Driven: Mazda CX-5 2.2D 175ps AWD Sport Nav Review
Say hello to the latest 6th generation SKYACTIV Mazda CX-5. The CX-5 is Mazda’s super-efficient, go anywhere, mid-sized SUV.
What is it about?
The CX-5 is Mazda’s answer to the mid-size SUV market, however Mazda do it like no other. With their SKYACTIV-D range of engines, they have managed to achieve staggeringly high fuel efficiency without any compromise on performance or reliability, making this SUV stand out from the rest.
The CX-5 is said to deliver the driving experience of a sports car, the practicality of an MPV, the go anywhere ability of a 4 wheel drive, and the economy of a hatchback. Is this really possible? Let’s find out…
The exterior design of the car is very appealing. There are lots of feature points on the car, I particularly like the twin chrome exhaust pipes, 19” alloys wheels, integrated spoiler, and stylish front headlight clusters.
How does it drive?
Although the Mazda CX-5 is fairly tall and has loads of room inside, the driving experience is actually very similar to a saloon sized car, and is still a thrill to drive!
Driving the CX-5 with the 2.2-litre diesel engine you instantly notice it has plenty of torque, specifically 420Nm of it. This torque manages to launch the CX-5 from 0-60mph in 8.8secs, and has a top speed of 129mph. For this form factor the figures are very impressive indeed, but the best news is that the performance doesn’t come at a price, as the economy is just as good as the performance.
Taking the CX-5 out for a country road blast, it’s great fun, the CX-5 is very responsive by SUV standards and feels very lively on the road.
Owners of SUV’s love that high driving position which gives you a feeling of security and superiority, and the CX-5 defiantly delivers this experience. But it does so with a great balance, you get that high driving position, and you also get a sharp and alive element in the steering that helps give the car a sporting edge.
Driven slowly the CX-5 is calm, refined, and delivers a peaceful way of travelling around.
What’s it like inside?
Inside, the Mazda CX-5 is brilliantly designed and laid out. As with all of the 6th generation Mazda’s, the quality of materials used has helped achieve a great standard.
Luxuries inside include the black heated leather seats, sat nav, Bose sound system, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, and advanced smart keyless entry.
The practicalities that you would expect from this car are also high achieving. Open the boot, and the load space is very large at 1620 litres, and there is also a low load lip making it easy to get things in and out.
The CX-5 AWD model tested also had a variety of safety enhancements installed which included an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS). This system optimally lights up the road using Bi-Xenon headlights and will even steer the headlights into corners as you turn into them. Brilliant!
The Experience
The experience of owning the 6th generation SKYACTIV-D Mazda CX-5 is remarkable. The car delivers on all the necessary key points for a mid-sized SUV. It‘s practical, safe, and easy to use, but also fuel efficient, and has an enjoyable driving experience.
One of the most impressive elements about the car is just how usable the car is, the CX-5 is just the right size, it has all the usable passenger and load space you need, without being too big on the road.
But the single most impressive element of the car is the balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The driving experience of the CX-5 is powerful and capable with its 4 wheel drive system, but somehow Mazda have finely tuned the efficiency level of the car to reach a high figure of miles per gallon. Mazda claim that the CX-5 can achieve a combined efficiency rating of 54.3mpg, which is phenomenal for a car of this size.
Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 is the perfect balance when it comes to a mid-sized SUV for many reasons. The CX-5 is well equipped, well priced and practical. But the major selling points to the Mazda CX-5, which makes it stand out from the others, is it’s great character and enjoyable driving experience.
Video Highlights
Specification
Mazda CX-5 2.2D 175ps AWD Sport Nav
- Price: £28,925
- Engine: 2.2-Litre Diesel
- Power: 175bhp
- Torque: 420Nm
- Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
- 0-62mph: 8.8 Seconds
- Top speed: 129mph
- Weight: 1,671kg
- Economy combined: 54.3mpg
- CO2: 136g/km
Author: Paul Hadley