Mazda’s CX-5 is a mid-sized SUV with a loyal following.
A lot has changed about this second generation CX-5 – but not under the bonnet.
So the same range of SKYACTIV engines are carried over into this MK2 model. That means the 2.0-litre 163bhp ‘SKYACTIV-G’ petrol unit that hardly any UK buyers choose and which can only be ordered with manual transmission and front-wheel drive. And the volume 2.2-litre ‘SKYACTIV-D’ diesel unit which, as before, is offered with either 148 or 173bhp and can be specified with the options of AWD and auto transmission.
Like many new-era Mazda models, this one’s a product of the company’s ‘Jinba-Ittai’ ‘car-and-driver-as-one’ philosophy which aims to deliver more focused levels of driver engagement and comfort. This time round, particular attention has been paid to reducing noise and vibration within the cabin. Plus a 15% improvement in torsional body rigidity, along with refinements to the steering, suspension and brakes, all contribute to an improvement in the handling precision that marked out the previous model. Further helping in this regard is a freshly introduced ‘G-Vectoring Control’ (GVC) torque vectoring system that transfers traction to the wheel most needing it when you’re going at speed through tight corners.
And off-road prowess? Well, as with the systems employed by most of its rivals, this car has a set-up in which the torque is automatically split according to the terrain you’re on, so it can direct 100% of drive to the front wheels in normal conditions, with up to 50% then directed to the rear wheels if slip is detected.
There’s nothing radically different about this second generation CX-5. Instead, what we’ve got is a thorough evolution of the original model, the car that introduced Mazda’s ‘KODO’ ‘Soul of Motion’ design philosophy. This MK2 model takes its cues from the stunning ‘RX Vision’ concept car the brand displayed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show and swaps the previous soft and curvy look for an altogether sharper and more mature design.
This is exactly what many prospective buyers will want. The smarter exterior looks see this car get a sleeker profile and a lower roofline to underscore its solid stance and elegant proportions. Under the skin, a fully-revised body structure that’s been created under the concept of what Mazda calls ‘Refined Toughness’.
All of this is complemented by a completely re-designed interior that aims to merge meticulous cockpit ergonomics with a sophisticated, high-quality and spacious cabin environment.
The interior’s dominated by a 7.0-inch colour centre-dash touchscreen featuring full navigation as standard. In terms of overall quality, the finish isn’t quite up there with a rival Volkswagen Tiguan but it’s certainly an improvement over what you’d get in competitors like Ford’s Kuga and Kia’s Sportage. In the back, there’s plenty of leg-room, despite the provision of a decently-sized boot.
List pricing sees CX-5 ownership pitched much as before, with prices ranging in the £24,000 to £33,000 bracket. There are two trim levels – ‘SE-L Nav’ and ‘Sport Nav’ and three engines, a 2.0 163bhp petrol unit and 148 and 173bhp versions of the familiar 2.2-litre diesel. You have to have a diesel if you want to be able to pay the £2,000 premium that Mazda demands for AWD. You also have to have a diesel if you want automatic transmission – it’s an extra £1,500.
All models feature a generous standard equipment tally that includes LED headlights, auto power-folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, a DAB radio and a seven-inch colour touch-screen display with Mazda’s integrated navigation. ‘Sport Nav’ cars add to this with a reversing camera, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and Smart keyless entry, plus heated front seats and steering wheel, a power lift tailgate and a new head-up display that projects directly onto the windscreen and features Traffic Sign Recognition.
Other highlights include two new optional paint colours: ‘Soul Red Crystal Metallic’ and ‘Machine Grey Metallic’. Both shades use Mazda’s unique three-layer TAKUMINURI painting technology, and compared to the previous CX-5’s ‘Soul Red Metallic’ paint, ‘Soul Red Crystal’ increases brightness by approximately 20% and depth by 50%.
The CX-5’s unexpectedly imperious progress continues when it comes to cost of ownership and this is where the SKYACTIV technology really pays off. The 2.2-litre 173bhp diesel variant many will choose returns 52.3mpg on the combined cycle and a CO2 figure of 142g/km.
Clever use of low compression ratios for the SKYACTIV-G petrol and SKYACTIV-D diesel engines means that ignition takes longer, ensuring a better mixture of air and fuel. This approach also enables the engines to run with less mechanical stress, which allows the use of lighter weight materials, in turn meaning that the finished vehicle will need less energy to move through the air. And no energy at all of course when it comes to a temporary stop, say at the lights or in traffic. At that point in this Mazda’s case, an ‘i-stop’ engine stop/start system (the fastest-reacting set-up of its kind on the market) will cut in, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10% all on its own.
As for peace of mind, well given the reliability of Mazda products, you’d have thought the company might have wanted to improve upon its usual three year/60,000 mile package and take on the Korean brands. Not so. That familiar standard warranty remains in place for t his car.
The CX-5 isn’t one of those cars that jumps out at you on first acquaintance. But as with many Mazdas, its modesty hides a product packed with innovation. The result is excellent packaging, strong economy and emissions and driving dynamics that are amongst the best in this sector. Add in a high specification and competitive pricing and you’ve a compelling proposition, especially since the recent suspension and refinement improvements.
In summary, what we’ve got here is yet another example of Mazda going its own way, doing things differently. Which means? Well something quite simple really. If you’re looking for a car of this kind, make sure you also try this one.