Mazda CX-5 test drive
The Mazda CX-5 crossover has always been popular. And then an updated version of the model was released, which immediately became a sales hit – the car was really awaited. But why do buyers love this crossover so much? We study all the details of the Mazda CX-5 using the updated version as an example.
Design: signature design, signature red color
Yes, I repeated myself on purpose – to emphasize how well one fits the other. After all, all these soft curves of the body and barely noticeable lines on the side parts create a wonderful play of light, which is further emphasized by the complex, but bright signature red color.
In general, the design of the Mazda CX-5 car is well known, because the car has been produced for several years and sells well. However, it is worth noting the details of the update, which will be numerous. First, the front part has been completely changed: a new bumper and new headlights, a changed radiator grille with chrome edging. If the car is in the maximum configuration (the test one is exactly like this), then the bottom of the bumper will not be dark plastic, but painted in the color of the body. By the way, as well as door sills and wheel arches. And by the way: the wheels are also new. In addition, the lights and, accordingly, the stamping on the trunk lid have changed here.
Recognizable and at the same time new lookMazda CX-5: the general shape of the body, the general proportions, the general lines of the window sill or hood have not changed. And the dimensions will remain the same: length – 4.575 meters; width – 1.845 meters, height – 1.68 meters, wheelbase – 2.7 meters. However, there are many new things in the little things: headlights and lanterns, a radiator grille and chrome around it, wheels. The maximum configuration is additionally distinguished by painted parts (lower parts of the bumpers, linings on the thresholds, wheel arches) and enlarged exhaust pipes.
If the feeling of renewal is present and noticeable from the outside, then it is not in the interior. Although someone can say that it is for the better: quite traditional and pleasant design, dedicated ventilation deflectors, horizontal orientation of the front panel, wide central console. The steering wheel and “climate” are in their place, the display does not stand out too much, in addition to touch control – a block with various switch buttons is also provided. Everything is convenient and instantly understandable! And also – everything is very high-quality in terms of materials: nice soft plastics, pleasant-to-the-touch “wood” decoration, a little unobtrusive chrome and gloss.
There is a good amount of space for passengers in the back: not a class record, but quite enough. Among the advantages – the doors open to a large angle, ventilation and heated seats are provided (although the power button is hidden in the armrest). I should also note the possibility of adjusting the angle of inclination of the back of the rear sofa. However, the truth is that there are only two variants and they are not too different. That is, it turns out that once you put the sofa in the right position (probably folded back) and you will not touch it again for years. Here, the trunk is similar: as if nothing special, but quite sufficient by the standards of the class, there are movable shelves and an electric opening drive – even with a sensor in the maximum configuration.
The interior of the car will appeal to fans of “modern Japanese classics” for its design and quality materials. There are many physical controls here: climate control unit, multimedia system, buttons on the steering wheel. The landing is comfortable, there is enough space both in front and behind. The trunk offers 458-1340 liters of volume, double shelves, electric lid drive.
Equipment: an example of SKYACTIV ideas
Probably, for the last decade, the word Mazda immediately brought another word to mind – SKYACTIV: it’s like a corporate philosophy of car design. Which consisted in squeezing everything out of already, it seemed, known solutions. For example, a car has a traditional load-bearing body – but more high-strength steel can be used. This will make it possible to make the structure stronger and at the same time lighter. Or here is the usual 2.0- and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder atmospheric engine – but you can raise the compression ratio, use the “spider” exhaust manifold, like on racing cars. Another example: here is the usual 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. However, every little thing has been worked out here to reduce the level of internal friction, right down to the bearings – this helps to reduce fuel consumption and get a more rigid and unambiguous “engine-transmission-wheel” connection.
Great engineering and design to teach teenage car enthusiasts. But now the time has come for “turbo” (there is a turbo version of the Mazda CX-5 somewhere, but not here), the time has come for 7-8-10-speed gearboxes, for various “advanced” hybrids. Instead, the design of the Mazda CX-5 car in general, as it began in 2017, has not changed significantly since then. All modern developments of the company have already been embodied in cars Mazda CX-60, on the other hand, the “five” received only point improvements – such as the MI-DRIVE drive mode switch.
We say Mazda CX-5 – we mean SKYACTIV: this philosophy of achieving the maximum through the improvement of every point finds its manifestation almost everywhere in the design of the car: engine, transmission, body structure. The main technical change during the car update is the appearance of the MI-DRIVE system: the selection of driving modes. But how does it affect the behavior of the car?…
Behind the wheel: pleasant and lively character
When describing the interior, I wanted to write “analog”. Well, I will use this word to describe the driving qualities. The Mazda CX-5 crossover is very “analog” on the go. That is, very understandable, predictable, habitual reactions.
Moreover, if you analyze everything, then the car does not impress with anything. That’s almost 200 hp. in a naturally aspirated version, but a considerable crossover with all-wheel drive – we get acceleration to a hundred km in about nine seconds. Not impressive. But when you don’t start from a standstill in a race for fractions of a second, but just go on business, when you start from a traffic light or accelerate in the city traffic – there is always enough power and torque. The mood is also supported by a characteristic dry sound that “cuts through” at 3-3.5 thousand revolutions.
This can be achieved either by constantly “stepping” on the accelerator pedal, or by selecting the sport mode. Because otherwise the automatic gearbox does everything to make the engine work in the range of 1.5-2-2.5 thousand revolutions: it turns out not very fast, but quietly and economically. By the way, the classic 6-speed automatic transmission switches nicely, quickly, imperceptibly to upper gears – and only occasionally can “nod” when switching to a lower gear.
