Review
Mazda CX-5
Mazda presented the new Mazda CX-5 last year. This builds on the success of its predecessor and was developed according to the concept of ‘Refined Strength’. The aim is to place people at the center of the interior. The necessary attention is paid to comfort and quality. We went out with the potent Skyactiv-G with 194 hp in the seductive Soul Red Crystal color.
engines
The new Mazda CX-5 is available with three engines: a SKYACTIV-D 2.2 turbodiesel and the direct-injection SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5 petrol.
We were introduced to the CX-5 through a test drive with the potent 2.5 Skyactiv-G. This is naturally aspirated and directly injected 2,488 cc petrol engine has a power of 194 hp and 258 Nm max. torque. The Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-G goes from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds. and has a top speed of 195 km/h. On paper these are not the most exciting figures, but in practice this car feels very spicy. Our test car was equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and had four-wheel drive. To park this SUV in your driveway, you must have a budget of 39,690 euros. The basic version of the CX-5 starts from a budget of 24,990 euros. For that you have a SKACTIV-G with 163 hp and a manual transmission.
Driver assistance systems
The CX-5 is equipped with several innovative driver assistance systems. For example, it has a Cruise Control with stop and go function. Certainly a handy system to tackle the daily traffic jam. The system takes into account the speed and distance to the vehicle in front and automatically controls the engine and brakes to maintain the appropriate driving speed and optimal following distance. When a vehicle in front stops, the CX-5 automatically slows to a stop. The car remains stationary until the vehicle in front takes off again. However, it is the driver who decides when the CX-5 will take off again. The system does issue a warning to indicate that the vehicle in front has left.
Another interesting driver assistance system is advanced city brake support. The system will automatically stop or slow down the vehicle when there is a risk of collision with the car or pedestrian in front. In the event of a collision, the system warns the driver with an audible signal and a visual indication. If it senses that a collision is unavoidable, it will brake automatically.
Nice interior
When you take a seat in the interior, you notice that a lot of attention has been paid to detail. The interior gives a stylish and well-maintained impression. High-quality materials were chosen for finishing.
There is a choice of three color themes for the interior: black fabric and black or Pure White leather. Our test car was made in Pure White leather. In this interior, the upper part is black and white is the base color for the lower part. This is further enhanced by the beige stitching. If you choose the interior in black leather, you get dark gray stitching at the top and light brown stitching in the lower part and on the seats.
Extra attention to sound insulation
When designing the CX-5, the aim was to make it as quiet as possible so that all occupants can talk to each other without effort. To achieve this, a lot of attention has been paid to reducing low-frequency road noise and high-frequency wind and rolling noise at high speeds.
Motorized trunk lid
For the first time in a Mazda, this CX-5 has a trunk space with a motorized trunk lid. This can be opened and closed by a light and compact spindle damper system. An open and close button has been placed on both the trunk lid itself and in the button panel for the driver. The opening angle of the trunk lid can be infinitely adjusted via the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry switch and pressure sensors prevent objects from becoming stuck during closing.
Conclusion
We were pleasantly surprised by the versatility of the new CX-5. The car looks well designed on the outside and is comfortable and luxuriously finished on the inside. If you choose the Skyactiv-G with 194 hp, you get a spicy SUV that you can also drive dynamically.
Additional images of the exterior and interior:
Johan De Haes
Test driver
