Sales of Mazda in Norway started in 1967 under the company Kolberg Motors AS. Mazda quickly reached the top of sales with the models 818, 616 and 929. Reliable cars at a good price appealed to Norwegian car buyers. Since then, Mazda has been known for its family cars. Mazda took over imports in 2004.
Here a very small car from 1960 which was the start of a success story. The very first passenger car from Mazda was equipped with a "stretch engine", but was a good start for the factory.
Mazda's first passenger car
When Mazda came to Norway in the early 1960s, it was perceived by most as a completely new brand. But this factory, located in Hiroshima, Japan, can trace its history all the way back to 1920. In the beginning, various industrial products were produced. Production of vehicles started with motorcycles around 1930, and the first cars came as light trucks a few years later. Passenger cars in series production started in 1960 with the small R-360. Later came the models 1500 and 1800 which were some beautiful models with a design from Bertone. Mazda started out as one of the first car manufacturers with wankel engines in their cars. The first model was a sports car with a nice design. Sales of Mazda in Norway started in 1967. Mazda quickly reached the top of sales with the models 818, 616 and 929. Reliable cars at a good price appealed to Norwegian car buyers. Since then, Mazda has been known for its family cars.
Mazda R-360 Coupe
This little Japanese friend never came to Norway as far as we know. But it is a symbol of how the car manufacturers tried to adapt to reality after peace came in 1945. Most things were missing, both roads, petrol and cars. The solutions that the car manufacturers came up with were simple and cheap cars that were cheap to run. Mazda started the production of large trucks and the factory was established as a car manufacturer. Already in 1960, as previously mentioned, the small 360 model arrived. It was a 2-door coupe that became very popular at home in Japan. In Japan there was a separate tax class for cars with engines smaller than 360 ccm. Most Japanese car manufacturers delivered small cars in this class, but Mazda became one of the market leaders. Mazda further developed the model series with a small 4-seater model. The R-360 model disappeared in 1966.
Woman behind the wheel of the R-360
Mazda R-360 Coupe
Data Mazda R-360
Length 298 cm,
width 129 cm
height 129 cm.
Top speed 80 km/h.
Engine 366 ccm / 16 hp.
Technical drawings of R-360
See
Mazda 1500 – Japanese with European styleBMW Isetta 300
A relatively simple family car with a powerful engine, plenty of space and equipment that made it very competitive. The car was extremely reliable and that was something most people appreciated.
The road to today's cars
When Mazda came to Norway in the early 1960s, it was perceived by most as a completely new brand. But this factory located in Hiroshima, Japan, can trace its history all the way back to 1920.
In the beginning, various industrial products were produced. Production of vehicles started with motorcycles around 1930, and the first cars came as light trucks a few years later. Passenger cars in series production started in 1960 with the small R-360. Later came the models 1500 and 1800 which were some beautiful models with a design from Bertone. Mazda started out as one of the first car manufacturers with wankel engines in their cars. The first model was a sports car with a nice design. Sales of Mazda in Norway started in 1967. Mazda quickly reached the top of sales with the models 818, 616 and 929. Reliable cars with a good price appealed to Norwegian car buyers. Since then, Mazda has been known for its family cars.
Mazda 616
One of the very first models to really hit the Norwegian market was the Mazda 616. Here, Mazda offered a relatively simple family car with a powerful engine, plenty of space and equipment that made it very competitive. Compared to its European competitors, it was truly competitive. With a relatively simple construction, this model was not quite at its best on bad Norwegian country roads. Accessibility on winter roads was not the best on the market either. But the car was extremely reliable and that was something most people appreciated. Compared to European family cars at the same time, the Mazda 616 was probably a thought more reliable. In countries other than Norway, it could also be delivered with a Wankel engine. The model was produced between 1970 and 1978. It received several updates during this period, including a new design of the grill and rear lights.
