Car review: Mazda CX-5
Mazda is a manufacturer I wish would receive more credit. Wait, hang on, maybe credit is the wrong word…I want it to be at the forefront of people’s minds when considering a new car. And more often than not when I suggest Mazda to potential buyers they all too often have the same response, “Mazda? Really? Over Volkswagen or Toyota? Really?”
Here’s the thing, I am yet to get in to a bad car manufactured by Mazda and the launch of the new CX-5 proved to be no different. The CX-5 launched in 2012 and it really kicked off Mazda’s current success. It has received over 90 awards internationally. So why launch a new one? Well it is getting on a bit now and Mazda realised it needed to add to this winning recipe if it were to remain current.
It can be tricky when manufacturers claim a car to be “all-new” but Mazda insists the new CX-5 is “all-new.” The previous model was so successful that there was no reason to drastically change anything. The CX-5 program manager, Masaya Kodama, says that when it came to design, the motto was based on Japanese aesthetic; less is more. And realising that it is not only a driver who experiences a car, but also its passengers, Mazda wanted to ensure that “driving pleasure” was felt by all occupants.
Mazda added G-Vectoring Control to improve agility and ensure less movement is felt by the passengers. I would love to say there is a huge improvement over the old car, but it was rather subtle, which I guess was the aim. Noise levels have also been hugely improved so that “front and rear passengers can all enjoy the conversation,” says Kodama.
So what are the updates? They include LED head and front fog lamps, auto headlamps, newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels, a lower roofline, new exterior colours, rear ventilation, and USB for rear centre armrest. The Dynamic model adds leather seats, auto fold mirrors, newly designed 19-inch alloys and an 8-way power adjustable lumber support driver seat. The Individual derivative goes even further with a 10-speaker Bose system, head-up display, electric tail gate (which can have the height programmed, thankfully! My driving partner hit his head a few times) and advanced safety features.
You can choose from three engines; two petrol engines namely the Skyactiv-G 2,0-litre and 2,5-litre, and one diesel offering in the form of the Skyactive-D 2,2-litre. You can choose between a manual or automatic transmission with the 2,0-litre engines. The 2,5-litre and 2,2-litre are available with automatic transmissions.
I drove both the 2,0-litre manual and automatic and if I had to choose here, I would opt for the manual. The automatic searched for the gears and didn’t feel quite as punchy. The manual just gives you more control over those revs.
Who is this car aimed at? Well, family orientated people who feel technology and safety are key requirements. Leisure time is important to these buyers and they want their car to stand out from the crowd…they want to make a statement (this is sounding like ‘PR speak’ right? Well it is, but to be fair, the CX-5 ticks all these boxes). Like most of Mazda’s offerings, the buying age is quite young, ranging from 26-40-years and a gender and racial split of 50/50.
The medium SUV segment still prefers petrol over diesel, and automatic over manual. The new CX-5 has certainly improved over its predecessor, especially where it matters. It is a strong offering and even with strong competition such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Rav4, the Mazda CX-5 stands a good chance of being a top seller within the segment (it is already Mazda’s top selling car), it just needs to be considered!
And it’s priced below much of the competition:
MAZDA CX-5 PRICING:
- Mazda CX-5 2.0L Active FWD MY17 379,900
- Mazda CX-5 2.0L Active Auto FWD MY17 391,900
- Mazda CX-5 2.0L Dynamic FWD MY17 404,900
- Mazda CX-5 2.0L Dynamic Auto FWD MY17 416,900
- Mazda CX-5 2.2L DE Active Auto FWD MY17 459,400
- Mazda CX-5 2.5L Individual Auto FWD MY17 491,900
- Mazda CX-5 2.2L DE Akera AWD MY17 557,500