Yes, it really is a MAZDA!

It must be hard for manufacturers to compete with one another. Everyone is doing things better, cheaper and faster. In the meantime, Mazda has quietly been working at improving and upgrading its cars and over the last few years a total revamp of most of its model line up has occurred.  The overused term, “Kodo design elements” running through of its model lineups. This is basically just a fancy way of saying “We hired a really expensive designer, and we’re sure you’re going to like the way our cars look.”

On the road

Our test car came with attractive 19”wheels with chunky 55 profile tyres. The ride comfort was refreshingly good and the CVT gearbox was smooth and seamless. The car’s weight only really showing when on the open road where the car felt imposing and much like any other SUV. In town, the interior lends itself to the car feeling like it’s a much smaller runabout. The steering is slightly heavier than I would have liked but after a few days of driving felt as normal as any other car of this size.

CX-5 is a very very attractive car and dare I say not much else in this price range looks, to put it bluntly, as expensive as this. Especially in the Sonic Silver as our test car. I spotted another car with exactly the same spec on my commute and was impressed by the cars overall appearance and presence.

Fuel economy

CX-5 is very frugal and where I would usually use about a tank of fuel on a test car a week, CX-5 barely moved the needle as we managed to get close to the 6.0l/100 fuel consumption.

The CX-5 continues that with the latest 2018 diesel model that now features AWD. A big selling point if your commuting on gravel or if you live in an area where snow often occurs. But in South Africa, this is hardly necessary and with the AWD already being as economical as it is, I would imagine the 2WD version might use even less fuel in the real world.

Interior

CX-5 is very well specced. Inside it’s all business with a very intuitive SATNAV system, tilt sunroof, heads-up display, PDC front and rear and touchscreen. All standard. You also get push-button start, hill start assist, rain sensing wipers and auto LED headlamps.  Mazda has thrown the entire spec list at this car and demanded that the engineers make sure almost everything is included as standard.  I did miss the optional seat warmers on these cold winter mornings but other than one is constantly reminded of how good the interior is by the stitching, leather, comfortable seats and good ergonomics.  The boot is automatic and with 442l of luggage space, big too, but not as big as its main rival, the Hyundai Tuscon.

Verdict

And that bring me to my point about the latest raft of Japanese AWD cars. For the most part, they are good. And the Mazda CX-5 is a standout amongst those, but for South Africa, unless your commute or travels involves long vauts on gravel roads, its almost not necessary.  For my money, I would get exactly the same spec and opt for one of the front wheel drive version. You’ll probably save some fuel money too and get to spend that on heated seats!

Need to know:

• Price: R571 300
• Engine/Drivetrain: 2.2 Diesel/AWD
• Power: 140kW
• Torque: 450Nm
• Consumption: 6.9l/100
• 0-100 9.5 Seconds