TRIED AND TESTED
Mazda CX-5
In 2012, CX-5 began Mazda's Skyactiv revolution. Two generations on, it competes in a different fleet market. By John Kendall.
TRIED AND TESTED
Mazda CX-5
In 2012, CX-5 began Mazda's Skyactiv revolution. Two generations on, it competes in a different fleet market. By John Kendall.
Mazda CX-5 was quick to grab a slice of the five-seat SUV market when it first appeared in 2012 and kept customers who were attracted to its reliability, comfort and neat design through the second generation. Now the latest model is set to appear and it has moved with the times. There is no diesel variant – just one powertrain is available, based on Mazda’s four-cylinder, 2.5-litre Skyactiv petrol engine, working in conjunction with a 24V Mazda M mild hybrid system. This combination replaces the 2.0-litre e-Skyactiv G hybrid powertrain in the outgoing model.
The engine produces 141hp at 4,500-5,000rpm and 238Nm of torque between 3,500rpm and 3,750rpm. In all cases, either front- or all-wheel drive, power is delivered to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Technologies including sequential valve timing and cylinder deactivation at low loads, as well as the hybrid system, help to deliver impressive fuel consumption figures for a mid-sized SUV. There is no electric option. Customers who want an electric SUV are directed to the upcoming CX-6e.
Mazda has produced some impressive and eye-catching designs over the years and the latest CX-5 is no exception. This model retains the shape of its predecessor but is longer, wider and taller. That said, it looks like an enlarged five-door hatchback, reducing the sometimes-bulky appearance of SUVs. Sculpting around the front and along the sides helps to lift this further.
Mazda offers four trim levels for the latest CX-5: Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line and range-topping Homura. Google Built-in is standard on all models, with Google Maps navigation, a choice of apps from the Google Play Store as well as USB-C inputs, integrated Bluetooth and Mazda connected services. Centre-Line and up feature Qi wireless charging, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Exclusive-Line adds USB-C sockets in the rear and a Bose audio system.
Inside, the dashboard design is very clean. The near universal central touchscreen dominates the centre of the dashboard. This measures 12.9 inches in most models or 15.6 inches for the Homura. In both cases, it’s a useful size and incorporates controls for regularly-used functions along the bottom edge of the screen. A second screen immediately in front of the driver provides the digital instrument cluster.
The increased dimensions are partly derived from a 115mm longer wheelbase. That translates into more passenger space, with wider rear doors offering better access. There’s a larger boot offering 583 litres, expanding to 2,019 litres with the rear seats folded. The 40/20/40 split rear seats offer more flexibility too.
Our test models were all top-spec Homura grade. That’s not a likely choice for most fleet users. We’ve picked Centre-Line as the kit includes electric seat adjustment for the driver, heated front seats and heated steering wheel, and a head-up display. The interior conveys quality and this is not restricted to Homura Grade. It feels an inviting place to be, with a good choice of materials and plenty of space for driver and passengers.
On our test route in a front-wheel-drive model, we saw an indicated average consumption of around 41mpg on a mixed route. That is impressive for a fairly large car. A large four-cylinder engine is not necessarily a recipe for good refinement but the engine is well muted unless you put your foot down.
Curiously, the car felt lighter than we were expecting. SUVs tend to feel less agile than saloons and hatchbacks and heavier too, but the CX-5 did not. I couldn’t work out if this was because I have got used to driving electric cars with batteries to weigh them down. A glance at the specifications shows that the kerb weight of the CX-5 two-wheel-drive model is around 1,680kg, which suggests that Mazda has kept weight to a minimum.
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VERDICT
The latest CX-5 is a well-crafted, mid-sized SUV that exudes quality. The powertrain offers good fuel-efficiency and the quality of the cabin makes it a good place to spend time.
