Mazda CX-5 2.2 SKYACTIV-D 150 CV AUT 4WD, test drive (Equipment, prices and overall assessment)

After several weeks with our test of two SUVs with a lot to say, we now reach the end of these two road tests of the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Mazda CX-5. To close this chapter, we will analyse the equipment, prices and overall assessment of both models.

On the Mazda CX-5, we already analysed the engine, performance and fuel consumption in the first part of the test. As for the design, interior, space, practicality and finishes, we covered them in the second part of the test.

Equipment

As standard equipment, it comes with an extensive set of safety systems that stand out compared with what is usual in SUVs. Besides the front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control and tyre pressure warning, it also comes as standard with an assistant that helps prevent collisions in the city. As for the Euro NCAP stars, the CX-5 has achieved five stars in the tests carried out recently.

The Mazda CX-5 detects the vehicle in front and, should it brake, will alert the driver and apply braking force to bring the CX-5 to a complete stop if we are travelling below 30 km/h. If we are going faster, it brakes and warns us of the risk of collision, but it can no longer guarantee that the vehicle will have enough time to stop completely.

This system is not new; recently several new models on the market have offered it, but the novelty with the Mazda is that it comes as standard rather than as an extra. It forms part of a sizeable group of technological features that the Japanese brand is debuting on this SUV.

Among the other optional novelties, there are bi-xenon adaptive headlights with automatic high beam, a blind-spot warning on the wing mirrors (Mazda has been one of the brands that has most championed this very useful technology), and a lane departure assistant that warns us by imitating the sound of rumble strips on the asphalt through the speakers on the side we are drifting towards (above 65 km/h).

Another detail that also surprised us was the ECO mode of the climate control, since we can switch on the air conditioning in a less powerful way (regardless of air flow or the chosen temperature), thereby saving fuel.

The rest of the standard equipment consists of 17-inch alloy wheels, CD-MP3 touchscreen radio with USB and AUX input, dual-zone climate control, front fog lights, light and rain sensors, and a steering wheel and gear lever trimmed in leather, among other elements. In short, a complete specification.

Prices

• Mazda CX-5 2.0 l. 165 CV 2WD Style 24,790 euros
• Mazda CX-5 2.0 l. 160 CV 4WD Style 27,790 euros
• Mazda CX-5 2.0 l. 160 CV 4WD Luxury AT 32,890 euros
• Mazda CX-5 2.2 l. 150 CV 2WD Style 26,990 euros
• Mazda CX-5 2.2 l. 150 CV 2WD Style AT 28,990 euros
• Mazda CX-5 2.2 l. 150 CV 4WD Style 29,990 euros
• Mazda CX-5 2.2 l. 150 CV 4WD Style AT 31,990 euros
• Mazda CX-5 2.2 l. 150 CV 4WD Luxury 33,090 euros
• Mazda CX-5 2.2 l. 150 CV 4WD Luxury AT 35,090 euros
• Mazda CX-5 2.2 l. 175 CV 4WD Luxury AT 35,690 euros

Overall assessment

Now it is time to assess our two protagonists in these twin tests: two SUVs, both diesel, automatic and with all-wheel drive. The first thing to assess is precisely the engines section: on one side there is the well-known 140 CV TDI, which returns slightly higher consumption figures than the new Mazda engines.

In terms of performance we hardly notice any differences, but in smoothness the balance tips in favour of the Japanese model. In terms of gearbox, the DSG is obviously ahead, but not by much. It surprised us pleasantly to see that the Mazda gearbox, although not a dual-clutch, is quick and holds the car well in corners; that said, paddle shifters and a sport mode would come in very handy.

Another element to assess is all-wheel drive, as in both cases there are versions available with 4×2 drive that will be perfectly valid for most uses; sometimes it is more a question of choosing good tyres than of the drivetrain. Choosing all-wheel drive means a higher price and higher consumption, although both prove to be up to the task, or at the same level, never forgetting that they are crossovers.

One aspect we will not assess is the exterior design, since it is very personal and both have contemporary lines (one because of its facelift and the other because it is new to the market). The interior is similar in both; it is surprising that both models use quality materials on the upper part (a milestone for Mazda) and hard plastics in other areas. As for rear space, and without a tape measure in hand, the Japanese model has a slight advantage.

In terms of equipment, both arrive strongly with their standard equipment, and the extras are similar, except for the city collision-prevention system that the Mazda includes as standard; it is also slightly more expensive at the outset than the Tiguan.

That said, as always the final decision is yours, but both cars are practically at the same level; that is the conclusion we have reached after these two tests of two equivalent versions.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadMazda CX-57 versions · from 35,200 €