Presentation and road test of the Mazda CX-5 2017, expanding horizons

The CX-5 is one of the most important and most influential models for Mazda. With the compact SUV segment in full and continuous expansion, the Japanese brand wants its share of the pie.

To stay among the top spots in the sales charts, Mazda Mazdahas thoroughly updated the CX-5 to improve its looks and give it greater technological content.

Exterior design, more KODO than ever

The design language of the current Mazda is known as KODO. Every model currently on sale draws on this trend, which seeks to fuse nature and movement with vehicles to create a muscular, robust design that is as attractive to the eye as possible.

The 2017 CX-5 measures 4.55 metres long, 1.84 metres wide and 1.68 metres high
The CX-5 is no exception. Compared with the 2015 CX-5, the 2017 model receives numerous changes to its design, some of them of major significance. The bodywork keeps its dimensions virtually unchanged, at 4.55 metres long, 1.84 metres wide and 1.68 metres high, but its design is completely new.

The front of the 2017 CX-5 commands attention thanks to the sharpness of its lines. The light units are smaller and more elongated, and they merge with the chrome surround of the large front grille. The bonnet and bumper join in a kind of “visor” across the centre, leaving the grille and headlights recessed, creating a sense of a “floating element”.

At the bottom we find a small horizontal moulding that houses the fog lights, which are so small that they are barely visible when switched off.
The side is more conservative, although Mazda claims the A-pillar has changed position to improve the car’s dynamic image.

The glazed area offers a more harmonious look, accompanied by chrome strips along its lower edge that enhance the overall appearance. At the rear, the CX-5 features more pronounced shoulders and redesigned tail lights that, once again, are smaller than the previous ones, bearing a strong resemblance to those of the Mazda 3. Some body colours are new, as is the design of the alloy wheels.

Interior design, more harmony and better finishes

The cabin of the new CX-5 offers a more attractive design thanks to several refinements that, while leaving the basic lines of the previous CX-5 intact, update and improve its look and perceived quality. The dashboard adopts more dynamic lines, with more stylish air vents and somewhat more eye-catching materials.

Both the instrumentation and the steering wheel are new, as is the structure of the centre console, which has raised the position of the gear lever by several centimetres to achieve a more ergonomic driving posture. It is clear that greater attention has been paid to detail, as the CX-5 can now be fitted with rubber mats for the cup holders or an upholstered glovebox, while padded surfaces are more abundant on the doors and centre console.

The cabin retains the spaciousness that has characterised it until now, with enough room for four adults to travel without feeling cramped. In the rear we find new central air vents and USB charging ports, as well as doors with an especially wide opening angle. The boot gains some capacity, now offering 477 litres, and also has a very useful false floor. Depending on the equipment, the tailgate can be electrically operated.

Equipment and technology, improving on what was already there

The equipment of the 2017 CX-5 is broader than ever. To the already generous specification that has always characterised the CX-5, new systems are now added that improve comfort and safety on board this Japanese SUV. The innovations focus above all on safety, where the CX-5 stands out as one of the most complete SUVs on the market.

Plenty of technology at the driver’s service, much of it standard
The 2017 CX-5 introduces systems such as G-Vectoring, a vectoring stability system that intelligently distributes engine torque to improve cornering performance, or MRCC, an adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function. There are also upgrades to systems already known, such as the intelligent LED headlights, which now feature 12 LED modules per unit for more refined operation. The Head-Up Display can now project information directly onto the windscreen.

Soundproofing and insulation have been improved in the cabin thanks to more extensive use of sound-absorbing materials, thicker glass, smaller wing mirrors and more efficient aerodynamics that reduce noise intrusion into the interior.

The brand’s three classic trim levels, called Style, Style+ and Luxury, have evolved and are now named Origin, Evolution and Zenith. The first of these already includes features such as LED front headlights, 17-inch wheels, the Autohold function and rear-seat ventilation outlets.

Above it, the Evolution trim adds full LED front and rear lights, lane change warning, blind-spot detection, fatigue detection, a colour Head-Up Display, a rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors, among others.
Finally, the Zenith trim adds intelligent LED headlights, the Bose sound system, satellite navigation, 19-inch alloy wheels and an electric tailgate.

Engines and prices, the full range

The CX-5 will be available with two petrol engines and two diesel engines. In petrol, buyers can choose between the well-known 2.0 Skyactiv-G with 165 CV (160 CV with all-wheel drive) and a new 2.5 Skyactiv-G with 194 CV featuring intelligent cylinder deactivation, which is mandatorily paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

On the diesel side, the same engines as before remain, a 2.2 Skyactiv-D in two power outputs, 150 and 175 CV. All engines except the 2.5 are available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and a 6-speed automatic gearbox is also available.

Having tested the less powerful options in both diesel and petrol, it is clear that the 150 CV diesel variant will be one of the most in-demand thanks to its good balance of performance and consumption, although the 165 CV petrol engine offers a very high level of refinement.

The 160 CV petrol variant paired with the manual gearbox and all-wheel drive delivers good thrust in the shorter gears, although in certain situations it struggles to maintain speed, practically begging for a downshift by one or even two gears, which may not suit everyone’s taste.

The chassis continues to offer the same balance between dynamics and stability as before. The work on aerodynamic soundproofing is also noticeable, making the 2017 CX-5 one of the quietest vehicles in its segment, including premium alternatives. These are all the prices:

Technical specifications of this car

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