The Mazda CX-5 initially launched in 2012 was the first vehicle to introduce Mazda’s KODO-Soul of Motion design to the South African market. It has since grown into a core model accounting for approximately one quarter of Mazda's global sales volume. The outgoing Mazda CX-5 has been South Africa's best-selling model with an average of 350 units a month. The model featured in these road impressions is the CX-5 2.5L Individual 6-speed Automatic.

Fully redesigned to heighten its appeal, the facelift CX-5 Individual Auto has cosmetic updates with a bold new front grille that accentuates the body’s KODO design while retaining the sporty yet refined stance, a lower roofline, sleeker sides and minimalist styling; ensures that the CX-5's exterior is most attractive. New for 2018 are new-generation adaptive LED headlamps and front fog lamps, rear privacy glass, rear wash and wipe, twin chrome tipped exhausts and the CX-5 Individual rides on gunmetal 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, which on the press vehicle was shod with 225/65R19 Korean Toyo tyres, and there is a full size spare under the boot-board.

The interior is nice and roomy with comfortable leather covered bucket seats for the driver and front passenger, while the split rear seat is most comfortable for two adult passengers, but three could squeeze in if necessary and all will have ample head, shoulder and knee space. The 40:20:40 split rear seats with a remote fold-down function can be positioned to create various capacities, and flat luggage space, while a tonneau cover automatically lifts up and down as the rear lift gate is opened and closed. The split rear seats enable long objects to be loaded by folding the center seat down flat. The rear seats can be folded down remotely by a simple flick of levers located at the back of the luggage area.

The new Mazda CX-5 Individual has moved substantially more up-market and comes standard with full leather upholstery, leather covered multi-function steering wheel adjustable for both reach and rake, power adjustable lumber support driver seat, reverse camera, automatic air-conditioning, keyless entry and push button start, privacy glass, electric windows and , electric power steering and sunroof. New features include auto headlamp leveling, rear ventilation, USB for rear center armrest and auto door lock, electric park brake, auto-hold, i-stop and reverse camera. Other features include;auto fold mirrors, the 10 speaker BOSE system, head-up display, power-lift tail gate, Smart City brake support and driver attention Alert, parking sensors front and rear, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, driver attention alert, satellite navigation. The rear end boasts a wide power-lift tailgate with a small spoiler above and when open, there’s an enormous luggage compartment. There’s also a rear wash/wipe function and a “shark-fin” antenna. It also adopts the first of the SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS vehicle motion control technologies; G-Vectoring Control. This innovative software-based system controls body roll for better handling, while suspension and powertrain improvements facilitate superior ride quality.

Safety features include; six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control incorporating Traction Control System as standard, for confident driving under any road conditions, ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution which optimizes braking force according to vehicle load and Emergency Brake Assist boosting stopping power at just the right time. In addition, the Mazda CX-5 stands guard with Keyless Go whereby you can keep the key in your pocket or purse and has a push button to start.

The CX-5 2.5L Individual 6-speed Automatic is powered by a 2.5 litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering a sporty 146 Kw at 6 000 rpm and 257 Nm of torque at 4 000 rpm with drive to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with sport mode.

Over the week I had the CX-5 on test, the trip recorder showed an averaged petrol consumption of 8.9 litres per 100 km in the combined cycle, which is pretty good for a mid-size SUV. The tank holds 56 litres. Driving the new Mazda CX-5 is almost like driving a saloon car, but the raised height provides better all-round visibility. The Mazda CX-5 is one of the best-driving SUVs in its segment, especially in terms of handling. It feels just right from its flat cornering and direct steering, to its responsive brakes and enough power, and there's no sudden unloading out of corners or between transitions, as in some other taller vehicles. The steering gives good feed-back, its quick; well-weighted; and overall, has a precise feel.

The all-new six-speed automatic transmission plays a major role in making the most of the new engine's smooth, willing character. In acceleration tests with the automatic in “sport” mode, it launches with little slip, but once rolling, it’s smooth shifting. It did the 0 to 100 km dash in 8.9 seconds, has a top speed of 195 km/h. In manual mode it works like a true manual and it won’t change gear without the driver doing the change/ The recommended retail selling price of the new Mazda CX-5 2.5L Individual 6-speed Automatic is R495 900 which includes a 3-year unlimited kilometer factory warranty, 3-year roadside assistance, a 3-year service plan and a 5-year Corrosion Warranty.