Technical specifications
Length: 415 cm
Width: 158 cm
Height: 143 cm
Top speed: 151 km/h
Engine: 1586 ccm, 75 hp
1974 Mazda 616 CoupeMazda's model range for 1975Advertisement from Mazda dealers. Note the prices from that time.
When Mazda came to Norway in the early 1960s, it was perceived by most as a completely new brand. But this factory located in Hiroshima, Japan, can trace its history all the way back to 1920.
In the beginning, various industrial products were produced. Production of vehicles started with motorcycles around 1930, and the first cars came as light trucks a few years later. Passenger cars in series production started in 1960 with the small R-360. Later came the models 1500 and 1800 which were some beautiful models with a design from Bertone. Mazda started out as one of the first car manufacturers with wankel engines in their cars. The first model was a sports car with a nice design. Sales of Mazda in Norway started in 1967. Mazda quickly reached the top of sales with the models 818, 616 and 929. Reliable cars with a good price appealed to Norwegian car buyers. Since then, Mazda has been known for its family cars.
Mazda 1500
The Mazda 1500 was designed by the Italian designer Bertone. This handsome family car debuted in 1965, and hit the market in 1967. Well equipped and with a modern overhead cam engine, this was the model with which the factory wanted to gain market share. Here in Norway, Mazda was relatively unknown, but this model was well received by the Norwegian public. Mazda quickly became known for operational reliability and problem-free car maintenance. When it came to road safety, this model was top notch. Many car dealers who previously sold English cars saw that Mazda had good opportunities and started selling them. The Mazda 1500 was delivered both as a passenger car and station wagon. In 1968, a model with a larger engine came into production. It had the designation Mazda 1800.
Mazda 1800 interior
Facts Mazda 1500
Produced in the period 1967 – 1972.
Length 438 cm, width 164 cm and height 146 cm.
Top speed 150 km/h.
Engine 1490 ccm / 78 hp.
Advertising from Kolberg MotorsAdvertising from Edgar Haugen/Kolberg Motors
See
Mazda MX-5 gen. 2The Toyotas that got Norway on wheelsDatsun Bluebird
Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2 are preferred by many grandmothers
If you are willing to reduce the requirements for comfort and safety, you can drive these cars cheaply.
Car for 30000 - a mined area
If you buy a car for 30000, you can easily run out of expensive repairs. A diesel particulate filter, an ABS unit, some Xenon bulbs, to name a few. Things you won't necessarily find on the test drive, and which the seller didn't know about when you bought either. Imagine if you have to spend 20 in repairs. Then you could just as easily have bought a car for 000 instead?
Usage pattern and car type
In terms of price, an older Volkswagen Passat or Ford Mondeo costs about the same as a small "grandmother's car". They offer more space, comfort and safety. The problem with family cars is that they have had a different usage pattern than small, simple cars. The family cars are more or less continuously in use. They not only have higher mileage and more rust, - but also more advanced technology and modern equipment that can turn them into cost bombs like old cars. You should invest more than NOK 30 for such cars.
Cars with few faults
TÜV inspects and approves cars and car equipment in Germany and Austria. Every year they publish a reliability report for different age classes of cars. Cars up to 11 years old have been tested. We have carried out a systematic search of complete TÜV reports from 2015 to 2019 to assess the reliability of cars under NOK 30000.
English car tv (Nissan Micra mk3) and Japanese th (Mazda 2 -2008)
Cars that are cheap to maintain
The TÜV reports do not tell how much the annual car maintenance costs. Porsche, for example, comes high on the list of reliable models. Also other German premium models. The fact that these are in good condition after a good 10 years can largely be attributed to the brand dealers' expensive service programmes. The cars, which we have selected, are not just reliable - they can also be kept on the road at no great cost. They can be delivered to all independent workshops, and they can be screwed on by do-it-yourself mechanics.
The candidates that we have assessed
The following "grandmother models" are known to be reliable and affordable to keep in operation. We have looked at how they come out in the TÜV reports.
The Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, Mazda 2 and Opel Agila are ranked among the very best.
We have considered Ford Fiesta because it is the sister model to the Mazda 2. The Fiesta ends up better than average, but not as good as the Mazda. We have followed Nissan Micra, too, – because we know the predecessors as quite reliable minicars in the 90s. We didn't expect the 10-15 year old Micra mk3 to score far worse than average. Fiat 500 for sale and the sister model Ford KA mk2 are rated because they appear as a breath of fresh air in this class. Both models ended up among the worst, especially the KA mk1, which according to TÜV must have been a catastrophically bad car.
The candidates that we have not considered
The mini car trio Peugeot 107, Citroen C1 og Toyota Aygo is not rated, because we have seen an alarming number of cars for sale as rep objects. The model is also known to "eat" clutches. It surprises us that the models are actually coming better out than the average in TÜV's reports. We have also not assessed the small cars from the Volkswagen group as a number of engine breakdowns occur without any previous signs. They become "risky business" within our budget.
The myths that disappeared
10 years ago we would have recommended the following Japanese: Toyota Corolla (-1997), Toyota Carina II, Toyota Starlet, Honda Civic (-2000) og Nissan Micra mk1. These are still good cars – to the extent that you can call used cars aged 20+ as good. The point is that the models that immediately succeeded the aforementioned legends - and which today are within a NOK 30 budget - do not reach their predecessors in terms of the number of errors and reliability.
Buying advice
Remember that 30 can easily become both 000 and 40 if you are not careful. Imagine that you are going to keep the car for 50 years.
The car's EU inspection should not be older than 1 year. Then the car must pass 2 EU controls. If the deadline for approval is imminent, you should refrain from purchasing. Cars with missing patches are no problem as long as the repair costs are taken into account in the price. Then you are unlikely to get any surprises - and can save money by tracking down used parts and carrying out simple replacements yourself.
The tires should be good for a couple of new seasons, otherwise you have to factor new tires into the purchase price. Standard cheap tires for "grandmother cars" are otherwise not particularly expensive. New tires can compensate for the generally lower level of safety in older small cars.
If the car has a timing belt you need to find out when it was changed. Most must be replaced every five years due to alder. If the reg belt has been changed within the last year, you will never have to worry about it again.
Peace in exposed areas such as wheel arches, ducts and under the doors can send the car to early condemnation. Also see that the rust has not taken over the components in the undercarriage. If chassis parts, suspension, brake pipes and brakes are completely brown and oxidized, the bills can quickly become high.
Body damage is nothing to worry about. The more scratches and dents - the better car you get for the money! However, be aware of damage to the undercarriage and along the ducts.
Service history need not be complete, so long the oil changes is completed. If the seller does not know - or can document the last oil change - you should refrain from buying.
Also check the following
-An unusually shiny and worn steering wheel, wear on the gear ball and worn pedal rubber indicate an unfortunate driving style.
- That the oil on the dipstick is not grey/discolored by water.
- That there is no oil film in the cooling water.
- That there are no leaks of engine oil, gear oil, servo oil or cooling water (does not apply to condensation water from the air conditioning).
-Check for traces of fresh or solidified oil around the cylinder head gasket.
- That the steering wheel is straight when the wheels point straight ahead.
- That the car stands straight and does not lean on one wheel or to one side.
- That no warning lights light up.
- That the clutch engages normally - not too far out.
- That no wheels are hot after the test drive.
-No noise when you turn and give gas at the same time.
-No noise when you press in the clutch at speed and let the car roll with the windows open.
-No noise when driving over speed bumps.
- That engine temperature does not move towards red.
"Granny Express" - Honda Jazz
Fact car for 30000
Toyota Yaris
Model change from model year 2006. Most popular engine is 1,0 65 HP until the model change in 2006, then the engine got 69 HP. The Yaris with 1,3 liter 87 HP is perceived as far fresher and is the best engine within our budget. Both the 1,0- and 1,3-litre engines have a timing chain - not a belt. In the TÜV reports, both Yaris 1 and 2 end up among the very best in the period 2004-2011.
