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New Mazda CX-5 2020 detailed: More equipment coming for popular SUV

The Mazda CX-5 in Japan can be optioned with this 'Tough-Sport Style' kit, but it is unclear if it will arrive in Australia.

Mazda Australia is expected to introduce an updated version of the popular CX-5 mid-size SUV this year with small changes to the equipment list.

As revealed on Mazda Japan’s website, a new ‘Polymetal Grey’ exterior colour is likely to be rolled out across the local SUV line-up, as is the addition of night-time pedestrian autonomous emergency braking.

Mirroring its CX-9 large SUV sibling, all-wheel-drive versions of the CX-5 will also benefit from Mazda’s new Off-Road Traction Assist technology to improve stability on rough surfaces.

Finally, the CX-5 is likely to adopt Mazda’s new keyfob, as first seen on the current-gen Mazda3 and now available on the CX-9.

Style-wise the 2020 CX-5 will look the same as before, but Japan’s version gains a new ‘Tough-sport Style’ bodykit that adds a number of off-road-focussed exterior enhancements including a front and rear kick plate.

Pricing is also expected to be realigned to reflect the equipment changes. For reference, the current CX-5 kicks off from $30,880 before on-road costs for the two-wheel-drive (2WD) Maxx and tops out at $50,630 for the all-wheel-drive Akera with a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.

Timing for the new CX-5 is currently unconfirmed, but given the Australian market’s alignment to Japanese product, the updated SUV could arrive in the first quarter of the year.

Last year the Mazda CX-5 beat out the Toyota RAV4 as Australia’s most popular SUV, but only by 1279 units.