SUBTLE TWEAKS IMPROVE 2017 MAZDA CX-5 IN BIG WAY
While it may not appear much different, this compact crossover has been enhanced
SAN DIEGO Consumer demand for compact crossovers in Canada has reached a point where, in the case of Mazda, sales of its CX-5 are now surpassing that of its traditional bestseller, the Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback. This makes the changes to the 2017 model that much more important to the automaker’s bottom line. After all, the first-generation CX-5, launched in 2012, has grown into a core model, accounting for approximately 25 per cent of Mazda’s annual sales, with some 1.4 million units being sold in about 120 countries.
The mandate behind the new, second-generation model comes down to this: Make changes to keep the CX-5 competitive in a cutthroat market segment but don’t screw up a good thing. The crossover’s primary strength in a segment that includes the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, the Ford Escape and the Nissan Rogue has been — like all Mazdas — sporty driving characteristics.
Despite not appearing much different from its predecessor, the new CX-5 is substantially improved; Mazda claims no fewer than 698 changes. The key enhancements include a chassis that is 15 per cent stiffer, improved sound insulation and the first North American application of G-Vectoring Control in an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Models equipped with AWD receive a new ball-bearing rear differential for reduced friction, greater strength and greater efficiency.
The CX-5’s powertrain lineup gets a twin-turbo 2.2-litre diesel engine (available later), along with the current 2.0-L and 2.5-L direct-injection gasoline fourcylinders.
The most noticeable change within the cabin is the redesigned seven-inch, centre stack touch screen, which now has greater resolution and contrast, and is positioned higher on the dashboard and at a less-raked position for improved visibility. There’s also a head-up display available for the GT with Technology package. But everything has been tweaked — from the position of the steering wheel and pedals to placement of the centre console and shift lever — to provide all occupants, particularly the driver, with greater comfort.
The new crossover sees a lower centre of gravity, plus 10-millimetre wider front and rear tread for a slightly more planted stance. The A-pillars have been repositioned approximately 35 mm rearward compared to the previous model, expanding the driver’s field of vision to the right and left. Rearward visibility is improved by a slightly lower beltline than on the existing model and the adoption of a single pane of glass for the rear window.
How does the new CX-5 feel to drive? Well, as a whole, it’s not hugely different from the previous model, which, to be fair, was right up there with the besthandling compact crossovers offered. Still, the 2017 model is subtly better in just about every way, at least for those who want a sporting ride.
Once getting out of downtown San Diego, we headed south to Chula Vista before turning inland and skirting the Mexican border for 40 or so kilometres. The route was quite twisty and the elevation rose from sea level to more than 4,000 feet. With the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) providing assistance, the CX-5 was tight in the turns, with little body roll and excellent road communication through the steering wheel. GVC adjusts engine torque in response to steering wheel action; it’s particularly effective in SUVs and crossovers, which can be prone to generating lateral forces, the result of their higher centre of gravity.
The steepness and length of some of the elevation changes had the engine revving harder in a lower gear, but the CX-5 was able to maintain a desired speed. We did wonder how the incoming diesel four-cylinder engine would fare. Mazda was uncharacteristically shy in providing details; the only information gleaned was that the engine would produce more than 300 pound-feet of torque, which would certainly give the crossover added jump in these situations.
Though now a mature design, the current CX-5 still looks fresh, and Mazda didn’t see the need to mess up a good thing. Look carefully and you might notice detail changes to the 2017 model’s face: thinner, lower-placed headlamps and a signature wing with tips that extend below them.
Although the vast majority of Mazda’s changes can’t be seen, they do have the cumulative effect of imbuing the new model with an even more solid and sporty ride.
The 2017 CX-5 starts at $24,900 for the base front-wheel-drive GX 6MT model and tops out at $36,300 for the all-wheel-drive GT with Technology package. It will be at dealerships soon.