Honda jazz
Model change from model year 2009. The new model looks much better than the more side-rumped predecessor. But according to TÜV, it gets oldest The Jazz model scores best in terms of reliability. The reason why newer models fall in terms of reliability is due to the brake discs. According to a manager at TÜV, the Jazz would have been at the top if the brake discs had lasted longer. All models sold in Norway have a 1,3 liter engine with 83 HP. The cars after 2009 received an increase in power to 99 HP. Both models have a timing chain - not a timing belt. Considering operating costs, a grandmother-driven Jazz before 2009 with low km appears to be a good alternative within our budget.
Mazda 2
The Mazda 2 was replaced with a new model from model year 2008. In TÜV's reports, the oldest model got the best results. Early models of Mazda 2 can therefore be good buys. Both Mazda models with 1,2 and 1,3 liter engines have a timing chain - not a belt. Standard output is 75 HP for both engines.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta mk5 up to and including 2008 shares technology with the corresponding Mazda 2 model. Like the Mazda 2, the 1,3 liter petrol engines have a timing chain. From 2009 there was a new Fiesta model, the mk6. There, all petrol engines have a timing belt that must be changed at regular intervals. In TÜV's reports, the mk5 gets better results than the first years of the mk6.
Opel Agila
2013 Opel Agila.The Opel Agila A was replaced by the Agila B in 2009. There aren't that many of the early model in Norway. The small, frugal model is a sister model of the Suzuki Wagon R, and received surprisingly good results in TÜV reports over several years. Actually was Opel results significantly better than Suzuki. We do not know if it is due to German patriotism, or because the Agila got engines from Opel instead of Suzuki. Opel's good reliability also agrees well with our own observations. The new Agila B did not get as good a score as its predecessor in the early years - but is today well above average. It was offered with 1,0 liter 65 HP or 1,2 99 HP. Both have a timing chain - not a belt.
Results based on TÜV 2015-2019
Financial considerations – car for 30000
What can you expect from a car for 30000?
Let's take an example from reality: 1996 Honda Civic bought in 2012 for NOK 28. Mileage: 000. The car had a new timing belt, new winter tires and a major service the year before. The car lived for 105 years after purchase. Number of EU checks: 000. Net annual loss in value after wreck deposit: NOK 7,5. Annual maintenance: Oil change service and fixing of small items: approx. NOK 4-3 per year with some personal effort.
Theoretical example - period over 4 years - Honda Jazz or similar.
Purchase for NOK 30000 - estimated residual value after 4 years: NOK 8
NOK 22 Total loss in value
NOK 2 EU controls (400 pcs.)
NOK 4 Oil change (000 pcs.)
NOK 5 Tires
NOK 12 Predictable repairs
NOK 45 (per year: NOK 400, per month: NOK 11)
The first two generations of Toyota Yaris among the best in terms of reliability
See
Who decides the lifespan of the car?A good workshopComplete dented practice car
I like the long front end and the distinct coupe profile. It looks like a sports car. Completely in line with Vision Coupe Concept which visualizes Mazda's new design language. It seems that Mazda has given the young designer, Yasutake Tsuchida, freer rein than its predecessors.
Sports car feel inside too
Leather seats, black interior and black headliner, soft padding on the dashboard, in the door panels and a wonderful, wide, padded center armrest. The instruments are not particularly hi-tech. They consist of 3 analogue clocks with small digital displays in between which show additional information, such as consumption and the like. The center screen is easy to read and mounted high enough – and is operated with a steering wheel on the center console near the center armrest. The driver's seat is electrically adjustable with electric lumbar support. I found it best to sit a little low. It goes well with the sports car feel, although I think the seats could have been a bit sportier.
