The One about [Mazda’s New SUV “CX-5”] “A car that enriches your life the more you drive it!”

The CX-5, a flagship SUV for Mazda, has undergone a full model change for the first time in nine years and went on sale on the 21st. We covered the full details of the new model, which will likely influence Mazda’s future growth.

The new CX-5, which the automobile manufacturer Mazda began selling domestically on the 21st, is a flagship SUV for Mazda that was introduced in 2012 as a product that fully adopts the “Kodo design” and “Skyactiv technology” and has sold more than 5 million units worldwide to date. This new third-generation model has a sportier design, and instead of the previous emblem, it now uses alphabetical lettering on the rear of the vehicle.

[Katsuhiro Mogami, President of Mazda] “I myself am very much looking forward to finally being able to deliver our confident creation, which will make your life a little richer the more you drive it.” Appearing on stage with Mazda President Katsuhiro Mogami at the press conference was actress Haruka Ayase, who hails from Hiroshima City. She was appointed as a brand ambassador to coincide with the launch of the new CX-5. When asked about her impressions of riding in the new CX-5 during the filming of the commercial,

Haruka Ayase said: “It’s a spacious and protective space, and the ride is so comfortable that I want to stay in it forever.” The new CX-5 is 4.69m long and 1.86m wide, making it a bit larger than the current second generation model.

Noriko Wakagi, reporter, said: “With the new CX-5, the distance between the tires has increased by 11.5cm, so there is much more space to get in and out of the rear seats than before, making it much easier to get in and out. When you actually sit in it, it feels very spacious and roomy.” Not only is the interior space larger, but the cargo area is also larger.

Reporter Wakagi said: “Until now, strollers like this could only fit in sideways, but now they can fit in straight in length.” Also, when the rear seats are folded down, two adults can sleep with their heads on the headrests.

[Wakagi Reporter] “This time, all grades are equipped with a large touchscreen display like this, and what’s more, it has Google installed.” When we spoke to the 15.6-inch large touchscreen display that was installed this time…

[Wakagi Reporter] “Hey, Google, take me to Minato Mirai.” [Google] “Yes, Minato Mirai. I will start the directions.” It uses a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and is combined with a mild hybrid that determines the most efficient use of energy while driving, and ease of steering was also emphasized. [Wakagi Reporter] “It feels light overall, and it’s very easy to drive.” The main target is families, and the selling price ranges from 3.3 million yen to 4.4 million yen, which is the price range in which consumers are most willing to buy. [Kegami President] “It’s a very high-value product, it’s the ultimate SUV, and we want you to think of it as Mazda’s proud creation.” The new CX-5 is planned to sell 2,000 units per month.

■■■ Reporter Noriko Wakagi’s Notes ■■■ According to reporter Wakagi, who conducted the interview, the current second-generation CX-5 is roughly split evenly between gasoline and diesel engine buyers. The new CX-5 focuses solely on a gasoline engine equipped with a mild hybrid system, which can be seen as a challenge for Mazda to acquire new customers. In Europe, where it is already on sale, orders have piled up to 15,000 units, showing strong performance, and although there are no figures yet for North America, they are feeling positive about the response. Furthermore, this is the first time Mazda has appointed a brand ambassador since 2011 when they appointed soccer player Yuto Nagatomo, showing the effort Mazda is putting into strengthening its brand.