2016 MAZDA CX- 5 REFRESHED
Tweaks to interior add to comfort
Mazda’s popular CX- 5 compact sport ute gets a mid- cycle refresh for 2016 — more of a tweak to keep it current with rivals since there wasn’t much to complain about in the first place.
In Driving ’s evaluation of nine compact SUVs last fall, the 2015 CX- 5 tied for second with Toyota’s RAV4 ( and just behind the firstplace Hyundai Santa Fe Sport), while it tied for first with the Honda CR- V for editors’ choice. In other words, this is one SUV that does most things right.
The 2016 model sees the obligatory nose job, specifically a new front bumper, grille and fog light design. More effort is put into interior upgrades, to improve the quality of the CX- 5’ s abundance of plastic, again to equal rivals such as Toyota’s Rav4.
The controls are easier to find and use, such as the audio system volume control, “HMI ( Human Machine Interface) commander switch” and new electric parking brake. Do these changes elevate the CX- 5’ s interior to the level of its aforementioned competitors? No, but it’s certainly not as cheap looking ( admittedly more of a perceived notion with the $ 34,895 topline GT tester, as opposed to a base $ 22,995 GX front- wheel- drive model).
More importantly, the refreshed CX- 5 adopts several advanced functions, including Mazda Connect, a next- generation car connectivity system. Other improvements include updates to the front and rear seats and suspension system, as well as added sound insulation throughout the body, meaning, logically, greater ride comfort and cabin quietness.
The upshot is that the 2016 GT’s cabin is a little nicer than last year’s model, with more than enough modern conveniences — intelligent key system, Bose audio system, dual- zone automatic climate control, leather- wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle, power sunroof, eight- way power- adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, leather upholstery and more — all standard.
There are a couple of nits to pick, though. The navigation system’s graphics are not the most detailed. And I’m not a huge fan of the connectivity system. While basic functions such as accessing the audio or navigation systems are OK, there’s too much scrolling through the sub- menus or screen tapping to find exactly what you want, such as the used- to- be- easy task of changing radio stations.
But it’s the driving experience that makes the CX- 5 a standout in the crowded compact sport ute segment. It has a firm suspension — though admittedly an occasionally choppy ride over harsher pavement — and its handling dynamics stress typical Mazda agility.
This is buttressed by the 2.5- litre four- cylinder that has been standard on the GS and GT trims since the 2014 model year. This engine pushes out 184 horsepower and 185 pound- feet of torque, 19 per cent more horsepower and 23 per cent more torque than the base model’s feeble 155- hp 2.0 L. Compared with rival models with non- turbo engines ( RAV4, Honda CR- V, Nissan Rogue, et al), Mazda’s 2.5 L is a strong player, and will motivate the 1,604- kilogram SUV to 100 kilometres an hour in a reasonable 9.7 seconds.
Unlike a growing number of compact SUVs now being fitted with continuously variable transmissions ( CR- V, Mitsubishi RVR, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester and others), the CX- 5’ s GS and GT models come with a smoothshifting conventional six- speed manumatic, with ratios that work well with the engine’s output. Selfshifting is accomplished through the console gear lever, which adds a little to the CX- 5’ s sportiness.
The same could be said for Drive Selection, which allows one to switch to a Sport mode when more zip is called for. I didn’t much care for its operation; while it held the gears longer and let the revs build, it was also reluctant to actually shift up to a higher gear when I eased off the gas, letting the engine drone on uncomfortably long.
As for fuel economy, I averaged 11 litres per 100 km during my week with the Mazda, the result of a 50/ 50 mix of highway use and intown errand running — about par for the segment, though nothing to write home about.
For those particularly concerned with safety, the optional ($ 2,100) Technology package includes such features as smart city brake support ( to help avoid a head- on collision when driving at low speeds), smart brake support, forward- obstruction warning, lane- departure warning and radar cruise control. ( Blind- spot monitoring is standard on GS and GT trims.)
Overall, the refresh serves the CX- 5 well. It was already a sportylooking rig; the new grille and other touches perk it up even more. The interior touches mostly work to the CX- 5’ s advantage, notably the front seats, which are exceedingly comfortable. I can live with Mazda Connect, though I could easily do without it.
Will the refreshed CX- 5 start taking chunks out of the RAV4, CR- V and Rogue market shares, or that of the other huge ( and softer- focused) volume sellers? Probably not. Despite good sales, its sportier vibe may work against it, even though it has an obvious appeal to those who prefer their vehicles with an edge to them. I’m one of those so afflicted, which is why the Mazda is one of my faves in the compact SUV segment.