Mazda Refreshes ’16 CX-5 CUV

Mazda makes a series of upgrades to the refreshed ’16 CX-5 CUV, including changes to the exterior and interior design, as well as the all-wheel-drive system.

Unveiled at the L.A. auto show today, the ’16 Mazda CX-5’s grille gets a makeover with the addition of horizontal metallic gray fins, a modification the automaker says gives the vehicle a “bolder and tauter” appearance.

Both the LED taillamps and headlamps receive updates to new designs, while nine new colors have been added to the palette and restyled 19-in. aluminum wheels lend a look of three-dimensionality.

Inside, the center stack and floor console are redesigned to better coordinate for a unified look, while a driver-oriented cockpit design keeps eyes on the road. The addition of an electric-parking brake frees room, which Mazda says provides a higher-quality look.

The refreshed ’16 CX-5 continues to offer a black leather interior, as well as black or sand-colored fabric seating. New parchment leather is offered for ’16, while the centers of fabric seats receive new materials.

The instrument panel comes available in three coatings: an aluminum finish with a vertical hairline and thin satin chrome strip; a metallic finish; and a piano-black panel.

Storage space is increased with the addition of an open space in front of the shift knob, floor console cup holders, a console box and front-door pockets.

Mechanical updates include a revised suspension system with a new structure for front and rear control arms and optimized bushing shapes for the front-lower arms.

Noise, vibration and harshness performance also has been upgraded, with cabin noise reduced about 10% compared with the outgoing model, Mazda says.

The ’16 Mazda CX-5 comes available with either a 2.0L Skyactiv direct-injection 4-cyl. engine making 155 hp and 150 lb.-ft. (203 Nm) of torque or a 2.5L Skyactiv 4-cyl. producing 184 hp and 185 lb.-ft. (250 Nm).

Transmission choices include a 6-speed Skyactiv manual or 6-speed Skyactiv automatic. The CX-5 also comes available with an optional all-wheel-drive system tuned to improve fuel economy.

Pricing and fuel economy information are to be announced at a later date.

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