Mazda CX-5 – still does not deliver

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the most attractive SUVs on our market. Perfect size, thanks to which it is not too big to move freely around a crowded city, but on the other hand, its interior can easily accommodate families and their packages.. Add to this the original exterior styling and the orderly interior, which is finished with good quality materials and we have a car that is worth considering. Unless, of course, someone likes SUVs.

For me, the most interesting aspect of this model, recently renewed, is the engine, which is not affected by the changes that affect the entire automotive sector. Today, even in a high-end Mercedes, we can find a 1.5 or smaller engine, while under the hood of the Mazda CX-5 we have a 2.5-liter unit. in addition, fear of horror, without turbocharging. The Japanese realized that it is possible to achieve low fuel consumption and sufficient power without overdoing the design.

Mazda CX-5 2.5 has a 2.5-liter non-turbo engine under the hood and this is one of its features that proves the model’s uniqueness. It turns out that the unit does not need to smoke much.

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Jaroslaw Horodecki / Business Insider

In the described Mazda CX-5 we have 194 hp and 265 Nm of torque. In fact, to get the right amount of motive power, you have to let the engine rev very high. Widespread turbo units got us off this way of driving a long time ago. Both diesel and petrol. Driving a Mazda, you have to accept the fact that from time to time we will hear the clang of the engine that exceeds 4000 rpm. In those moments when we press the gas all the way to accelerate quickly.

The Mazda CX-5 2.5 has an engine that comes to life when the tachometer reaches around 4,000 rpm. You have to get used to it if you’ve ever driven a car with a small turbo engine before.

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Jaroslaw Horodecki / Business Insider

And the Mazda CX-5 has no problem accelerating, even in slippery conditions. The 4×4 takes care of it, the electronics take care of it, and the well-tuned 6-speed automatic transmission also contributes.

Mazda CX-5 2.5 in this version of the engine has an automatic transmission as standard. This transmission ensures that the gears are changed so that the car drives economically. The electronics, in turn, direct the power to drive the engine forward and backward. Provide grip, but also safety.

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Jaroslaw Horodecki / Business Insider

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When it comes to running under light, discipline is still practiced by other drivers, in the case of the CX-5 it is quite capable. One hundred, according to the manufacturer, can be reached in 9.3 seconds, but in practice it can be shorter. Mazda has the same desire to accelerate on the road – just press the gas hard, and the gearbox and engine respond quickly, detecting the driver’s intentions.

The Mazda CX-5 2.5 has a well-designed, carefully finished interior. In this regard, it stands out from other popular products.

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Jaroslaw Horodecki / Business Insider

In fact, a 4×4 car, even electrically controlled, with an automatic gearbox means that fuel consumption will not be exemplary, although not very high. However, in the city Mazda CX-5 consumed about 10 l/100 km, and when driving on congested roads, this result deteriorated over time. On the highway, on city roads, however, it is possible to go below 7 l / 100 km. On the other hand, roads with high driving speed (around 140 km/h) result in more than 9 l/100 km. These may not be the result of the most modern and well-made hybrids, but they still show that a turbo and a small engine should not be more economical than a well-designed unit with a large displacement.

Mazda CX-5 – will satisfy demanding drivers

The biggest plus of Mazda CX-5 is its suspension and handling. It cannot be said that their settings are a compromise between the comfort required by the passengers and the sports expectations of the driver. There is no compromise with the CX-5. For convenience, engineers have created such settings that everyone will be happy with. On the one hand, the Mazda swallows bumps efficiently, but on the other hand, it is equally ready to enter corners and test the limits of grip. Whenever we feel like it.

The Mazda CX-5 2.5 is an SUV that can be a lot of fun to drive. On winding, narrow (and empty) roads, you can see that the Japanese took care to improve its suspension.

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Jaroslaw Horodecki / Business Insider

Its steering is precise and the power pass is smooth, which is a rare feature these days. Usually, manufacturers set it so that you can turn the steering wheel without force, but also without feeling. It seems that many people like it, but Mazda did not deliver, for the benefit of those who love to drive. Of course, the Japanese also took care of security. On board the CX-5 we have a set of modern, electronic assistants. When necessary, they will control the sporting tendencies of the driver.

Mazda CX-5 2.5 is already five years old, but we can rely on the equipment that others like. Like, for example, a projector that displays basic information in the driver’s line of sight.

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Jaroslaw Horodecki / Business Insider

Mazda CX-5 – very close to the premium class

Of course, driving comfort is also affected by the environment of the driver and passengers. In this regard, the Mazda CX-5 also deserves high marks. In the spacious cabin we have materials of good quality, including the materials with which the cockpit was built. In its central part there is a large screen, 10.25-inch multimedia system. We can control the functions displayed on it, eg using the knob that is between the seats, especially on the driver’s hand. This is a smart solution and a great alternative to overly involved touchscreens. Of course, one in Mazda also responds to the touch, but – for the reasons mentioned – only when standing.

Mazda CX-5 2.5 on the center console has a touch screen, but it is controlled mainly by means of knobs and buttons placed between the seats. So that they are always close. Touch works, but only when stationary.

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Jaroslaw Horodecki / Business Insider

A useful addition is also a set of cameras that can display the view around the car on the screen, including a computer-generated 360-degree view. In short, even in a tight parking lot, it is difficult to get into an accident, because we will see everything on the screen, and if necessary, sound alarms and distance sensors will also help.

Mazda CX-5 2.5 – knob plus buttons. This is how we control the basic functions of the multimedia system.

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Jaroslaw Horodecki / Business Insider

Another advantage of Mazda is its trunk. Its volume is 506 liters, but more important than that is that it can be changed and shaped. The only drawback is the lack of a hook for shopping bags or a net for fixing luggage. Strangely, there are also no lights, and in a car of this class it should be normal.

Mazda CX-5 2.5 – in the tested version, lime-colored accents were preserved, which slightly encouraged the dark interior.

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Jaroslaw Horodecki / Business Insider

Mazda CX-5 – this is not a cheap model, but it has important advantages

Mazda CX-5 is definitely not the cheapest car in its class. However, when deciding on a compact SUV, we now have a huge choice. Many manufacturers even have several different models of the same part. Mazda CX-5 stands out from the competition with its refinement, good style, but above all cars. or better? Not necessarily, because small turbo engines, if done right, can burn less while maintaining more power than Mazda’s 2.5-liter unit. On the other hand, the Japanese have shown that even going against the flow – as they always insist – you can achieve the same results as others. And most importantly, when maintaining more durability and reliability. In the case of a car for years, this is a very important feature.

Mazda CX-5 2.5, technical data:

R4 petrol engine, 2.5, 194 hp, 263 Nm. 6-speed automatic gearbox. Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds. Top speed – 195 km/h. Average consumption: 7.2 l/100 km (WLTP). Price: from PLN 178,900.