This Mazda is red-hot
A standout in the crossover/SUV class, this CX-5 is a joy to drive
IT’S hard to remember driving a Mazda I didn’t like – and I’m going all the way back to the old 323 and 626 models, the latter of which packed a mighty punch in the ‘80s. Indeed, long before we had motorways, or even decent national primary routes, I made it once from Galway to Dublin in a 626, early on a Sunday morning, in just a little over two hours. Don’t tell the rozzers.
The MX-5 Roadster still is the best value you can get in a small sports car, and the best drive – so much so, it has that end of the market almost all to itself – but it wasn’t until more recent times that Mazdas became as beautiful to look at as they were excellent to drive.
The tide turned when I saw the Takeri concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was, in a word, breathtaking, and it was a delight that so much of that design made it into mainstream production in the Mazda6.
On the crossover/SUV side of the coin, the CX-5 always had presence, right from the off, but this latest iteration refines the design in a way that makes it probably the standout car in its class. It is, honestly, a stunner, especially in the multi-layered Soul Red Crystal metallic paint job on my test model. It’s so vivid and rich, you’d almost be afraid to touch it in case it actually was hot. In the sunshine of the week before last, before Ophelia reared her ugly head, it sparkled like a jewel. It is delicious. There are other changes. The car seems leaner – lower than before and with more of an arrow feel to it, giving the impression of movement even when it’s standing still. The front grille is more nuanced, with the Mazda logo thrusting forward on a small chrome cylinder, giving the car perceptively more depth. Mazda calls this Kodo design – soul of motion – and while I’m normally in kinks of laughter at the high-falutin’ mysticism carmakers confer on what really is basic design and engineering, here I’m prepared to concede the point. What the CX-5 actually does have is soul.
The basic petrol model checks in at €28,996, but my test car was the all-wheel drive 2.2-litre SKYACTIV diesel, and engine with which I’m more than familiar, and one that packs a punch, delivering 173 horsepower here. It will take you from 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds – good, but not exceptional by any means – but where it comes into its own is on the open road. Noise mitigation is top class, and there barely is a hint of engine noise in the cabin. Overtaking is seamless, and the ride and handling, as well as the added grip in this all-wheel-drive model, are terrific.
Fuel economy is average at 5.8 litres per 100km, and emissions of 152g/km place the car in the €390 a year tax bracket.
Where it falls down a little is in the cabin. There is a lot to like, not least the sunroof in my test car and the lovely cream leather upholstery, with heated front seats. The extreme rear seats, though, have a vaguely wraparound feel that leaves the middle one suitable only for a child, and the cargo space is adequate but massive, even with the rear bench folded.
Connectivity has become a major selling point for carmakers, and in the CX-5, Mazda feels a little behind the game. Yes, there are four USB charge points, two in front and two in the rear, but the 7ins infotainment screen is too small for the fascia and looks a little lost. The absence of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is another negative – I’ve got very used in other cars to having my Spotify and the like within easy reach, and I missed it for my week driving this car.
There is Bluetooth for making and receiving phone calls, but that feels like very old tech nowadays, and that’s something Mazda might want to address when other cars effectively are tech hubs on wheels.
The other issue is price. Yes, the entrylevel model is good value, but when you start moving up the trim levels, the price moves commensurately. Personally, I’d rather pay 42 grand for this with all the bells and whistles than the same amount of money for the base model of a premium German brand, but others who are more badge conscious might baulk.
They would be missing out, though, because the CX-5, remodelled and reimagined, is a very fine car indeed.