The Mazda CX-5 facelift has been revealed in the Europe, and it looks exactly like the car which was leaked last week in China.

    Up front, there’s a smoother bumper design and a revised grille with thicker chrome bars.

    The headlight shape has been changed, and the graphics now feature L-shaped driving lights as opposed to the previous circular motif.

    Around the back there are new squarer tail-light enclosures, again with L-shaped lighting graphics.

    A new Zircon Sand colour (pictured below) has been added to the crossover’s paint palette.

    In Europe, the top-grade CX-5 models will feature a new “one colour” finish, with body colour paint applied to the side sills, wheel arch protectors, lower bumper, and wing mirror caps.

    On the Continent there’s also a youthful Newground trim, which features lime green highlights for the grille, interior stitching, and around the cabin vents.

    Speaking of the cabin, the most substantial changes are the revised seats and the available Qi wireless smartphone charging pad.

    There are also trim updates, but those wishing for a digital instrumentation screen and other goodies will have to keep on waiting.

    European versions of the CX-5 are now offered with a two-piece reversible floorboard, with Newground variants featuring a version with one side covered with water-resistant material.

    Under the skin, Mazda says it has given the CX-5 a stiffer structure and revised the suspension.

    The automaker also claims “road noise has also been greatly reduced, particularly when driving on rough surfaces such as gravel”.

    Mazda’s European operations have yet to reveal drivetrain details about the updated crossover.

    In the US, though, the CX-5 facelift will soldier on with the current car’s 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated 140kW/252Nm and turbocharged 170kW/420Nm engines.

    For the 2022 update, Mazda USA will be dropping the front-wheel drive models from the range.

    In Australia the two 2.5-litre engines are offered exclusively with all-wheel drive and a six-speed auto, as is the 140kW/450Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.

    The existing Australian range also kicks with a front-wheel drive model powered by a 115kW/200Nm 2.0-litre.

    We’ll probably have to wait until closer to the Australian launch to find out about the facelifted car’s drivetrain options.

    Reports continue to suggest Mazda is developing a crossover with dimensions similar to the CX-5, but riding on the company’s new rear- and all-wheel drive platform, and likely featuring a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine option.

    It’s unclear if this car will become the next-generation CX-5, or if it will be sold as the CX-50 alongside and above the existing CX-5.

    MORE: Everything Mazda CX-5

    Derek Fung

    Derek Fung would love to tell you about his multiple degrees, but he's too busy writing up some news right now. In his spare time Derek loves chasing automotive rabbits down the hole. Based in New York, New York, Derek loves to travel and is very much a window not an aisle person.

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