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Mazda introduced the CX-5 in 2012. It did not take long for the compact crossover to become one of Mazda’s top-selling vehicles. The CX-5 was the very first production Mazda to adopt the Kodo “Soul of Motion” design language. The prominent upright grill and swept-back look is now the defining look of all Mazda vehicles. For 2016, Mazda will make significant changes to refresh the CX-5. Here is what to expect.
Exterior Changes 2016 Mazda CX-5
The 2016 CX-5 look changes most when viewed from the front. The lights and grill are new. The idea is that the grill gives the vehicle a “tauter” look, and the headlamps look more like eyes. Rather than chrome, the horizontal grill fins are painted metallic gray. Optional LED lights have a new to Mazda signature look. New 19” alloy rims join the options list.
Interior Changes to the 2016 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 will also have fit and finish improvements inside. Mazda moves to an electronic parking brake to free up footwell space. Those buyers tired of all-black leather interiors (like this writer) will cheer the addition of parchment colored leather. Mazda promises better smart-phone pairing with the Mazda Connect system, though that is hard to imagine since it already leads the premium brands in this capability.
Drivetrain Changes to CX-5
The CX-5 will move away from the SkyActiv engine family and adopt two new V8 offerings. A 5.0-liter normally aspirated engine is the base. A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 is now optional which develops 643 horsepower. Of course, if you believe that you have absolutely no sense of humor. Look for slight bumps in fuel efficiency on the 2.5-liter engine.
Chassis and Handling Changes
Mazda is tweaking the handling CX-5 for 2016. Our read of the press information is that it is primarily to reduce NVH (noise vibration harshness). We hope so. The CX-5 is already the leading affordable compact crossover in this regard.
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Comments
Re MaZda CX-5 ....John
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Re MaZda CX-5 ....John Goreham
I TOTALLY agree with your comment about black interiors! I almost bought an Audi. S5 a few times...bought backed away each time because of the "Henry Ford approach" to colour!
And although your Tongue in cheek V8 comments about the CX-5 are over the top, I DO wish this vehicle had a more performance oriented version to go with its handling!!!
Infotainment screen removed
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Infotainment screen removed out the middle and will be placed on the top like the mazda 3? I thought I heard that somewhere
I was wondering that too, but
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In reply to Infotainment screen removed by Bob (not verified)
I was wondering that too, but the photo is of a 2016, so I think it is not going to make that move.
Almost didn't read the whole
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Almost didn't read the whole paragraph on the drivetrain changes before calling fowl. lol
Same here. For a minute I was
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In reply to Almost didn't read the whole by James Gibson (not verified)
Same here. For a minute I was shocked!
Hopefully they have plans to
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Hopefully they have plans to incorporate a much better NAV system. The TomTom NB-1 in my 2015 doesn't hold a candle to pretty much any portable unit out there. I'm very disappointed in this unit.
While reading the powertrain
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While reading the powertrain paragraph, I had to check the URL to see if this was one of those auto-thrown-together sites that just scrapes other pages. Nice work.