Mazda CX-5 Turbo CKD looks good on the outside but dated on the inside – Ratings
Adrian Chia · Jan 31, 2020 05:06 PM
0
0
The Mazda CX-5 is locally-assembled (CKD) at Mazda Malaysia’s manufacturing plant in Kulim. The Malaysia-assembled SUV is also exported to neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
We examined how well built the CX-5 is and look at the features available on the Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo.
Build quality is superb as expected from the Mazda brand and it is proudly assembled by Malaysians.
Our test unit wears the Soul Red Crystal metallic paint and despite having a low average paint thickness of 88.9 μm, every panel has a consistent finish of between 87 to 95 μm.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Paint Thickness (unit: μm)
Location
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Front Bonnet
89
-
Front Fender
90
87
Front Doors
90
87
Rear Doors
95
95
C-Pillar
93
92
Tailgate
88
-
Roof
72
-
Average Paint Thickness: 88.9 μm
2019 Mazda CX-5 Panel Gaps (unit: mm)
Location
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Difference
Bonnet
3
3
0
Front Fender
3
3
0
Front To Rear Door
3
3
0
Rear Door To C-pillar
3
3.5
0.5
Tailgate
5.5
6.0
0.5
There is virtually no difference in panel gaps and even if there are discrepancies, it’s only a mere 0.5 mm difference. The CX-5 Turbo is the most well put together car we’ve tested on WapCar.
Part of the reason why the CX-5 Turbo is so well insulated is due to the generous use of soundproofing material on the engine bonnet and front fenders. The side windows are all of double-glazed construction to further suppress exterior noise.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Exterior Material Use
Test Area
Item
Result
Bonnet
Sound Proofing Material
Thick
Struts
Manual
Front Fenders
Sound Proofing Material
Yes
Doors
Front Windows
Double Glazed
Rear Windows
Single Glazed
Construction
One Piece
Tailgate/Boot
Opening
Manual
The cabin is furnished with high-quality soft-touch materials at all the important touchpoints. Feature-wise, the CX-5 Turbo is decently equipped with the 7.0-inch MZD touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered front seats, 360-degree camera and windscreen projected heads-up display.
However, it lacks premium convenience features such as powered sunroof and premium audio sound system available on other class rivals.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Cabin Material Use
Test Area
Item
Result
Seat
Seat Cover
Leather
Armrest
Armrest Cover
Leather
Dashboard
Upper Section
Soft Plastic
Lower Section
Hard Plastic
Front Doors
Upper Section
Leather
Middle Section
Leather
Lower Section
Hard Plastic
The CX-5 Turbo is also only equipped with Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. It does not come with adaptive cruise control like some of its class rivals.
Having experienced the new-generation Mazda 3’s interior, the cabin of the CX-5 Turbo does feel a tad bit dated. The Mazda 3 has a much tidier layout and slicker infotainment screen.
Nevertheless, the Mazda CX-5 Turbo is a very well-built and decently equipped SUV. Coupled with the performance of the 2.5-litre turbo engine, it’s asking price of RM 181,770 (OTR without insurance) is justifiable.
Psychology graduate with over 4 years in the automotive industry, 3 in front of the camera. Occasionally seen at his family owned tyre shop. Will only buy cars that passes the big bottle test.