The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV introduced in 2012. It is also the first vehicle featuring the company's full SkyActiv Technology suite, featuring a rigid, lightweight platform, combined with a new series of efficient engines and transmissions resulting in reduced emissions and fuel consumption.
The CX-5 is a smaller model intended to round out the brand's lineup of SUVs, the other being the bigger CX-9. With interest in smaller sized SUVs on the hike, the compact SUV category is one that no company can afford to sit out.
Mazda's new baby bouncing bear is also the first Mazda model to be offered locally with a diesel engine. We take it out to see how it rolls.
Exterior
Over a year after it debuted, the CX-5 still looks the part. Designed with KODO in mind, the wide-mouth grille will probably characterise the firm's family face for some time to come.
Complementing the stylish front facet are upswept headlamps that come with Xenon HIDs as standard.
A further example of the company's 'KODO: Soul Of Motion' design language is evident in the sculptured sides and prominent front wheel arches.
Another contemporary element is the C-pillar that gives off a muscular look from the back.
The CX-5 delivers a sophisticated design, which disguises its size as a compact SUV. Standing at 4,540mm by 1,840mm by 1,710mm (L x W x H), the CX-5 is indeed one of the larger small-sized SUVs . But with its steeply raked tailgate and wheel-at-each-corner stance, the CX-5 appears sleeker and more compact than its rivals.
Interior
The cabin is one area where the Mazda CX-5 has raised the bar for compact SUVs. It has a very slick design, with nice, modern instrumentation and a good-looking centre console.
Soft-touch surfaces, complemented with aluminium and piano black lacquer trim highlights, add a touch of class to the CX-5's interior.
The 5.8-inch touchscreen multimedia unit in the middle of the dash is also linked to a nine-speaker BOSE audio system for a quality concert-on-wheels experience while on the road.
The cabin is one area where the Mazda CX-5 has raised the bar for compact SUVs. It has a very slick design, with nice, modern instrumentation and a good-looking centre console.
Soft-touch surfaces, complemented with aluminium and piano black lacquer trim highlights, add a touch of class to the CX-5's interior.
The 5.8-inch touchscreen multimedia unit in the middle of the dash is also linked to a nine-speaker BOSE audio system for a quality concert-on-wheels experience while on the road.
Plush leather seats feature good bolstering and lumbar support, giving passengers the comfort needed for a long trip up North, while the driver gets an additional eight-way power adjustment.
The sporty three-spoke steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach for a high driving position (popular with SUV buyers) and a clear view of the nicely laid out three-gauge instrument cluster housed in a modern, curved binnacle.
The aspect of practicality is covered in the CX-5 too. Roomier inside than the old CX-7 despite being more compact, there's a decent amount of head and legroom in the rear quarters.
The Drive
Powering the diesel powered CX-5 is a 2.2-litre engine with SkyActiv-D technology that produces 173bhp and a healthy dose of 420Nm of torque.
As with all diesels, the good stuff happens from around 1,500 to 3,500rpm. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the time taken for the car to reach 100km/h from standstill is 9.4 seconds, a 0.1 seconds advantage over the base CX-5.
The engine doesn't sound excessively gruff under spirited driving, and the 'i-stop' start-stop system is one of the most subtle examples we have experienced.
With spirited driving, we only managed 11.7km/L during the time we spent with the car and were unable to match the claimed fuel economy of 16.9km/L.
It's a pity that paddle shifters aren't available, especially when this is one of those diesel SUVs that has a playful nature enough to warrant them. Nonetheless, self service for enthusiastic drives is still available via the gear lever.
Through corners, the CX-5 is well-behaved, doing without any unpredictable drama that's often associated with compact SUVs. It sits through bends with just a tad of body roll, which is forgivable for a car of its height.
Powering the diesel powered CX-5 is a 2.2-litre engine with SkyActiv-D technology that produces 173bhp and a healthy dose of 420Nm of torque.
As with all diesels, the good stuff happens from around 1,500 to 3,500rpm. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the time taken for the car to reach 100km/h from standstill is 9.4 seconds, a 0.1 seconds advantage over the base CX-5.
The engine doesn't sound excessively gruff under spirited driving, and the 'i-stop' start-stop system is one of the most subtle examples we have experienced.
With spirited driving, we only managed 11.7km/L during the time we spent with the car and were unable to match the claimed fuel economy of 16.9km/L.
It's a pity that paddle shifters aren't available, especially when this is one of those diesel SUVs that has a playful nature enough to warrant them. Nonetheless, self service for enthusiastic drives is still available via the gear lever.
Through corners, the CX-5 is well-behaved, doing without any unpredictable drama that's often associated with compact SUVs. It sits through bends with just a tad of body roll, which is forgivable for a car of its height.
But that's just a small complain to have, really, considering the vehicle's poised ride and the suspension handling uneven surfaces with ease.
The diesel powered CX-5 also comes with full time all-wheel drive (AWD), providing the flexibility of going off the usual road.
Conclusion
In most ways, the CX-5 Diesel impresses. It's well-equipped, rides beautifully and handles decently.
At $191,988 (as at 26th July 2013), the CX-5 Diesel is $25,000 more expensive than the base CX-5. However, with its oil burning nature and efficient fuel consumption, coupled with cheaper prices of diesel at the pumps, the CX-5 will garner cost savings in the long run.
Despite some minor flaws - its slightly steep entry price among them - the CX-5 Diesel is a very accomplished vehicle and a worthy addition to Mazda highly popular range.