A few words about the suspension and chassis. Again: not super soft and not too hard, something in between. But add to this steering wheel with “transparent” effort, add feedback to the turn without pauses from the side of the car. Add relatively small body rolls. And you will get a surprisingly pleasant character of the car – which you want to drive, which “talks” to the driver.
Naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine does not really impress with power (194 hp at 6000 rpm), torque (258 Nm at 4000 rpm), dynamics (about nine seconds – as it was promised). But it gives sound at medium and high speeds, it gives the mood for a drive. And then this mood will be supported by the chassis and steering wheel. Here’s the bottom line: on the move, the Mazda CX-5 crossover doesn’t surprise with details or nuances; but it turns out to be very pleasant overall. A few figures regarding the characteristics: maximum speed – 195 km/h; passport fuel consumption in the city – 9.0 l per 100 km; on the highway – 6.3 liters per 100 km. If I agree with the consumption figure on the highway, then in the city I got more: from 9.5-10 liters to 11.5-12 liters per hundred km, depending on traffic conditions and driving style.
Cost: Mazda CX-5 configurations and prices
The Mazda CX-5 car offers buyers a very wide choice of versions: gasoline engines 2.0 (150 hp) or 2.5 (194 hp), front or all-wheel drive, several configurations – in total, we have a dozen options! Also, the price may change depending on the terms of delivery.
Let’s start with Mazda CX-5 Touring worth 1.16-1.29 million UAH ($31-34.5 thousand) depending on the engine, type of drive, and terms of delivery. Here you can choose the engine (2.0 or 2.5), the type of drive (front or all-wheel drive), and the equipment including LED headlights, heated front seats and steering wheel, cruise control, rearview camera, dual-zone “climate”, 17-inch light-alloy wheels, the MZD Connect system with an 8-inch display, six airbags, etc.
The next level is the car Mazda CX-5 Touring S worth 1.2-1.34 million hryvnias ($32-36 thousand), which also offers a choice of engines and drive type, and the equipment is supplemented with an interior decorated with eco-leather and suede, as well as an electric adjustment drive of driver’s seat.
We should mention Mazda CX-5 Black Edition with a price of UAH 1.34-1.42 million ($36-38 thousand), offered with 2.0 or 2.5 engines, and always with all-wheel drive. In addition, the car is distinguished by design changes and expanded equipment: black lacquered mirrors and 19-inch wheels, interior decoration with red stitching, instrument panel with a 7-inch display, MI-DRIVE drive mode switch, driver fatigue control, safety braking system in the city, monitoring of “blind spots” of mirrors and so on.
You can also pay attention to Mazda CX-5 Style+ costing 1.55-1.59 million UAH ($41.5-42.5 thousand) – this option is offered exclusively with a 2.5-liter engine and full reason And the car’s equipment is additionally expanded with the following: leather interior trim, electric drive and adjustment memory, front seat ventilation, rear heating, BOSE audio.
Finally, at the top is the Mazda CX-5 TOP for 1.69-1.73 million UAH ($45-46.5 thousand) – for reference, we take the previous version and add features of the maintenance package: adaptive light ALH with automatic switching “near/far”, interior decoration with NAPPA leather and decorative elements made of wood, adaptive “cruise”, traffic control, trunk lid electric drive with an opening sensor…
As it usually happens, the test car Mazda CX-5 was presented in the maximum configuration. Not many of them are bought, but such options give an opportunity to demonstrate all the capabilities and features of the car. The list of Mazda CX-5 features includes adaptive light, a combined digital instrument panel, seat ventilation, heating of all seats (front/rear) and steering wheel, wireless charging, BOSE audio, circular view (although some images are so-so), NAPPA leather, adaptive “cruise”, lane control, monitoring of “blind zones” mirrors, etc. That is: there is nothing extraordinary, but everything you want is here.
Who are the competitors? At first glance – a bunch of cars from the D-SUV segment, and many “Asians”: Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson. However, we can also mention the “Europeans”: SKODA Kodiaq, Citroen C5 Aircross, Renault Koleos, Opel Grandland. Here you can find options with front or all-wheel drive, with economical hybrid or diesel engines, and more affordable cars with simpler configurations.
However, all this is not a primary issue, because the Mazda CX-5 crossover is often chosen by emotions – for its design and the ability to drive well. And in this case, Peugeot 3008, SEAT Ateca, and SEAT Tarraco look like better competitors Volkswagen Tiguan. The first bet on a turbodiesel, but cannot offer four-wheel drive; the last option turns out to be quite expensive, although it has powerful engines in its arsenal. Finally, SEAT cars are interesting – but they are rarely on sale, depending on the supply of new lots.
Mazda CX-5 test drive results
It can be said for a long time that the Mazda CX-5 crossover is not young anymore. It can be said that there are not enough changes. You can even mention the appearance of the all-new Mazda CX-60 model, which plays in a similar class, but is larger in size and higher in status, and offers powerful engines and modern equipment. But then you can simply compare the price of the Mazda CX-60 and Mazda CX-5…
After all, if you remove all these conventions and consider the car simply “as it is”, then the Mazda CX-5 crossover still offers many advantages: an attractive design, a high-quality interior, optimal equipment, a good level of equipment, and adequate price. Yes, the Mazda CX-5 model turns out to be an “a million and a half baby”, but such are the realities of the exchange rate.
And as for the update, it seems that its essence was not to change or improve the car (it was already successful from the beginning), but to once again attract attention and remind potential buyers of the Mazda CX-5 model. Which, in the end, it was possible to do.
