Mazda CX-5

By introducing two new cars! The CX-5 is and will remain Mazda's mid-size SUV with familiar technology and appearance. In addition, Mazda is introducing the "CX-6e". This is also a mid-size SUV, but with a futuristic look and electric drive. Thus, Mazda serves both conservative and progressive buyers and does not have to compromise.

The new CX-5 again employs Mazda's "Kodo" style. This consists of flowing, almost organic lines interspersed with technical elements. The third generation of the CX-5 is therefore new, but also instantly recognisable as a CX-5. Because the proportions between the glass, sheet metal and wheels have remained the same, it is not immediately noticeable that the CX-5 has grown considerably. The new generation is 11 cm longer and has a 12 cm longer wheelbase.

Space

Which is evident inside! The boot is not only large, but also easily accessible thanks to the large tailgate. Something similar applies to the rear seat: the rear doors have become larger, making entry to the rear easy. Headroom in the rear is good, legroom even excellent. Space in the front is average for a car of this size. However, because of the large steering wheel, high seat and glass roof, the CX-5 feels larger. Like other Mazda cars, the CX-5 can automatically adjust the driver's seat according to their height. And as in other Mazda cars, this resulted in a comfortable seating position for the test driver.

The layout of the dashboard is verging on innovative. Few buttons remain as most functions are controlled from the steering wheel and via the large central display (12 inches on regular version, 15 inches on the "Homura" version driven here). As far as Autozine is concerned, Mazda has struck a good balance between on-screen and button controls, as frequently used functions are always at hand. In addition, many functions can be activated via the voice assistant.

To this end, Mazda uses Android Automotive. The Japanese manufacturer no longer develops its own audio, communication and navigation system but outsources it entirely to Google. The downside is loss of privacy (read the terms and conditions and shudder!) and concerns about long-term usability. This is because Mazda cannot comment on updates to the operating system, even though this could render the entire system unusable after just a few years. Compare this to the need for updates on an Android smartphone. When no more updates are available, the smartphone will gradually start working worse and worse, and so it goes with Android in the car.

The upside of this is an excellent navigation system that plans smart routes, knows exactly where the traffic jams are and is very flexible with entering destinations. A company name, description of a place or, if necessary, misspelled street name all suffice. Integration with Android phones (Android phones only!) is also perfect as all data linked to a Google account is available directly in the car. The smart voice-activated assistant is smarter than those of any other manufacturer because all the knowledge of the Google search engine is behind it.

Motor

With the CX-5 and CX-6e, Mazda offers two extremes. The CX-6e is an all-electric car. For now, the CX-5 is powered by a regular petrol engine. The "e-SkyActiv-G" is a four-cylinder petrol engine with a capacity of a whopping 2.5 litres developing only 141 hp / 238 PS. This seems an illogical design, but Mazda sees that the CX-5 is often used as for towing. According to the manufacturer, thanks to this unconventional design, consumption is lower in very intensive use (heavy trailer, heavy load, long distance, high speed). A start/stop system and cylinder deactivation should reduce consumption slightly.

Despite this, the CX-5 consumes 7 litres per 100 km on paper and test consumption, without a trailer and with only two people on board, came to 8.6 litres per 100 km. According to Mazda, customers want a good-natured engine, which is why power is built up extremely gradually. The character of the automatic gearbox is also tailored to this (pressing the "sport" button has hardly any effect). All this comes at the expense of liveliness, but benefits comfort. And speaking of comfort: driving noise is greatly reduced.

Driving behaviour

Mazda mounts shock absorbers that are firmer or softer depending on speed. Stability at high speed is therefore more than adequate. At lower speeds, the suspension is relatively soft, making the bodywork tilt more than in SUVs tuned for sportiness. Because of the soft springs, the nose rises during  acceleration and partly for this reason, despite the limited engine power, unintentional wheelspin occurred more than once (the test took place in cold and wet weather).

Mazda wanted the CX-5 to be especially comfortable on bad roads, and it certainly succeeded. An added benefit: because the car is so comfortable and driving is made so easy, the CX-5 is not tiring even after many hours of (test) driving.

Conclusion

How does Mazda manage to innovate without alienating itself from the customer? By introducing not one, but two new mid-size SUVs. The CX-6e is innovative, while the CX-5 is conservative. The looks are instantly familiar and the powertrain is conventional with proven technology. Space and sound insulation have been greatly improved.

But there is more! Because Mazda now offers two mid-size SUVs, the CX-5 is even more geared towards use as a tow vehicle and travel vehicle. The powertrain hardly seems to have been improved over the previous CX-5, but the differences only become apparent when towing a trailer, according to the manufacturer. With very intensive use, consumption would be lower than before. And with an eye on adventurous journeys, the chassis is better tuned for bad roads.

In short: the all-new Mazda CX-5 is like an artisan product: expertly prepared with respect for tradition.