We have currently subjected the already quite familiar Mazda CX-5 to an editorial test. This time in the highest specification with the most powerful naturally aspirated gasoline engine, combined with an automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and the highest Revolution Top equipment.
The Mazda CX-5, its second generation, has been produced since 2017, and we had the opportunity to test it in our tests both in diesel and in a weaker two-liter gasoline version. We have also already informed you that Mazda simply does not follow the path of downsizing and remains faithful to the classic volume in the case of its engines. And it is no different for the tested car, which was equipped with a 2.5-liter engine with a power of 134 kW. In principle, the weaker engines offered are connected to front-wheel drive and manual transmission, with more powerful units you then have a choice, both in the choice of drive and in the choice of transmission. Unfortunately, this does not apply to the specification we tested, it is only supplied with four-wheel drive and an automatic six-speed gearbox. In an effort to save as much fuel as possible, this engine is also equipped with half-cylinder shutdown technology, but more on that later.
Let's focus currently on the external appearance of the tested CX-5, because the second generation of the five is a really good piece. It very successfully camouflages belonging to the SUV segment, its elegance and ferocity are evident from every centimeter. The front part of the car is a separate chapter of Mazda's design manual. The small and focused headlights effectively contrast with the rather large mask of the car, all of which is underlined by a rather subtle line that is located in the lower part of the bumper and the fog lights are integrated into it. The side profile of the car is a presentation of completeness and compactness, complemented by a discreet coating of the lower part of the body, which contrasts effectively with a pair of chromed Sebring exhaust tips in the tested version.
The Mazda CX-5 is simply a very elegant car, the mentioned elegance is achieved here by a fairly simple basic shape, which is complemented by elaborate details, and it is this combination that completes a great whole.
The interior of the five is very spacious thanks to its wheelbase and high body structure. The highest equipment tested by us, the Revolution Top, has leather seats, electrically adjustable front seats, a color head-up display, adaptive cruise control or dual-zone automatic climate control. The position behind the wheel, including the overall ergonomics of the interior layout, is traditionally excellent. You will get used to Mazda very quickly. The massive instrument panel still has a pair of classic analog speedometer and tachometer indicators. The third is dedicated to the current consumption indicator or information from the on-board computer. The middle part of the dashboard is dedicated to the on-board infotainment display (for me, personally, the weakest link in the entire interior), which is used to control the navigation, phone and audio system via the HMI interface on the center panel. The massive tunnel between the driver and passenger is dedicated to the classic, elegant automatic transmission selector lever, the on-board infotainment controller, the parking brake and, last but not least, the rocker switch for driving modes, or the switch between NORMAL and SPORT modes. Of course, the aforementioned spaciousness of the Mazda also prevails in the rear seats. In the second generation, the luggage compartment offers you 509 liters of volume.
As I already mentioned in the introduction, Mazda is not one of the car companies that follow the path of downsizing, i.e. by reducing the volume of the engine and then catching up with the turbocharger, I personally like this approach very much. The test car is the best example of this direction, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with an output of 194 hp (143 kW) with a torque of 258 Nm, the power of which is transmitted to all four wheels via a classic, variable-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the operation of the automatic transmission sometimes surprised me with its slightly delayed reaction to the movement of the gas pedal. On the other hand, it must be said that after switching the car to sports mode and to manual shifting, which takes place directly on the selector of the automatic transmission, not with paddles under the steering wheel, it subsequently put such a smile on my face that you will immediately forgive any previous transmission ailment. In addition to the predatory driving style, let's add a finely tuned soundtrack that blares from the rear tuned Sebring tailpipes, and the driving experience is close to perfection in the SUV category. Naturally aspirated engines need to be revved to deliver power, and this engine doesn't have the slightest problem with that either. The chassis, which is very well tuned, also contributes to the overall pleasant driving experience. After all, we are in the SUV category, but the CX-5's driving behavior when driving through bends does not indicate this in any way. The car is also equipped with the G-Vectoring Control system, which plays with the torque during cornering and tries to prevent the car from understeer. Tested motorization, tuned exhaust tips, the option of a sports mode, Mazda still thoughtfully tempts you to drive a little sharper, yet we drove it during the editorial week with a consumption of around 8.3 l. The tested motorization was equipped with the technology of switching off half of the cylinders, namely the outer ones, so the fuel supply to the cylinders is interrupted and the subsequent fuel saving in the intergenerational comparison of cars (simply put).
As a model, the Mazda CX-5 is certainly an interesting choice in the given SUV category. It will offer you an original approach to the motorizations offered, it will offer you an original and pleasing exterior design and it will certainly offer you enough interior space. Furthermore, it is a car that will simply be fun to drive, and will also bring you a great deal of practicality. The version tested by us is simply the best of this model's offer. The CX-5 model starts with a list price of CZK 560,900 including VAT (petrol 2.0l with manual six-speed transmission and Emotion equipment), for the tested version with the most powerful gasoline engine, automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and the highest Revolution Top equipment, you will pay a hefty 907 900 CZK including VAT.
Nevertheless, I dare to say that this car is worth it.
