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Trying to find the right crossover among the ocean of options in the industry has become a more daunting task than trying help your grade 10 high school child solve his or her qualitative interpretation of correlation math problem. Where do you start?
There are countless variables and each vehicle flaunts on or more aspects that are superior to this or that competitor. It is for this reason that we automotive journalists take the time to review and test as many new vehicles as possible to help you figure out what’s what. Following our recent experience with the new 2017 Mazda CX-5, we can report to you that flaws or shortcomings are very rare.
Based on the average consumer’s wants and needs, the CX-5 will not have you wishing for more. If comfort, refinement, storage and an entertaining driving experience are amid your criteria, you’ll find the Mazda at or near the top of your shopping list. Read on for more details.
From the very first glance, it is difficult not to be smitten by the CX-5’s physical charm, especially when draped in Soul Red. The front fascia is powerful, yet subdued and the shell’s bodylines are dynamic and elegant.
What’s truly important is the CX-5’s utility level. Mazda did its very best to retain all of the previous vehicle’s best attributes all the while improving the new CUV on the whole. The rear doors now open wider for improved access to the rear bench, which in turn makes infant car seat manipulations that much easier. The seatback now reclines which will further comfort for the neighbouring 10-year-old. The trunk now features a completely flat loading area even with the 2nd row folded and can be accessorized by an optional power tailgate.
The new dashboard is clean and unobstructed. Working the controls is child’s play and it doesn’t take too long to get used to the rotary knob for the onscreen menus. We can also use the more intuitive touchscreen to navigate through the options. Unfortunately, the display and graphics have not aged well but current connectivity options are decent despite the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Audio. The front seats are comfy however the armrest is too short and set too far back. Thankfully, storage bins are a plenty and large like the ones in the front doors.
Where performance and fuel economy are concerned, the new Mazda CX-5 is right in the thick of things with its competition. Its 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine has been revised for longevity and has gained a few horsepower for a grand total of 187. The 2.0-litre 4-pot is still available however it just barely does the job. Opting for the 2.5 is a better bet as it comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Mazda’s proficient i-Activ AWD system should be considered. In GX guise, all of this is attainable for $28,300. The base CX-5 retails for $24,900. For those interested, a diesel engine will be obtainable by the end of 2017.
Mazda’s new compact crossover’s drive is nothing short of excellent. The efforts put forth to reduce noise, vibration and harshness and the availability of G-Vectoring control have paid off and elevated the mid-pack CX-5 to the front lines. It is now quieter, and far more refined.
The platform of the new CX-5 is shared with the previous vehicle so the majority of its mechanical components are shared. Steering is revised slightly while transmission and throttle responses are tweaked. The sense of confidence and safety are omnipresent in this crossover. The bottom line is about wellbeing.
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 will land in dealership showrooms at the end of March. If you’re in the market for this type of vehicle, take a look at the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Mazda will seduce you not only with its good looks, but also with its drive and value proposition.