Mazda has jumped on the hybrid wave
All car manufacturers are now trying to catch on to the hybrid wave. Mazda's solution, called M Hybrid, is of the light variety. It uses regenerative braking energy to charge a 24-volt lithium battery that both supplies power for secondary services such as audio and navigation, as well as a tiny electric motor. It pushes the car into motion during automatic start and stop, and it should help keep the car moving smoothly when it gears up. The electric motor is only 7 HP.
Mild hybrid
As I drive, I try to map out how the hybrid system works - or rather - find out om it at all works. The first sign is when I start from a standstill - completely silently and without engine vibrations. When I look at the tachometer, I see that the engine is already running. I guess the electric motor just gives the car a small, initial push. It helps with comfort, with consumption during city driving and probably results in less wear and tear on the automatic gearbox. I'm also trying to track down the downsides. The first came already when I started. Then the engine started buzzing at around 2000 revs, but ran perfectly normally when I started driving. Also while driving, I noticed that the revs went up to around 2000 by themselves - without applying the gas. I assume it was to charge the lithium battery.
Lots of soft padding on the dashboard
On the way to Hadeland Glassverk in Jevnaker
"Mazda?" exclaimed my wife. "That was it far ran". My father-in-law's last vehicle was a Mazda 323 with automatic transmission. All his adult life he had been a "keen driver" who believed that automatic transmission - it was for old aunts. But when his own legs began to fail, the Mazda with an automatic transmission came to the rescue to get a few extra years on the road.
The first impression
I understood that I had a challenge to break old prejudices. I explained that Mazda has worked hard to create a premium feel. “When you get in, you'll notice how the car envelops you. You will feel at one with the car.” ... "If this is leather, it's bad leather", my wife commented. "Skai seats!". I will admit that Japanese leather seats are similar to the skai seats from the cars of my childhood - such as Opel Rekord and Ford Cortina. The leather is smooth and seems thick and stiff. But on the way up towards Sollihøgda we could hear the seats creaking, - so - yes - it must be leather. In the question of whether the Mazda 3 belongs to the premium class, we ended up with 1 vote for and 1 against.
For those of us who like to drive
Father-in-law would have liked the new Mazda 3 MHybrid. It is undoubtedly a car for those of us who like to drive. The chassis provides a great balance between sportiness and comfort. Through the bends between Klekken and Jevnaker, I noticed how well it lay on the road. Nice weight distribution. I accelerate out of the turn and feel the grip through the steering wheel. I'm enjoying myself. The sound level is pleasant both from the road and from the engine compartment. The 2-litre is almost inaudible - only with pleasant low-frequency sounds. The wife's favorite channel, P5 Hits, provides great sound with super bass. So good that I feel my ears ringing, but it's not Mazda's fault.
Fancy a weekend trip?
Hadeland Glassverk is a great starting point for a weekend trip. Jevnaker is located at an appropriate distance from most of the towns in the eastern part of the country. The place is surrounded by fine country roads. Ideal for outings with the family's fine car - the one you take out in the spring. This time I got a closer look at a number of Mustangs from the Drammen area and some Austin Healeys. a couple of them from my own regions. The outlets offer bargains on hand-made crystal glass with insignificant flaws at reduced prices - and disposable glass, farm food and beer from microbreweries - as well as eateries. It's almost like being at IKEA. It is best to leave there hungry and empty-handed.
Mazda 3 2,0 MHybrid SkyActive
Mazda's new engine technology
When Mazda launched the new Mazda 3 for the 2019 model year, it was also announced that it would get Mazda's SkyActiv-X engine with SCCI (Spark Controlled Compression Ignition). There is something as special as a self-igniting petrol engine. It builds up high compression with a compressor – and the resulting heat ignites the fuel mixture – like in a diesel engine. Self-ignition only occurs when the engine is running at low load. At high load, the mixture is ignited from spark plugs. I assume that the control of this takes place through advanced electronics. Self-ignition of a petrol engine sounds unfortunate to my ears. Then I think about after-ignition - you know, where the engine continues to bump and run after you've turned off the ignition.
