2021 Mazda CX-5 price and specs: Sporty GT SP now available

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 range has been updated, and like many of its stablemates, has seen the introduction of a new CX-5 GT SP variant.

Mazda has introduced the sporty GT SP to sit below the flagship CX-5 Akera, and above the CX-5 GT, offering dark styling options for buyers.

Prices have risen across the range, going up by $210 at the entry to the CX-5 range, up to $1050 for the Akera.

Both the entry-level Maxx and Maxx Sport models are powered by a 2.0-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder putting out 115kW and 200Nm in front-wheel-drive guise.

Maxx buyers have a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, but the auto is the only option in the Maxx Sport. Fuel consumption is listed as 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions claimed as 160g/km for the auto and 161g/km for the manual.

The new 2021 Mazda CX-5 GT SP, shown throughout this story.

Opt for all-wheel-drive in the CX-5 Maxx and Maxx Sport, the powerplant gets upgraded to a 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder, producing 140kW and 252Nm, with economy listed as 7.4L/100km and emissions as 172g/km.

The 2.5-litre is only available with a six-speed automatic, and is also fitted to CX-5 Touring, GT, GT SP, and Akera variants.

A diesel option is also available for Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, and Akera models, with the 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder sending 140kW/450Nm to all four wheels through an automatic, using 5.7L/100km and producing 148g/km of CO2.

For those wanting more power, a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine is available to GT, GT SP, and Akera buyers, putting out 170kW/420Nm to the four wheels via an automatic transmission. Economy is listed as 8.2L/100km and emissions at 191g/km.

Inside, and CX-5 Maxx, Maxx Sport, and Touring models retain the 8.0-inch infotainment system, but it looks like local buyers miss out on the 8.8-inch screen, introduced to Japanese models in late 2020.

The CX-5 GT, GT SP, and Akera models enjoy a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, while all variants are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, and DAB+ digital radio.

Entry-level CX-5 Maxx gains new 17-inch alloy wheels – replacing steel wheels – and comes standard with automatic LED headlights, auto wipers, power folding side mirrors, and keyless push-button start/stop.

The CX-5 Maxx Sport adds dual-zone climate control with rear vents, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear centre armrest storage with USB chargers, and satellite navigation.

CX-5 Touring gets heating on the side mirrors, as well as front parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, head-up display, synthetic suede upholstery, and keyless entry.

The GT model gains 19-inch alloy wheels, power slide and tilt sunroof, remote power tailgate, electric front seats with heating, black or white leather interior, and a 249-watt 10-speaker Bose sound system with subwoofer.

Step up to the all-new sporty CX-5 GT SP variant, and buyers will enjoy black metallic 19-inch alloys, black exterior mirror caps, black synthetic suede with red stitching, and black interior trims.

The range-topping Akera benefits from 360-degree cameras, dark 19-inch alloys, ventilation on the front seats, heated steering wheel, rear outer seat heating, dark russet Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, black headliner, a 7.0-inch LCD screen for the driver, LED ambient lighting, adaptive LED headlights, and an overhead console.

All models benefit from a suite of safety tech, including blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, low-speed autonomous braking with pedestrian detection at night, driver attention alert, high beam control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, radar cruise control with stop-and-go function (stop-and-go on auto models only), smart braking support, tyre pressure monitoring system, and front, side, and curtain airbags.

Buyers have a choice of Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Eternal Blue Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, and Jet Black Mica, as well as Sonic Silver Metallic.

For an additional $495, Machine Grey Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic, and Soul Red Metallic can be optioned.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 range is available to order from dealerships now.

Note: All prices listed above exclude on-road costs.

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