Mazda Australia will load its new CX-5 with more standard features, more levels

At an end-of-year wrap for what has been another successful 12 months for the brand in Australia, Mazda committed to improving upon the CX-5's standard offering.

Mazda Australia Marketing Director Alastair Doak was keen to emphasise that there will be plenty to look forward to with the next-generation medium SUV.

"I think it looks sensational, but you can call me biased on that front," Doak said. "We can confirm however that the new CX-5 will offer second-row air vents and an electric tailgate, as well as more equipment to be confirmed."

Of late, Mazda has ensured that current models get added safety kit too, so we can expect new CX-5 to continue along that path.

"That's true and the new CX-5 will also include G-Vectoring technology, which is a first for an SUV in the Mazda range," Doak explained.

"Further, we can confirm today that we will increase the CX-5 range from four model grades to five, and we think that will help keep the CX-5 at the top of the sales charts in Australia."

Mazda will add a 'Touring' grade to the range, which will be positioned between third and second top grades.

"The strategy behind Touring is to give customers something more premium to aim for," Doak said. "There's a reasonable price gap between Maxx Sport and GT, so Touring will sit between as a stepping stone for buyers who can't quite afford the top model.

"It's a good extension to the range and we think this grade will do very well." Doak explained that Mazda wants to use the extended CX-5 range to attract current owners to upgrade as much as attract new customers to the brand.

Currently, buyers can opt for CX-5 in AWD petrol guise models that include: Maxx ($32,890), Maxx Sport ($36,490), GT ($44,090) and Akera ($47,410). The Touring grade will be positioned between Maxx Sport and GT, where there is a decent $7600 price gap before on-road costs.

"The CX-5 is a very successful formula, and we've done market research in Australia, comprehensive research so that we can understand not just whether the buyer likes the vehicle and why, but whether it will conquest buyers from other brands," Doak said.

"It's a complex but useful exercise to do and a lot of people were saying, 'we love the current one, don't touch it too much'."

"We've just made safety pack standard on current models, but beyond these hints we've already given you, we don't want to give too much away just yet."

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