The redesigned 19-inch alloy wheels now come with a sharp two-tone finish
With performance and practicality, Mazda’s CX-5 is a sports coupe in a crossover guise writes Geraldine Herbert
What is it? This is the new CX5 and while it may not look remarkably different it has been revamped for 2015 with a few subtle exterior changes but the most obvious improvements have been made inside the cabin.
Who is it aimed at? Mazda’s CX-5 has always been the SUV of choice if you wanted something that has the practicality and space of an MPV but with really good performance and economy.
Styling? With rugged styling and very smart alloy wheels, changes for 2015 include new LED headlights, smaller door mirrors, redesigned tail lights and a bolder grille. The suspension has also been revised and higher levels of sound insulation promise a much more refined cabin.
Under the Bonnet? The CX-5 is offered in front wheel drive or for an extra €6,000 you could opt for all-wheel drive versions. Our test car was front wheel drive powered by a 2.0 diesel with a six speed manual gearbox.
What about inside? Far more attention has been paid to the interior and inside the new CX-5 has been completely redesigned with better quality materials, a wider centre console and vastly improved connectivity.. There is now a new seven-inch touchscreen with optional satnav. Our Platinum trimmed test car came loaded with goodies including a Bose surround sound system. Space in the front is good and the CX-5 can seat five people in comfort and if a family car is measured by how much stuff it can hold then the 505-litre capacity boot is a decent size.
Inside an electrical parking brake (EPB) replaces the brake lever — a Mazda first —
On the Road? The CX-5 has always been great to drive and the new version does not disappoint. The adjusted suspension now happily soaks up bumps and while the ride is still firm it is comfortable. Mazda have worked hard to reduced the noise vibration from the tyres and from the engine and while it has improved it is still noticeable and in terms of refinement its not class leading. But behind the wheel the raised driving position makes for great visibility and the CX-5 is a very easy car to drive.
And Safety? It scored a full five-star rating in the Euro NCAP and has an impressive list of safety equipment, including front and curtain airbags and a City Braking system that stops the car automatically if there is a risk an impending collision at low speeds.
How much? The CX-5 is attractively priced, undercutting many rivals. Prices start at €27,995 for the petrol version and the diesel starts at €30,495.
Options? Engine options include 2.0 Petrol (165ps) and a 2.2 Diesel (150ps and 175ps) in both manual and automatic. There are three trim levels available in Ireland – Executive, Executive SE and Platinum but each is well-equipped no matter which version you go for.
Will it break the bank? The 2.2-litre diesel in our test car is a very good engine, it is punchy and the combination of performance and economy is very appealing and sets it apart from rivals. Emissions are just 119g/km of CO2 so tax is €200 and according to Mazda it returns a very frugal 4.6 litres per 100 litres or 61.4 mpg.
Verdict? Families looking for a compact SUV in the €30,000 price range are spoiled for choice. The CX-5 has excellent economy, decent road presence, is fun to drive but is also a practical car with plenty of room for five adults and a spacious cabin. In this price bracket the Mazda CX-5 is of the best crossovers around.
Why you’ll buy one? Performance; Practical; Well priced
Why you won’t? Road Noise; Firm ride
Rivals
Ford Kuga – priced from €29,645
Honda CR-V– priced from €31,995.
Nissan X-Trail– priced from €30,950
Mazda CX-5 Platinum 2.2D 150PS 6MT 2WD
Engine: 2191cc, 150bhp @4000, 380NM @1800
Max speed: 202km/h
0-100 kph: 9.2 seconds
Emissions (Motor Tax) : 119 g/km (Band A4 €200)
Model price range: €27,995 – €40,295 (test car €35,795)
No of Doors: 5 doors
Euro NCAP: 5 stars
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 4.6 l/100km (61.4mpg)
Boot Capacity Seats up(Down): 503 litres (1620)
Car Seats: 2 Isofix fittings in the rear
Length: 4555mm
Width: 1840mm
Height: 1710mm
Wheelbase: 2700 mm
For more information check out Mazda.ie , the Mazda Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here
Geraldine Herbert
21st May, 2015
