It was the first vehicle to wear Soul Red Crystal, which has become synonymous with Mazda. And now the brand-new Zircon Sand Metallic colour has been added to the palette.

Awards and international recognition

The CX-5 is one of the best-selling Mazdas worldwide, holding the number one spot in the U.S.A, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands. It has won over 100 awards internationally, taking home 45 accolades in its launch year alone. And its safety credentials include a TOP SAFETY PICK award consecutively since 2012 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Other outstanding achievements include WWCOTY Family Car of the Year (2017) and two highly coveted awards for Best New Small Utility Vehicle (2018) and Best New Mid-Size Utility Vehicle (2019) from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. In Europe, the CX-5 was voted Best in Test in the Mid-Class SUV category for the Dutch Consumer Association’s annual Car Guide (2015), beating nine other competitors to the title.

The 2018 CX-5 was a World Car of the Year Award Top 3 finalist.

Challenging convention

From battling the elements in Chile to exploring Vietnam on and off the beaten track, the CX-5 has proven it can handle any terrain. In 2019 a fleet of CX-5s set off from the U.K. travelling through ice and snow to reach Nordkapp, the northernmost point of mainland Europe. The CX-5 has also crossed the world’s oldest and deepest lake – the frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia – becoming the first car manufacturer to achieve this feat. More recently, the CX-5 excelled in a 100,000-kilometre endurance test conducted by German magazine Auto Bild, achieving one of the best marks ever awarded and earning a fourth-place spot in its all-time rankings.

The CX-5 travelled through Chile to discover volcanoes, natural hot springs and more.

Pictured in Vietnam after crossing the Hai Van Pass, Southeast Asia’s most famous driving road.

WATCH: The CX-5 successfully reach the Arctic Circle.

WATCH: The CX-5 set a world record after crossing the frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia.

The new Mazda CX-5

Combining high quality design and comfort with legendary driving performance, the CX-5 is available in three new grades to suit any lifestyle. The Sports grade pays tribute to the first-generation Mazda MX-5, with its classic sporty, red accents, while the High+ design features a luxurious Nappa leather and wood interior. The Active grade is the perfect companion for any outdoor adventurer with its dirt-resistant interior and maximised all-wheel-drive performance. With more than three million models sold worldwide since its launch, the next generation CX-5 is joining an exciting legacy.

The new Mazda CX-5 Sports.

The new Mazda CX-5 Active with Zircon Sand Metallic exterior and its dirt-resistant interior.

The new Mazda CX-5 High+ and its luxurious interior.

Words Charlotte Briggs

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