South Africa’s popular Mazda CX-5 range will soon be reduced to a trio of FWD derivatives, with both the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine and 2.5-litre petrol mill set to be axed, along with the manual gearbox…
The Mazda CX-5 range will soon no longer comprise 6 derivatives in South Africa, with the Japanese firm’s local division set to cut the line-up in half, according to Cars.co.za sources. As a reminder, the Mazda3 range was handed a similar treatment in August 2023.
So, the soon-to-be-rationalised CX-5 portfolio – which will also likely gain a smattering of minor updates – will thus number just 3 variants, each powered by the familiar naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. This 121 kW/213 Nm motor will drive the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Yes, that means both the CX-5 2.5 AWD Individual (143 kW/258 Nm) and the CX-5 2.2DE AWD Akera (140 kW/450 Nm) – which were positioned at the top of the local range – will soon be put out to pasture. In addition, our information suggests the entry-level CX-5 2.0 Active with its 6-speed manual gearbox will be discontinued, too.
At the same time, the entry point to new CX-5 ownership will rise from outgoing manual model’s R524 600 to R551 000 for the updated CX-5 2.0 Active 6AT. Next up will be the CX-5 2.0 Dynamic 6AT (R586 500), with the CX-5 2.0 Carbon Edition 6AT set to graduate to the summit of the line-up at R664 800.
For the record, the soon-to-depart CX-5 2.5 AWD Individual is currently priced at R742 300, with the CX-5 2.2DE AWD Akera pegged at R778 700. While Mazda Southern Africa hasn’t yet revealed why these derivatives are on the chopping block, it’s worth noting their retirements will afford the CX-60 line-up with a little more breathing room (the CX-60 2.5 Dynamic starts at R739 800 and the CX-60 2.5 AWD Individual at R844 500, with the CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi sitting at R1 049 200).
Still, it’s an interesting move considering the CX-5 was easily Mazda SA’s strongest seller in 2023, with a total of 1 369 units registered. The CX-3 was a distant 2nd on 765 units, followed by the Mazda2 (715 units), Mazda3 (251 units), CX-30 (242 units), CX-60 (220 units) and BT-50 (69 units). Of course, it’s worth keeping in mind the CX-60 hit the market only in the 2nd quarter of last year.
In the coming days or weeks, we suspect Mazda Southern Africa will release official information on the subtle updates made to the remaining CX-5 derivatives, as well as confirming the rationalisation of the range. Expect tweaks to the exterior paint colour palette (which will likely gain the new Platinum Quartz hue) and a few minor interior revisions (such as some infotainment upgrades, perhaps).
How much does the Mazda CX-5 cost in South Africa?
Mazda CX-5 2.0 Active 6AT – R551 000
Mazda CX-5 2.0 Dynamic 6AT – R586 500
Mazda CX-5 2.0 Carbon Edition 6AT – R664 800
A 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a service plan of the same duration will likely again ship standard.
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