Mazda’s CX-5 has pretty much been the benchmark for medium size SUV’s since it launched regularly leading the class in sales and being the biggest selling model locally for Mazda. Given this it makes sense that the new model is a refinement rather than being radically new. The basic shape remains the same as does the model line-up and the engines, but having said that there are myriad changes. Especially noticeable in the front view with the very skinny headlights and the changed grille with the chrome highlight outlining it in a bolder statement which is still in keeping with the Kodo design philosophy.
From the moment you jump into the driver's seat the CX-5 exudes a quality feel, the seats are comfortable and there is great front leg room and the controls are well placed and easy to use. One of the first things we do in a new car is pair our phone – both for safety (handsfree) and the convenience of Bluetooth music streaming and the Mazda scored highly with straight forward pairing – no need to read the manual unlike a few cars we get!
There is a 7-inch multiscreen for the Navigation, audio, reversing camera etc, Mazda likes to place this in its own pod which rises slightly above the dash line. This high location makes it very easy to see when driving, unlike some that are placed lower down the centre stack. There is also a handy HUD (heads up display) projected on a little flip up screen to display to the driver speed in a very easy-to-see spot. All the main audio and phone controls are duplicated on the steering wheel, the only slight downside is lack of CarPlay or Android Auto functionality but the Bluetooth streaming worked flawlessly for music and podcasts.
The 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers 129kW of power, but more importantly a massive 420Nm of torque at only 2,000rpm (Compare this to the 2.5-litre petrol version at 140kW and 251Nm of torque at 4,000rpm), the huge torque is what gives the diesel such a great spread of pull across the speed range, making it ideal for round town work and there is still good power for open road passing and acceleration. The diesel also gets an average fuel consumption rating of 6.0 l/100km (vs a still impressive 7.5 l/100km for the petrol model). On the road the CX-5 feels aided by the excellent six-speed auto gearbox with manual override option.
In keeping with Mazda’s Zoom Zoom philosophy the handling isn’t too shoddy either, the new model gets Mazda’s innovative G-vectoring control torque-vectoring system which finely controls torque to the wheels based on accelerator and steering inputs. The CX-5 is eager to turn in to corners and tracks through them well. The ride is also comfortable.
The load area is deceptively large aided by 60/40 split fold rear seats and there is a standard retractable load cover.
Creature comforts abound even in the mid-range GSX, with proximity key, dual zone climate control air conditioning, automatic headlights and wipers and cruise control, whilst there is also a comprehensive kit of safety items including the electric park brake, rear cross traffic alert, parking sensors front and rear, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition.
CX-5 is a quality package, well designed, well equipped with a lot of thought in the little bits that make driving a pleasure.
