Mazda to add CX-5 Touring in 2017

Mazda has announced it will grow its CX-5 SUV line to five models when it launches the step-changed version of the country’s best selling SUV later in 2017.

The new Touring variant will slot between the lower-mid grade Maxx Sport and the upper-mid GT to become a genuine middle-grade model.

While no specs were confirmed, it’s likely to include some new features including a powered tailgate, vents for rear seat passengers and the company’s front-wheel vectoring control system that’s recently been added to the Mazda3 and Mazda6.

Currently, the CX-5 range comprises the base Maxx, Maxx Sport, GT and range-topping Akera.

"There’s a reasonable gap between Maxx Sport and GT in price. It’s a good addition and we think it will do well," said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak at an end-of-year briefing to journalists in Melbourne.

The company can’t quite believe how strongly the CX-5 continues to perform.

He also indicated that the Touring is aimed squarely at returning CX-5 customers, who have indicated a desire for the car not to change drastically.

"People love the current one, and they say 'don't touch it', so you can see that probably not a lot will change," he said.

The updated CX-5 will have a slightly bigger cabin, a stiffer bodyshell, better noise suppression and slightly tweaked suspension to go with its relatively mild exterior refresh.

The mechanical spec levels between the current CX-5 and the new version – set to launch before July next year – are unlikely to vary much; the updated car will carry over the current 2.0-litre petrol, 2.5-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel engines in front- and two-wheel drive formats.

Mr Doak said that the company can’t quite believe how strongly the CX-5 continues to perform, despite being deep into its third year on sale.

 "It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” he said. “It’s been number one for three years. We would have expected a larger [sales] drop off in its third year, and in what is an extremely competitive environment."

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Click here for more Mazda CX-5 pricing and spec info.