Mazda CX-5 100th Anniversary – A queen with the right heart

I think it is not necessary to discuss too much the path taken by the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda. While others are betting on small-volume turbo engines, hybrid systems or recently popular full electrification, Mazda has decided to try to make the most of the classic combustion engine and push it to the very edge of possibilities. Considering that Mazda is a relatively small car company that does not have the background of a large concern, it has to think carefully about every investment and thus does not invent too much and does not change what works very well. And maybe he just wants to show the world that the naturally aspirated internal combustion engine is not dead and still has something to offer.

Anyway, thanks to the Japanese, we have one of the last options to enjoy the real high revs, and lately information has been leaking that Mazda would like to move to a higher league, where it could offer better interiors, the classic concept of the engine in the front and driving the rear wheels and thus claim higher margins on individual models. We could therefore consider the tested CX-5 in the special 100th Anniversary edition to be the last swallow with an "ordinary atmosphere".

The CX-5 is a typical representative of medium-sized SUVs. It is among the best-selling models of this brand ever, and its second generation has been with us for the fourth year. During that time, you could have met him in several editions and in our reviews. So we will refrain from a typical evaluation of the appearance, since there have been practically no changes since then. Instead, we'll focus on the differences that took place during the refinement of each model year and contributed to a better feel of the vehicle.

The design of the exterior has not undergone any changes, while the interior has certainly been improved. Previously, we sometimes complained that it is well put together and ergonomically good, but it lacks specialness and some kind of extra standard. So it no longer applies here. At least in this limited edition, the interior is really nice. The combination of black and red with white elements is interesting and raises the impression of the interior a little higher. The silver seat control buttons are also a nice detail.

On the headrests we can find an embossed logo of the car company with a reminder that it is celebrating 100 years of existence (which was current in 2020). The infotainment environment has also been modernized along the lines of the new three. It is clear and intuitive, which is not always the rule. In addition, Mazda removed one of the control options, following the model of the 3 and 6 series, and the fact that now the infotainment can be controlled only with the wheel on the central tunnel. The touch is only functional when the vehicle is stopped and, as before, I have to say that I don't miss tapping on the display at all while driving.

Under the hood we find the most powerful engine that you can (and must!) treat yourself to. Gasoline 2.5-ka Skyactiv-G194 with 143 kWi (194 hp) and 258 Nm of torque. It fits the character of the vehicle perfectly. It is not a screaming asphalt ripper, but rather such a calm and deliberate force. He is exemplary quiet and very cultured. In order to save fuel, it can switch off two cylinders at low load and use less fuel. However, the switch-off is practically unrecognizable and you have a real chance to notice it only if you directly watch the indicator light on the central display, which alerts you to the two-cylinder mode.

The naturally aspirated unit transmits its quiet potential to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic that does its job very well, as you will practically not know about it. Consumption is kept within reasonable limits, and the value of 8.5 l/100 km is just great for this large SUV.

The CX-5 has the same well-adjusted driving philosophy as other Mazda models. It has very pleasant steering and a great chassis. However, don't expect sporty driving or any wild experiences behind the wheel here. The CX-5 is aimed more at a more relaxed ride and spoils its crew with easy rocking and exemplary driving comfort. By the standards of this brand, here we find above-standard noise reduction.

The Mazda CX-5 has reached us. To its final stage, in a good way. A typical person interested in this category of SUV will appreciate the refined driving level, exemplary acoustic comfort, luxuriously designed cabin and spacious interior. It continues to be exceptional in the area of the drive unit – a relatively large atmospheric engine just isn't available. The Mazda CX-5 is really nice to drive, and if you're looking for an unusual SUV that will make ordinary days more enjoyable, you've probably come to the right place. The base price of the tested Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-G194 4WD 100th Anniversary version is a decent €39,950…

You can find the entire photo gallery here: MAZDA CX-5 100th Anniversar y