This time, we decided to test drive Mazda’s CX-5 SUV, which has been redesigned this year.
The first Mazda CX-5 was launched five years ago. Now it was time for a refresh and to enter the even tougher SUV race.
The Mazda CX-5 is one of Mazda’s flagship models, and in recent years, one in four Mazda models sold has been a CX-5.
First impressions are surprising – the car looks almost identical to its predecessor. But first impressions are disappointing. Although the chassis is the same as the previous version, the entire exterior has been redesigned. For example, the front fascia is wider than before and has been given more chrome. The car is also a few centimetres lower than the previous version.
The steering is quite precise and the driver has a good feel for the road. The steering has been improved from the previous version. The damping and suspension are also much better than in the previous version.
The Mazda’s problem has often been a rather loud noise in the cabin. The CX-5 is much quieter inside than before. Road noise only really enters the cabin when driving on rough road surfaces.
From the driver’s seat, everything looks good. The seat and steering wheel adjustments are adequate and the controls are well within reach. The driver’s seat is sufficiently rigid and provides enough lateral support.
The rear seat of the car is designed for two. There is enough legroom and no head to head banging against the ceiling. The central seat in the rear is mainly used as a spare seat.
Traditional Mazda engines
Mazda is not keen on small turbocharged engines, but uses its own so-called Skyactiv technology. The petrol engine is available in three power outputs, 160, 165 and 195 horsepower. The diesel is available in 150 and 175 horsepower. All engines have a minimum displacement of two litres.
The test car was equipped with a two-litre 160 hp petrol engine and an automatic gearbox. The car had four-wheel drive and was equipped with the Premium Plus trim level.
The car accelerates from zero to 60 km/h in just over ten seconds, with a top speed of 188 km/h. Combined fuel consumption, according to Mazda, is 6.6 l/100 km. Carbon dioxide emissions are 155 g/km.
Four trim levels are available – Active, Premium, Premium Plus and Luxury.
Premium Plus features include an advanced blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, heated windscreen wipers, automatic folding side mirrors, coloured windscreen display, driver alertness monitoring, lane departure warning, heated steering wheel and reversing camera.
A great feature is automatic emergency braking when reversing.
The rear seat tilt adjustment is also a good feature. This gives you a little extra luggage space when you need it, without reducing the number of seats.
The tailgate has an electronic opening and closing function if the Luxury trim level is selected.
One clever feature is the attachment of a boot screen to the tailgate. This allows the curtain to rise up when the hatch is opened.
The instrument cluster is dominated by three large round gauges. On the left is the rev counter, in the middle the speedometer and on the right the trip computer and fuel gauge, among other things.
The multimedia system’s multifunction display is positioned on top of the dashboard. The multimedia system is in Finnish. The menus on the centre screen can be controlled either from the touchscreen or from the controls on the centre console.
The navigation system comes with three years of free updates.
Connecting a mobile phone in the car is easy. There are two usb sockets at the front and two more in the rear centre console.
There’s plenty of boot space for an SUV with a body like this. According to the manufacturer, the boot capacity is 506 litres. With the rear seats folded, the space is 1620 litres
There is storage space for small items under the midsole. A spare wheel is available as an option.
The car’s headlights are always LED. With Premium Plus equipment, the lights turn and change automatically between low and high beam.
Starting price under €30 000
The cheapest model in the range costs less than €28,000, with a base price of €42,442 for the test-driven model, with enough optional extras to bring the price up to €44,786.
The Mazda is not the cheapest option for a SUV of this size, but it is still a viable option for a small family car, for example.
Four-wheel drive may be unnecessary for some, but for many it is a great option. The engine has plenty of power for normal driving.
