Beyond the drive
POSTED ON 01/12/2021

Following the announcement of the 2022 Mazda CX-5, Zoom-Zoom celebrates more than a decade of the vehicle’s automotive firsts, international accomplishments and special moments.

Words Charlotte Briggs


From concept to car

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

Technical sketch of the Mazda Minagi concept car
The image of a cheetah ready to pounce on its prey inspired the Minagi concept car
Front three quarter view of a blue four-door coupe Shinari concept car and a red Minagi compact crossover SUV concept car parked together in a studio
The four-door coupe Shinari concept car and the Minagi compact crossover SUV concept car
Close up of a robot arm in a Mazda factory putting a windscreen onto a 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 New Zealand in 2017. “The second-generation CX-5 built on (and progressed) the original car’s key features, such as the beautiful exterior and high-quality interior,” says Chief Designer Shinichi Isayama. “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 2022 model shares the same design DNA as its predecessor, as Nakayama explains: “We didn’t want to change parts of the design that resonate with our customers, but instead deepen it to maintain its uniqueness.” Takanori Tsubaki, Chief Designer of the new CX-5, adds, “We fitted elongated headlights and taillights to the car to assist with night-time safety.” The CX-5’s design credentials even extend to the paintwork. It was the first vehicle to feature Soul Red Crystal, a colour that has become synonymous with Mazda, and the palette now also includes the brand-new Zircon Sand metallic.

Awards and international recognition

The CX-5 is one of the bestselling Mazdas worldwide, holding the number-one spot in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands. It has won over 100 awards internationally, taking home 45 accolades in its launch year alone. Its safety credentials include winning a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety every year since it entered the market. Other outstanding achievements include Women’s World Car of the Year (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.

Front three quarter view of a dark grey Mazda CX-5 SUV driving around a corner on a city street
The 2018 CX-5 was a World Car of the Year Award top three finalist
Challenging convention

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

Rear three quarter view of a grey Mazda CX-5 parked next to large rocks on the shore of a lake with an oar leaning against the car
The CX-5 travelled through Chile to discover volcanoes, natural hot springs and more
Front three quarter view of a Soul Red Mazda CX-5 driving by a lake
Pictured in Vietnam after crossing the Hai Van Pass, South East Asia’s most famous driving road
Rear three quarter view of a Soul Red Mazda CX-5 driving on a snowy road in the Arctic Circle
Watch the CX-5 successfully reach the Arctic Circle
Front three quarter view of a grey Mazda CX-5 SUV crossing the frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia
Watch the CX-5 set a world record after crossing the frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia
The new Mazda CX-5

Due for arrival in New Zealand in the first half of 2022, the new CX-5 combines high-quality design and comfort with legendary driving performance, and is available in models to suit any lifestyle. The SP25T model pays tribute to the first-generation Mazda Roadster with its classic red accents, while the Takami model features a luxurious Nappa leather and wood interior. A new model that’s the perfect companion for any outdoor adventurer, with its dirt-resistant interior and maximised all-wheel-drive performance, will also be introduced. With more than three million CX-5s sold worldwide since the model’s launch, the next-generation CX-5 is continuing an exciting legacy. More details will be available nearer to the new CX-5’s introduction.

Front grille of a Soul Red Mazda CX-5 SUV parked on a city street with a man walking by
The new CX-5 SP25T
Side view of a Soul Red Mazda CX-5 SUV driving in the city at dusk
The new CX-5 SP25T
Interior view of the Mazda CX-5 SUV dashboard
The new CX-5 SP25T
Low front three quarter view of a Zircon Sand Mazda CX-5 SUV parked on a rocky road
The new Mazda CX-5 in the brand-new Zircon Sand metallic exterior colour
Brown leather interior of the Mazda CX-5 SUV Takami
The new Mazda CX-5 Takami and its luxurious interior
Front three quarter view of a Snowflake White Mazda CX-5 SUV Takami parked in front of a boutique clothing store
The new Mazda CX-5 Takami and its luxurious interior

Find out more

Undeniably impressive


More Articles

Some images may depict overseas models or include optional features and accessories not available locally.