It may have been the runt of an exclusive Mazda SUV pack, but the CX-5, in its 14-plus
years on the road, led a storied life. Since its inception in 2012, the mid-size has been
revered around the world, recently amassing five million sales.
Locally, more than 325,000 sales have made the CX-5 a household name, topping the
Mazda Australia range, except for the Mazda 3, for the past seven years. The third
generation beckons.
Vinesh Bhindi, managing director of Mazda Australia, says the CX-5 will continue to
hold an esteemed status, with its next-gen imbued with more advanced technology and
practical dimensions, plus the Jinba-Ittai driving dynamics Mazda is famous for, not to
mention an appealing price point.
Mazda has pared back the range from 16 to five models, missing are the G20 2-
litre petrol engine, the D22 diesel and G35 turbo-petrol flagship. Also absent are front –
wheel or 2WDs.
Gone is the base G20 Maxx grade from the KE and KF series, the G25 Pure AWD
opens the batting, beginning at $39,990, plus on-road costs. The Touring AWD test car
(from $47,490) boasts artificial leather/suede trim, powered driver s seat with memory,
head-up display, heated windscreen, powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, roof rails
and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The CX-5 is subject to Mazda s standard warranty of five years, unlimited kilometres,
with a similar period of 24-hour roadside assist.
STYLING
Larger and longer than before, on the outside the CX-5 does not stray far from the
company s Kodo Soul of Motion philosophy introduced with the first generation almost
15 years ago.
Blending utility with elegance, the design draws on traditional Japanese woodworking
technique of Kigumi , which eschews the use of metal fasteners between the lower
cladding and wheel arch.
The mid-range Touring variant returns as a highly specified option featuring 19-inch
machined alloy wheels, heated windscreen, roof rails, exterior mirror memory and
remote operated power tailgate.
INTERIOR
The cabin takes up the call with Black Maztex trim with synthetic suede inserts, ten-way
powered driver s seat with memory, heated steering wheel and active driving display.
Storage up front has nooks and crannies for stuff . A deep centre console bin and door
slots are handy for larger bottles.
The second row has room for average-sized adults and kids. Six-feet tall-plus folk need
not apply. Knee and legroom are average. Headroom is good. Equipment there is good
with a fold-down armrest and cupholders, as well as heated outboard seats and USB
charge ports.
INFOTAINMENT
No whiz-bang instrumentation here, which can be taken either way: good or bad. Ahead
of the driver is a 7.0-inch TFT display flanked by analogue dials, which are easy to read
thanks to Mazda s simple lettering.
However, the removal of buttons for the electronic touchscreen, especially for the
climate controls, is a step back. Icons are awkward to land on, especially while driving
at speed. A pity since Mazda was among those at the debut of screens.
A comprehensive suite of Mazda Connected Services is fitted across the CX-5 range,
which includes seamless integration with the MyMazda app. Owners can call on Vehicle
Status and Health, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle Locator, Remote Lock and
Flashing Lights. Curfew notification, geofencing and emergency services are also
integrated.
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Power is supplied by Mazda s celebrated G25 2.5-litre Skyactiv G powertrain, putting
out 132kW of power and 242Nm of torque from 91 RON fuel. This is put to ground via
the maker s six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission through all four wheels.
The maker claims a combined urban/highway consumption of 7.4 litres per 100
kilometres and 173g of carbon dioxide. The test vehicle returned 10 litres per 100
kilometres in the CBD and suburbs and 6 litres in motorway cruising. Anything better will
have to wait for the hybrid, said to be coming in a couple of years
SAFETY
There are currently no published ANCAP crash-test safety results for the latest CX-5.
However, EuroNCAP managed a five-star rating from a left-hand-drive G25 mild
hybrid FWD version, with Mazda Australia stating that it expects the same outcome
here.
Among a swag of boosted tech protection are Smart City Brake support (forward and
rear), lane keep assist and lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, plus Mazda
Cruise Control with stop/start function.
DRIVING
The 2.5-litre twin-cam four/six-speed auto combo behaves with no bother such as lag or
hesitation. Acceleration comes on swiftly and smoothly – Jinba-Ittai, those famous
Mazda driving dynamics.
The CX-5 offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Off-Road, with the last altering
traction control to aid progress. In Sport the powertrain hangs on the ratio like a sports
car.
There s also less road and wind noise, making for a quieter environment thanks partly
due to a suspension rethink.
SUMMARY
Apart from some software shortcomings, all s well, it appears, with the pop star mid-size
Mazda CX-5. Will a much-anticipated hybrid continue the upward trajectory of the SUV?
RATINGS
Looks – 7
Performance – 7
Safety – 6
Thirst – 6
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 7
Value – 8
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
CX-5 Pure 2.5-litre petrol AWD: $39,990
CX-5 Evolve 2.5-litre petrol AWD $42,990
CX-5 Touring 2.5-litre petrol AWD: $47,490
CX-5 GT SP 2.5-litre petrol AWD: $51,990
CX-5 Akera 2.5-litre petrol AWD: $54,990
Note: These prices do not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Mazda dealer for drive-away prices.
Options
Black and white Maztex trim (Touring only) $1000
Tan leather trim (GT SP and Akera only) $1000
SPECIFICATIONS (Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-litre wagon
ENGINE
Capacity: 2488cc
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Maximum power 132kW @ 5000rpm
Maximum torque: 242Nm @ 3000rpm
Fuel type: Unleaded petrol 91 RON
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 7.4 L/100km
CO2 emissions: 173g/km
DRIVELINE: Six-speed Skyactiv G powertrain, AWD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4550mm
Width: 1840mm
Height: 1675mm
Wheelbase: 2700mm:
Turning circle: 11.8m
Kerb weight: 1641kg
Fuel tank: 58L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres
Roadside assist up to five years