Aspirated engine that requires some practice with the accelerator
"Our" Mazda 3 is a 2019 model produced before the new SkyActiv-X engine was ready, so it got the predecessor's SkyActiv-G engine instead - i.e. a normally aspirated 2-litre petrol engine with 122 HP. It seemed responsive and easy to breathe and did not dampen the driving pleasure. During acceleration uphill (overtaking), the automatic transmission let the revs rise too high before shifting, giving an unwanted "lag" in the acceleration. Here you have to lift the accelerator at the right moment to make the gearbox shift faster - and maintain acceleration. Other than this, the transmission felt well programmed for the 122 horse. With active driving, it is possible to get a lot from the 122 horse.
The new engine with SCCI gives a maximum performance of 180 HP with approximately the same consumption as "our" engine. The torque is about the same, but is achieved at a lower rpm. I wonder why Mazda didn't just install a turbo? Maybe they wanted to create a better driving experience?
Place
You can say that Mazda has prioritized form in front of place. The sporty feel gives disadvantages in terms of space. Do not misunderstand. There is not bad space in the Mazda 3, but it is far from class-leading.
The narrow windows and the black roof covering contribute to the rear seat feeling more cramped than in, for example, the Toyota Corolla. Sitting in the back seat behind myself was the tightest thing for the legs, but the height was ok. I had chosen a rather low sitting position in the driver's seat, which pulled the driver's seat backwards. If I had chosen a higher sitting position, it would have given more space in the back seat.
The luggage compartment is 351 litres. It is completely on par for the class. The items must be lifted over a loading edge.
The luggage compartment takes 351 liters above the loading edge
Safety
The Mazda 3 was tested in 2019 with the same engine as in "our" car. The total score for protection of adults was 98% and for children 87%. I don't think I've seen so many green fields in the report before. This is very good! For comparison, the new Golf 7 was also tested in the same year. It scored as well as the Mazda in terms of protection children, but was beaten by Mazda for the protection of adults. But Golfen's score wasn't bad, either.
In 2019, the Mazda 3 MHybrid 2,0 122 HP aut. Cosmo NOK 326. A similar car with a new SkyActiv-X engine with 600 HP then cost 180 more at the same time. Today, you get a one-year-old Mazda 25 with 000 HP and negligible mileage for just under NOK 3. It is a good price, especially considering that a similar new car with 122 HP now costs NOK 300 plus winter tyres.
I have not measured the fuel consumption. The average consumption in mixed driving is stated at 0,67 litres/mile (WLTP). No matter how you look at the numbers, the Mazda 3's 2-liter engines can never claim to be among the best in the class in terms of consumption. The effect of the hybrid solution counts for very little - and far less than, for example, a similarly motorized Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Toyota's hybrid solution is far more extensive than in the Mazda 3. Toyota advertises that the cars run on electricity half the time, which we can confirm is possible. The Corolla's average consumption is 0,49 in mixed driving (WLTP) - i.e. 0,18 litres/mile lower. This corresponds to the Mazda using 216 liters more than the Toyota per year at an annual mileage of 12 km. Calculated according to today's petrol price, the annual additional expenditure is NOK 000.
Conclusion
Let's round off by comparing the Mazda 3 MHybrid with the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. In terms of price, they are fairly similar. I choose to compare the two with the 122 HP engine that I have driven. But both can actually also be delivered with 180 HP.
Driving pleasure: Mazda provides driving pleasure on par with the best in its class. Toyota's hybrid powertrain is known to have a few annoyances. Among other things, it often allows the revs to go up too high during normal driving.
Soundscape: Mazda has both a lower and far more pleasant sound image than Toyota.
Comfort: Equal.
Place: Actual space conditions are equivalent, but the Toyota is perceived as more spacious.
