Mazda CX-5: Stop At The Top
MAZDA CX-5
STOP AT THE TOP
Words: Marco Mancino
Photography: S. Lomax
I approached the Mazda brand several years ago, almost by chance, driving what would later become my weekend car to enjoy with my girlfriend at the time, a blue MX-5 NB. In those days – that seem really far away – Mazda was known in the circle of fans for the two-seater roadster and for the much rarer and more demanding RX-7. The rest of the range, with the exception of the 626, which has always had a special place in my heart, certainly did not wink to driving purists not even to those who were looking for a premium sedan. It’s been a few years now, I’ve lost a few hairs and today Mazda embodies in all senses the essence of a high quality brand, strong of a range that from the small 2 arrives up to the CX-5 SUV, renewed deeply compared to the first series presented in 2012.
The test at our office is what can be defined as “the top of the range”, a 2.2 turbodiesel with all-wheel drive and Exclusive package, which means equipped with any optional you would think of in the configuration phase. Its dimensions are not excessively bulky, measuring in fact 4 and a half meters in length for a meter and 88 centimeters in width, but once you get on board the impression is that you are in a much wider environment than you would expect. This is also thanks to the white leather interior and the panoramic roof. I close the door and I can immediately notice how those classic onboard noises are different than usual, the feeling of strength and compactness also transpires from a perfect assembly of plastics, which go to fit beautifully with those mahogany-like profiles that enrich the front area. Multi-function steering wheel with three spokes, 6-speed automatic transmission and a 7-inch screen controllable via the knob located between the gear lever and a large storage compartment. Engine start is keyless and then silence reigns around me. The 2.2 is a 4-cylinder, ideal for an SUV of just over a ton and a half of weight, but even with the car idling you do not hear a whisper. I put in drive and walk a few kilometers, lowering the window to hear the wind caressing the surfaces of the CX-5. In fact, there are sound-absorbing panels and thicker glass to help make the ride more relaxed and quiet, making this Mazda the car with the best interior acoustics – meaning that those who sit behind will have no problem chatting with the occupants in front. When you drive alone, you can turn on the excellent Bose audio system.
Setting the navigator is easy – always fast and precise – but what is most surprising about the CX-5 is the feeling of compactness while driving. The dimensions do not betray, visibility is always good in every direction you look, sensors and parking cameras intervene to lend a hand when needed and the cruising quietness makes every trip, even the longest ones, an authentic walk in the park. There is no problem even for fuel consumption, as the declared data of 5.8 l/100km in the mixed cycle, 6.7 l/100km in the city and 5.3 l/100km in the extra urban area are true and thanks to the large capacity of the tank, the stops by the gas station will be rare. The four-wheel drive provides safety even when the road is not in perfect condition, while the care that Mazda has put for acoustic soundproofing is reiterated also in terms of isolation from dust and rain. At times, driving for long distances, I completely forgot to be driving a Mazda, firmly believing to be in the driving seat of a German, and this, let me say that, is an exceptional result for a brand that in a few years has so radically increased its prestige.
An SUV with a lot to say, both in terms of materials and performance, thanks to its 175 horsepower and a torque of 420Nm, available at just 2000 revs. All this allows you to reach 100 per hour in less than 10 seconds and exceed 200 kph, once in speed. Being a car that aspires to offer room for five people, every detail that can improve on board comfort is to be observed with care, as the luggage compartment that can reach up to 1620 liters starting from 506 liters, ideal for arranging photographic equipment, a pair of tripods and the respective owner inside. Leather all around is soft, plastics do not creak and the instrumentation behind the steering wheel is clear and precise, both day and night-long. Honorable mention for its design, which on the recent Mazda has allowed to vent the inspiration of its artists through sharp optical groups and the large front grille that goes along perfectly with an interruption that also includes the headlights and the lower chrome fascia. For buying a CX-5 you need € 28,150 (2.0 petrol 165hp and with only front-wheel drive), but do yourself a favor, scroll the price list to the bottom and check the 2.2 AWD Exclusive – there is almost everything included with some € 11,000 more. The automatic transmission is sharp and convenient, especially for those who drive a lot in the city, it costs another € 2,000, but completes an SUV that does not fear rivals, even those that until today could not even be taken into consideration as such, and now they have to sleep with one eye open.
MAZDA CX-5 2.2 AWD Exclusive (2017-)
Layout – front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 2.191cc – turbodiesel
Transmission – 6-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 175 hp @ 4.500 rpm
420 Nm @ 2.000 rpm
Weight – 1.670 kg
Acceleration – 9,5 sec.
Top Speed – 206 kph
Price – from € 39.850
Price as tested – € 42.950