Mazda CX-5

Bermaz Motor introduced the second-generation Mazda CX-5 back in 2017, which aims to take on the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, and Proton X70.  (Proton X70 CKD vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Which one should you buy)

Currently, Bermaz offers 5 variants of the 2019 Mazda CX-5, with prices ranging from RM 137,269 to RM 181,660.

Design

Compared to the previous generation Mazda CX-5, the newer generation model gets a more pronounced front grille, flanked by slim headlights. 

The CX-5 is also the first Mazda model to feature Soul Red Crystal. 

Dimensions

Lighting

All 5 variants of the Mazda CX-5 receive LED headlights and LED front fog light, though with some differences.

The base CX-5 2.0 Mid gets bulb-type daytime running lights and tail lights, while all other variants get LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights. 

Wheels

Two wheel sizes are available on the Mazda CX-5.

Build Quality

For the build quality, you can check this article: Mazda CX-5 Turbo CKD looks good on the outside but dated on the inside – Ratings

Dashboard

Mazda has done a swell job with the CX-5's interior, as it looks and feels more upmarket than the emblem suggests. 

Material quality is top notch, and Mazda has utilized a good mix of metal and soft touch materials to create a lovely cabin.

Space and Practicality

As lovely as the cabin's quality is, space and practicality fall behind the reigning champion - the Honda CR-V. 

The interior of the Mazda CX-5 also feels more cramped than the CR-V.

Boot

With the second-row seats up, boot space is a meagre 442 litres (Honda CR-V: 522 litres).

However, boot space can be expanded to a whopping 1,342 litres (Honda CR-V: 1,084 litres) once the second-row seats are folded down.

Safety Features

All variants of the Mazda CX-5 get 6 airbags, stability control, and traction control as standard fitment. 

Upper variants of the CX-5 add Adaptive LED Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Front and Rear Smart City Brake Support. 

Adaptive Cruise Control is not available on the Mazda CX-5.

Comfort Features

The Mazda CX-5 gets a decent amount of comfort features, including leather upholstery, USB charging ports for the rear passengers, rear air-conditioning vents, and powered front seats (variant dependent). 

Infotainment

All variants of the Mazda CX-5 get a 7-inch infotainment system running on Mazda Connect (MZD Connect) software. 

The infotainment system also includes support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

A 6-speaker set-up is the sole option we get. 

Engine

Mazda offers 4 powertrain options with the CX-5. 

Transmission

Regardless of which engine you pick, a 6-speed torque converter automatic comes as standard. 

Unlike the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-5 does not come equipped with paddle shifters.

Drivetrain

The CX-5 2.5G Turbo is the only all-wheel drive variant.

All other variants are front-wheel drive.

Acceleration

The 230 PS/420 Nm Mazda CX-5 2.5T takes just 7.8 seconds to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint.

Engine Performance

The Mazda CX-5 2.5T is the most powerful C-segment SUV you can get. 

Despite its turbocharged nature, power delivery is surprisingly linear, almost like a large capacity naturally-aspirated engine.

Transmission Performance

Gear shifts of the 6-speed torque converter automatic may not be as quick as dual-clutch units, though shifts are reasonably smooth.

Steering and Handling

The ride is on the firm side due to the stiff suspension set up and large 19-inch alloys wrapped in 225/55 R19 tyres.

It’s not crashy by along stretch but you will notice more undulation being transmitted into the cabin.

Check out the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Performance Ratings here.

Sound Proofing

The use of double-glazed windows, additional insulation materials in the wheel wells and engine hood are very effective in blocking exterior noise from seeping into the engine.

As a result, while cruising at 110 km/h, the cabin registered 68.6 dB.

Passenger Comfort

Due to the Mazda CX-5's sporty nature, ride is on the firm side. 

The CX-5 does not iron out road irregularities as well as the Mitsubishi Outlander, which is a surprisingly comfortable SUV.

Fuel Consumption

After covering roughly 146 km, the Mazda CX-5 2.5T returned an average fuel consumption of 10.4-litre/100 km.

With 5 variants of the Mazda CX-5 on sale, there is a CX-5 for almost everyone - be it a base 2.0-litre or the all-out 2.5-litre turbocharged model.

Regardless of which variant you choose to go for, the interior and driving dynamics are largely identical, which is a testament of Mazda's Jinba-Ittai philosophy. 

For those who want an upmarket SUV without breaking the bank, it's hard to argue against the Mazda CX-5's all-rounded capabilities.