The Mazda CX-5 will miss out on Android smartphone mirroring for longer than expected.
Both wired and wireless Android Auto connection options now won’t be available in the CX-5 until July 2023, according to Mazda Australia’s website, the same month it will be available in the related CX-8.
A no-cost dealer retrofit will be available for CX-5s produced from November 2022 to June 2023, and CX-8s produced from January 2023 to June 2023.
When the updated CX-5 was detailed last November, Mazda Australia said it would gain wireless Android Auto – in addition to wireless Apple CarPlay – across all bar the base Maxx.
However, it flagged Android Auto would be temporarily unavailable for all vehicles built between November 2022 and March 2023 and would need to be activated via a dealer update available from April 2023.
A Mazda Australia spokesperson confirmed at the time the feature is temporarily unavailable because it hasn’t obtained certification from Google yet.
We have contacted Mazda Australia to confirm the reason for the delay.
For 2023, Mazda made a 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen standard across the CX-5 range. This was previously reserved for GT SP and Akera models.
The base Maxx misses out on satellite navigation and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other changes for the 2023 CX-5 range include longer 12-month/15,000km service intervals for petrol-powered models (diesel models stay at 12 months/10,000km), a new Rhodium White exterior finish, and a remote window open function.
The base manual Maxx has also been discontinued.
2023 CX-8
The CX-8 also received a standard 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system across the range, as well as a wider range reshuffle.
Like the CX-5, the CX-8 has gained new Touring Active and GT SP variants, while a 7.0-inch digital instrument display is standard across the range along with front-row USB-C ports and a remote window open function.
Other changes include a new grille; restyled bumpers, headlights and tail lights; new alloy wheel designs; available Rhodium White paint; a Mi Drive selectable drive mode system on all-wheel drive models; and claimed reductions in noise, vibration and harshness.
MORE: Everything Mazda CX-5
