Test drive Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 CV 4x2, Japanese premium style

The Japanese firm continues to update its entire range, this time with the new generation of the Mazda CX-5, with the Japanese achieving the squaring of the circle by creating a CX-5 that is more elegant and has lines to European taste, while maintaining and improving its dynamic qualities thanks to the incorporation of G-Vectoring Control.

We took the wheel of the Mazda CX-5 with the 2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel engine with 150 CV, six-speed manual gearbox, front-wheel drive and Zenith trim. One of the most balanced versions of this Japanese SUV, which arrives loaded with novelties: new design, higher interior quality, improved dynamics and a complete safety equipment package.

Exterior Design

The first thing that catches the eye of the new Mazda CX-5 is the front, with the grille that is the brand’s signature and the raised headlights taking centre stage, highlighting the junction between the headlights and grille with the bonnet, leaving the lines literally exposed to the air.

The front headlights feature LED technology for all lighting functions, also automatically switching between high and low beam to maintain the best possible light beam, with an adaptive function that follows steering. Another striking detail is the tiny but effective LED fog lights located in a very low position.

On the sides, the two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R19 tyres stand out. At the rear, the shapes have been softened and the lights have a new design, with LED technology. The double exhaust outlet adds the sporty touch and the tailgate is electric in this Zenith trim.

Interior Design

This is where the changes with respect to the previous generation are most noticeable: the design remains sober and practical but with higher-quality materials and a finish worthy of a premium vehicle, on a par with any German car. Few buttons on the dashboard, and the only ones visible are on the centre console or the climate control. The finish mixes soft plastic, leather, steel and even wood inserts, especially highlighting the quality of the door trims. The comprehensive instrumentation is complemented by the colour Head-Up Display, which in addition to showing speed also projects navigation instructions.

The front seats are comfortable, with a high driving position typical of SUVs and good visibility. Lateral support is adequate, and the seats have electric adjustment; in our unit they were micro-perforated leather with heating function.

The rear seats stand out for the space they offer for both two and three occupants. The centre tunnel is low, which provides more footroom for the middle seat, as well as having air vents. A practical detail is the very wide opening angle of the rear doors, which makes getting in and out more comfortable, especially for an elderly person.

In terms of storage spaces, the CX-5 has several places to leave our things, both in the centre console, cup holders or the main glovebox; however, the door pockets are rather small. The only criticism I can make of the interior is the lack of ambient lighting, since at night it feels very sober.

The boot has a capacity of 477 litres, a normal figure for the segment, although the loading lip is slightly high. Inside, its regular shapes let you make the most of it when storing bulky items; under the parcel shelf sit the sound system subwoofer, warning triangles and puncture repair kit.

Engine and Performance

The powertrain we tested in the Mazda CX-5 is the 2.2-litre Skyactiv diesel with 150 CV, paired with the six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive (although a six-speed automatic gearbox or all-wheel drive is also available). It is an engine built under the Skyactiv philosophy and can boast very good performance while complying with emissions regulations without the need for AdBlue or other equivalent solutions.

The best thing about the powertrain is the mix of smoothness and response from very low revs, from the moment we pull away it climbs smoothly and linearly in revs, without noticeable turbo action — or rather, the twin turbo: one working at low revs and another joining at high revs to deliver maximum performance.

From just over 1,200 rpm it already pushes the CX-5 forward, becoming more forceful around 2,500 rpm and pulling strongly up to beyond 4,000 rpm. This also translates into good acceleration, making overtaking or merging easy without touching the gear lever. In fact, the sensation is that it has more horsepower thanks to the car’s lightness, which weighs just 1,535 kg.

The six-speed manual gearbox is a good choice, with the typical feel of Mazda: precise and with short travel. The Mada CX-5 is also available with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Handling

The combination of engine, lightness and well-tuned chassis — incorporating the new G-Vectoring Control — makes corners easy for the CX-5 and also makes it a very agile car in any environment.

Thanks to G-Vectoring Control the car is always under control, making it one of the most agile SUVs I have tested. The system works through sensors that constantly monitor steering and throttle position. When we enter a bend, G-Vectoring Control reduces torque at the front wheels and transfers a slight load forward, allowing more precise turning and avoiding corrections mid-corner.

All of this in practice results in smoother driving, reacting quickly to steering inputs and maintaining high agility on any kind of route, from high speeds to mountain pass sections where the CX-5, despite its size, manages to put a smile on your face more than once. Finally, on motorways or main roads it has good interior soundproofing, which adds a lot of comfort on long journeys.

Fuel Consumption

Skyactiv technology also aims for fuel savings, and it seems to achieve them judging by the averages we recorded in the Mazda CX-5. Being careful with the accelerator pedal, we can drive on main roads with an average consumption of between 5 and 5.2 litres per 100 km, according to several tests carried out on our usual 60 km route.

It is true that if we drive more carelessly, the road consumption figure rises to 5.9 litres per 100 km, which is still a good result. On motorway, on the typical route between Madrid and Vigo, consumption was 5.9 litres per 100 km (matching the road figure), and in city tests (which we always do in Vigo) average consumption was 6.9 litres per 100 km.

Equipment

The Mazda CX-5 range is structured into three equipment levels: Origin, Evolution and Zenith. Even the base trim already includes multiple airbags, stability control, automatic emergency braking, two-zone climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen and alloy wheels, among other features. It has also achieved five stars in Euro NCAP tests.

Indeed, in terms of safety assistance systems, the Japanese firm has equipped the CX-5 with a huge array of systems, notably driver fatigue warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with braking function in case of collision, traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning.

Some systems are available on other similar models, but some stand out, such as the traffic sign reader, which not only reads speed limits but is also capable of interpreting supplementary signage (such as a speed limit applying for several kilometres or motorway exit lane signs).

Another standout feature of the Zenith trim is the front headlights with LED technology for all lighting functions, with automatic high beam activation and adapting to steering angle for excellent illumination.

Connectivity is ensured through MZD Connect, controlled from the centre console controls or the central touchscreen, which also combines digital radio and smartphone connectivity, and adds the 10-speaker BOSE sound system, which remains a benchmark for sound systems, with superb clarity in both treble and bass.

Personal Opinion and Price of the Mazda CX-5

For lovers of spacious SUVs who nonetheless rarely venture off tracks and mostly drive long stretches of road, the Mazda CX-5 is an option worth considering. It offers a driving dynamic that few SUVs on the market can match, its diesel engine meets emissions regulations without needing AdBlue, and the interior quality rivals any German premium brand, all at a fairly competitive final price, where other models offer only half the equipment.

Is 150 CV enough? Although a 175 CV version exists, the combination of the 150 CV diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox is the most recommended; you won’t miss horsepower, and the feel behind the wheel is closer to 180 CV than 150 CV.

The Mazda CX-5 starts at €27,270 for the 165 CV petrol and €29,520 for the 150 CV diesel. Our test unit with Zenith trim and 150 CV diesel is priced at €33,520.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira

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