Mazda CX5: Quietly beating the best the segment has to offer

What is it?

Well if you’re in the market for a compact-ish SUV, which most people are these days, then this is Mazda’s one. It’s a family car on stilts – only a little bit better than how that makes it sound. In fact I think this should be on your shortlist if something premium, aka German, is a little beyond your budget.

On the outside

Mazda new design philosophy follows something called ‘Kodo’. Not entirely sure what it means, but it’s Japanese for something-or-other, of that I can be sure.

It’s no Range Rover but I think it looks quite nice, carrying the Mazda-family-grille and edgy creases well for what is quite a large bodied car. I especially like the way they’ve outlined the bottom end of it in black trim; makes me think of the lapels on a well-tailored suit.

On the inside

Perhaps a little less tailored in here. The materials lack tactility in places and the design could be more interesting. But overall it’s neat, tidy and lacks fuss. I like that.

It’s also very comfortable with nice cushy seats, plenty of room in front and back and a decent boot. Refinement is very good too, thanks to Mazda’s newly developed insulation material. The diesel motor comes across as nothing more than a gentle rumble at all speeds, which is normally a feat only achieved by those premium Germans. Equipment levels are up there with the best, especially in the high spec trim.

Behind the wheel

The CX5 is probably joint top of the segment for driving dynamics, together with Ford’s Kuga. This is thanks to Mazda having borrowed absolutely nothing from other models. It doesn’t share a platform with a Mazda hatch, for example. The CX5 has a new chassis, new motors and even a new production method. The result is a taut dynamic.

Under the bonnet lies a new turbo diesel unit, 2.2 litres, 129kW and 420 Newtons. There’s another option in this motor, being a slightly detuned version. Either way you’re in for a good ’un – smooth and quiet yet also willing to rev. Economical too if you’re careful.

Verdict

Yes, Mazda has done well here. The CX5 is reasonably priced in the segment, offers plenty of standard kit, is among the best of the bunch to drive and gives that high driving position everyone is after these days. Everything you’d want from a family car, really.

Price: R465,400
Engine: 2.2 litre turbo charged diesel
Power (kW): 129
Torque (Nm): 420
Consumption (l/100km): 5.9 (claimed)
Service: 3 year service plan, 3 year unlimited km warranty

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