Safety: Mazda scores best in Euro NCAP's test. In Toyota, the test dummy on the driver's side was beaten because the airbag in the steering wheel was too weak.
Loss of value: I assume Toyota gets a lower loss in value. Many customers search for Toyota without considering the competition.
Fuel: Toyota has significantly lower consumption due to its hybrid solution.
Supporter: Mazda can tow larger trailers. 1300 kg against Toyota 750 kg.
The Mazda 3 MHybrid scores on driving pleasure. It also gives a more sporty feel, and a slightly more premium feel than the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. The Corolla scores on its low consumption and its more advanced hybrid solution.
Performances
Top speed: 197 km/h
0-100: 10,4 seconds
Weights and Measures
Length, width and height in cm: 446, 180, 144
Wheelbase in cm: 272
Own weight: 1364 kg
Luggage compartment: 351 litres
– with folded seats: 1026 litres
Petrol tank: 51 litres
Max trailer weight with brakes: 1300 kg
– without brakes: 600 kg
consumption
WLTP mixed driving: 0,67 liters per mile
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.
Meteor gray mica fits well into this landscape.
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.
Easy to recognize the user interface here.
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.
Safety
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.
Too many switches on the steering wheel.
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.
A class trip
There is class above the two separate exhaust pipes.Easily usable luggage compartment. Note the levers to tilt down the seats on the left side.The length of 4,55 meters is typical for mid-range crossover SUVs, to which the CX-5 belongs.
See
2013 Audi Q3.2017 Nissan Qashqai.Volvo XC60Seat Ateca
While there are many reasons to buy a Mazda, there are two things that keep me away from the Mazda dealership. One is the annoying slogan "Zoom-zoom", the other is the design of the front. I have therefore taken the liberty to "PhotoShop" a bit on Mazda's new 3 series.
Too much Zoom-zoom? Photo: Mazda
In the hunt for buyers, it is important for car manufacturers to create their own unique style, something that sticks. Mazda's new design language is about the design of the front. You will recognize a Mazda when it appears in the gossip mirror. Mazda CX-5 got this grill, new Mazda 6 and now – Mazda 3. When I first got acquainted with CX-5, I saw it from the back and from the side. My impression was positive until I saw the front. Then I shook my head and thought: Surely the Walt Disney Company has started car design! I understand that the designer has intended a uni-frame grill, a little aggressive, but at the same time kind.
Unfortunately, it was just "zoom-zoom".
Just nice cars?
Designing cars with personality makes them kinder. They become more humane, and like animals. Peugeot has long designed cars with clear associations with lions and other felines. It is well known in the car industry that Peugeot's lion design was not a huge success.
By using the slogan "zoom-zoom", Mazda wants to give the impression that Mazda is kinder than other cars, - perhaps they are targeting particularly kind owners, or owners who would like to be seen as kind. I have a sense for it. But when someone thinks that at the same time you stretch the kind expression a little, to make it tougher, the stylishness disappears, and you end up with something that appears tasteless, - a thought against the vulgar. The new Mazdas have a tough overall design language. It's only the grill that makes it all tip over towards the talentless.
I have redesigned the front of the Mazda 3, so that it is made more anonymous. By toning down the expression in the grill, the rest of the design of the car comes out better. Then I think it comes across as stylish, tough and a thought kind. A reworked grill makes the car more attractive, and you sense that the car has a clear wedge shape.
Mazda's toughest grill taken from the 818 series and RX-3.
Mazda's prettiest front?
The prettiest grill Mazda has ever used was on the Mazda 818 starting with the facelift in the 1977 and 1978 model years. Only the Wankel engines deserved the tough grill. My 1977 station wagon in the signal color Skyish Blue shared the 1300 engine with the 323 and with its 65 horsepower was no racer along the country road. Just tough in the face.
That's why I just as well put the 818 grill on Mazda's new 3 series 🙂
