Bermaz Motor has officially introduced the all-new Mazda CX-5 in Malaysia, bringing the third-generation SUV with a more spacious cabin, updated styling, enhanced driving refinement and a broader suite of safety technologies. Since making its global debut in 2012, the CX-5 has become one of Mazda’s key models worldwide, with more than five million units sold. The latest generation continues the model’s evolution while retaining the Kodo design philosophy and Mazda’s focus on creating a natural connection between driver and vehicle.

The new CX-5 adopts Mazda’s latest interpretation of Kodo: Soul of Motion, with its exterior designed around the concept of “Wearable Gear”. The approach aims to create an SUV that blends naturally into everyday life while retaining the distinctive proportions and visual character associated with the CX-5.

The third-generation CX-5 retains the familiar SUV silhouette but introduces a longer wheelbase and more substantial proportions. The changes give the model a more planted stance while also creating additional space inside the cabin. At the front, a raised section improves forward visibility while more prominent front wing lines are intended to give the driver a better sense of the vehicle’s dimensions. Wider bumper openings and a redesigned Signature Wing positioned between the double light units further emphasise the CX-5’s width and road presence.

The SUV also features muscular wheel arches and a geometric transition between the body and lower cladding inspired by kigumi, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique based on interlocking structures. At the rear, the body is 15mm wider and accompanied by a broader tyre track, contributing to a more grounded appearance. New linear LED lighting graphics and larger MAZDA lettering add to the updated look, while new 19-inch alloy wheels feature sharply sculpted spokes.

Inside, Mazda has applied the Japanese concept of Ma, which places emphasis on space, balance and simplicity. The longer wheelbase creates noticeably more room for rear occupants, with knee clearance increasing by 64mm and headroom by 29mm. The rear door opening has also been widened by 70mm, while a lower hip point makes getting in and out easier. Cargo practicality receives attention as well, with the cargo floor extended by approximately 45mm to accommodate larger items such as strollers more easily.

Up front, the dashboard features a broad horizontal layout centred around a new 12.9-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, with the controls positioned according to Mazda’s Human Machine Interface philosophy. The redesigned centre console places the cupholders and Qi wireless charger within easier reach, while longer armrests and redesigned front seats are intended to provide a more relaxed driving position.

Other interior highlights include Type-C USB ports and a 12-speaker BOSE sound system. Seven-colour ambient lighting on the front door trims adds another layer of atmosphere, while a 360-degree View Monitor with See Through View assists with low-speed manoeuvring.

Powering the Malaysian-specification CX-5 is Mazda’s SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 185 hp and 257 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with Mazda focusing on smooth power delivery and natural gear changes rather than outright performance. Chassis refinement has also been upgraded through improvements to the vehicle’s high-tensile steel structure, increasing rigidity and supporting more precise steering response.

Mazda’s GVC Plus system further assists with vehicle balance by making subtle adjustments to engine torque during steering inputs, while a newly developed suspension system is designed to improve body control and ride comfort over uneven surfaces. Braking response has also been refined, with a more linear feel aimed at making everyday braking easier to modulate. Improved NVH control, meanwhile, contributes to a quieter cabin.

Safety remains a major focus for the new CX-5, which has earned the 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK Plus award in the United States. The SUV comes equipped with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite, including Adaptive LED Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Attention Alert with Driver Monitoring.

Smart Brake Support adds several functions covering front and rear collision situations, turn-across-traffic scenarios, intersection accident avoidance, head-on collision mitigation, low-speed object detection and front and rear crossing support. The safety package is further supported by Emergency Lane Keeping, Road Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist. Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Cruising & Traffic Support are also available to assist during longer journeys.

The all-new CX-5 is available in familiar Mazda finishes including Rhodium White, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray and Jet Black. Two additional choices expand the colour palette: Navy Blue and Aero Gray. The latter makes its first appearance on the CX-5, having previously been offered on models including the Mazda2, CX-3 and MX-5.

For Malaysia, the new CX-5 is fully imported from Japan as a completely built-up (CBU) model. It is manufactured at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant and is priced from RM169,900. Customers can experience the new SUV through test drives at authorised Mazda dealerships nationwide. Adding further ownership reassurance, the CX-5 comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty and five-year free maintenance programme, covering required maintenance, labour, parts and lubricants. Both programmes are valid for five years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.