All-new Mazda CX-5 Debuts in SA

It has been some time since Mazda SA launched a new model. In fact, it was more than two years ago that we attended the national introduction of the flagship CX-60 SUV. A few days ago we attended the national ride-and-drive event of the all-new Mazda CX-5, a far more important model in its arsenal.

Best Selling

The Mazda CX-5 plays an extremely important role within the brand’s range. Over two previous generations in excess of five million units have been sold in over 100 markets worldwide. That makes it a top-seller for the brand. The mid-six SUV segment is also one of the largest in the local context, which makes the CX-5 vitally important to a brand looking to claw back lost market share.

South African buyers have been privy to all generations of the CX-5 from the very first. In fact, you still see those first-gen models roaming our roads. Although a far smaller player in the local space these days, the brand still has its fans.

New Inside and Out

The latest version of the CX-5 is all-new inside and out. Most notable to onlookers will be the completely restyled exterior. At a glance, the CX-5 comes across as a slightly scaled down CX-60. The facia, in particular has LED headlamps making it feel more modern. The same, LED treatment has been applied to the crisp taillamps. As always, the company offers the model in its signature Soul Red metallic paint finish, in which it looks great. There are, of course, other options. The flat grey is one of the more attractive. To our eyes the lighter shades help highlight the cars design traits, some of which get a bit lost in darker paint finishes.

Mazda has now joined the chorus by adding a pair of digital screens to the dashboard. Thankfully, there are some functions that remain controlled by physical buttons. Among these are the side-mirror adjuster on the driver’s arm rest. There are also one-touch demist buttons for front and rear screens sited alongside the hazard-light switch, conveniently located just below the infotainment screen. Speaking of…

Depending on the variant (of which there are four, prices at the bottom of this post), there are two screen sizes the larger version measuring 15,5 inches. The system has all the usual connectivity. We found the sync with our Android phone quick and seamless with decent audio quality for phone calls. Other highlights include dual-zone climate control, leather interior trim, ambient interior lighting, a powered panoramic roof, parking sensors along with a rear-facing camera.

Single Powertrain

Mazda SA is keeping things simple by offering the local range with just a single powertrain. This comprises of a 2,5-litre petrol engine. This naturally aspirated unit produces 132 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and 240 N.m of torque at 4 000 r/min. The sole transmission is a six-speed torque converter automatic. Lower and higher spec derivatives are differentiated by their drivetrain. Active and Dynamic versions are front-wheel drive while Individual and Homura variants are solely all-wheel drive.

On the Road

We got to drive the very top of the range, in Omura spec, and the entry level, Active version for a slightly more prolonged period. The national ride-and-drive event took place on Gauteng’s West Rand, in the area surrounding the Cradle of Humankind. This area provides the best opportunity for new cars to be driven in the province without having to deal with the daily traffic grind in the Big Smoke, which seems to get worse every time I visit.

Unlike a launch event in the Cape, our drive was mostly conducted on straight roads. Little to tell from a dynamic point of view. We did note a light steering action. The route, as with most parts of Jo’burg, was littered with potholes, those that we didn’t see were dealt with amiably by the CX-5’s suspension. The pothole issue is bad one in Jhb, amplified when it rains as you can’t really spot them quickly when the surface is shiny. The smaller alloys and larger tyre sidewalls of the Active were far more adept at this task, even isolating the cabin from noises that would otherwise leave us wondering if we’d damaged a rim.

Mazda has, as many Japanese automakers seem postponed for as long as possible, shied away from forced induction petrol engines. The lack of a turbocharger can be felt up at altitude where the air is thinner than at sea level. This leaves one having to use a little more throttle to get into the meat of the powerband. While we enjoy using all of the rev-counter, the downside is heavier fuel consumption. This effect will be alleviated at sea level, but fuel prices are high and this will, no doubt, factor into many buyer’s decision-making process.

Summary

Mazda has built a reputation of trust among SA car owners. From the 323 through cars such as the Sting and Midge, not forgetting the likes of the Bantam and B-series bakkies. Oh, and our favourite, the MX-5. There is a proud history of the brand providing the kind of cars that South Africans needed. The CX-5 enters the extremely crowded family SUV segment, now with several new rivals to face.

At its very entry point is the Active variant, which we were quite impressed with over a few hundred kilometres of driving. It doesn’t feel like an entry level version, lacking none of the good qualities of its siblings. No one will feel shortchanged driving one. With that in mind we were really surprised to hear from Mazda representatives that the bulk of CX-5 pre-orders were nearer the top of the range. It would seem then, that Mazda is making a comeback…