The CX-5 received a – in my eyes – much-awaited facelift in 2015. Then the grill was reworked so that it looked less like a jaw. It lost the upper lip and got a thin chrome strip that ties it all together. The CX-5 is not the most stylish SUV in its class, but it stands up well against competitors such as the Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4.
Image enhancement
I think Mazda has made good moves to lift its image. Although you can see that the CX-5 has a few years behind it, especially inside, the execution and choice of materials are good. This is premium class. After taking the car out for a couple of drives, the impression was reinforced. I found a perfect sitting position with good thigh support. The door closed with a small click. The steering wheel, gear lever and operating levers were taken from a German executive car. My first encounter with the CX-5 was easy. Just press the start button, flip up the switch for the electromechanical handbrake, put the gear lever in Drive and set off. The only thing I need more time for is understanding all the controls on the steering wheel. For now, I'll settle for using the buttons for the radio.
Speaking of radio – the sound from the BOSE system really helps to reinforce the premium feeling. If you find BOSE on the accessories list, you must choose it! On Japanese cars, such as Mazda, you choose equipment level, not duppets individually. Then you don't need to add NOK 100-150, as on German cars. "My" CX-000 has the highest equipment level, Optimum. A lot of equipment for the money.
Driving pleasure
Petrol engine with direct injection? No turbo? 160 horses? Conventional 6-speed automatic transmission? SKYACTIV is Mazda's name for its concept, which includes an energy-optimized powertrain and weight reduction. At a time when all cars have become heavier due to new technology, extended safety equipment and luxury, Mazda has managed to reduce the weight of its models. The driveline, on the other hand, seems traditional, almost old-fashioned. At least on paper. A "traditional" curved torque curve which reaches maximum at 4000 revolutions, and maximum horsepower at 6000.
A 160 horsepower 2 liter petrol engine with a conventional automatic transmission works excellently on a 1,4 tonne car. I have read somewhere that the gearbox was programmed to lock-up to save fuel, but first experienced that it shifted a thought nervously. Then I saw that the car was in "sport". It makes the drivetrain too fussy, in my opinion. Shifts are lightning fast - and completely smooth, even when no sport is selected.
On a couple of occasions I needed to slip quickly into traffic, and found that the automatic transmission did its job brilliantly, at least when it comes to responding quickly and bringing the car up to speed efficiently. The CX-5 is fun to drive. I would like to have the consumption figures measured. According to the factory, road consumption is stated at 0,58 litres/mile.
Place
Full-fledged family car. Here are 5 good places. Plenty of room and headroom in the back for an adult like me. The trunk is, with its 503 litres, marginally larger than the Toyota RAV4, but smaller than the prestige brands Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The Ford Kuga is beaten by everyone here with its meager 456 litres. I liked the levers on the left side of the trunk. 1-2-3, – and the back seat backs fall forward one by one.
Security
According to NCAP, the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Kuga score identically with respect to the protection of passengers and children in child seats in the event of a collision. The Toyota RAV4 is marginally below. There are no critical points to NCAP's report. Mazda's all-wheel drive, i-ACTIV, intervenes when needed as soon as one wheel starts to slip. I also noted that "my" CX-5 had a strong blind spot warning in the wing mirror when changing lanes in heavy traffic.
The blind spot warning is useful. Like the other cars in this class, the visibility slanted to the rear to the right is so poor that an entire small car can be hidden there - even when you turn your head.
Other safety equipment can be mentioned fatigue warnings, extended sensor to detect crossing traffic when reversing out of a parking space and lane change warnings. I felt that the car tried to steer weakly into the roadway when the wheels crossed the white line.
There is no automatic distance sensor for emergency stop.
Economy
The only "bit of joy", so to speak, is that the CX-5 will be replaced by a brand new model in just a couple of months. In the new model, the premium class character will be further strengthened. I don't know if car prices will be "strengthened" accordingly, but that will of course mean a somewhat greater loss of value on the current model. "My" fully equipped car is priced at approximately NOK 450. This includes, among other things, BOSE systems, navigation and leather interior.
Conclusion
In a car world consisting almost exclusively of low-frequency, high-torque turbo engines and electric cars, it feels different to drive a car that a few years ago would have been a normal, powerful petrol engine with automatic transmission. With 160 horses and an automatic transmission, everything is in place for a good driving experience. Mazda does not disappoint.
I like the CX-5 for the quick response to throttle, the quick shifts in the automatic gearbox and the engine power. I like the feeling of premium class in the cabin. After seeing the pictures of the new model that has been unveiled recently, I see that Mazda has set itself the goal of taking another step up in the premium class.