Review: Mazda CX-5

The brand that used to make super cool sports cars with a small but punchy rotary engine is planning its resurgence with a compact crossover.

Mazda's CX-5 is a soft-roader and the Japanese carmaker's first model to combine its Skyactiv Technology with its Kodo design philosophy.

As far as Kodo is concerned, the CX-5 has neat styling but is hardly striking. Skyactiv, on the other hand, sounds more promising.

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It is a blanket term for Mazda's innovative technologies, such as a Skyactiv-G high-efficiency, direct-injection petrol engine with a very high compression ratio; a Skyactiv- Drive quick-shifting but smooth automatic transmission; lightweight but rigid high-tensile steel body with a straight and continuous framework for greater strength; and a Skyactiv-chassis for suspension and steering that is agile and comfortable.

Driving the CX-5's front wheels is a 2.0-litre engine with 155 hp and 200 Nm (four-wheel-drive versions are not available locally).

Its compression ratio of 13.0:1 is unusually high and makes it more efficient (Mazda says this translates into a 15 per cent increase in fuel efficiency). But on the road, it feels slightly anaemic. Low-end torque is at a premium and the CX-5 only displays its oomph above 3,000 rpm. So to keep the engine buzzing, the gear lever has to be manually shifted instead of being left in auto.

Thankfully, the transmission obediently changes down as and when required, unlike some gearboxes which do so only below certain revs. And downshifts are effected by the more intuitive forward nudge of the gear stick, so it's still fun.

The CX-5 also displays competent handling and is well-controlled in corners - there is little body roll despite its height.
Mazda CX-5
Price:from $174,988 (with COE)
Engine: 1,998cc V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic transmission
Max Power: 155 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 200 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
0-100kmh: 9.5 secs
Top speed: 187 kmh
CO2 emissions: 161 g/km
Distributor: Trans Eurokars

But the bland interior with its sea of grey is less exciting. Everything is neatly and logically laid out with simple controls and instruments and there is a high-end soft-touch upper dashboard. However, it is framed by large sections of hard plastic.

The integrated centre display with GPS navigation by Tom Tom is a nice touch, though.

At 4,540 mm in overall length, the CX-5 does not have a huge footprint. But its 2,700 mm wheelbase and excellent packaging result in a spacious cabin with a huge boot. Head and leg room in front and behind are impressive, and because it is an SUV, there is easy ingress and egress.

There are two variants of the CX-5 - a basic car and a luxury version for $10,900 more. For that extra cash, there is an electric sunroof, auto bi-xenon headlights, rain sensor, blind spot warning, factory-fitted leather seats and an eight-way electric driver's seat, among others. But with its fuel efficiency and roomy interior, either version should qualify as the perfect family runabout.

Source:http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20120507-344372.html