The CX-5: A soul in motion

Mazda engineers swear that the CX-5 crossover has been developed to “defy convention”. Well, I wholeheartedly believe it does, thanks to the company’s newly developed Skyactiv technology.

Instead of turning to external engine assistance to reduce fuel consumption like other manufacturers (for example Toyota with its Prius hybrid), Mazda’s Skyactiv technology involves taking a new approach in streamlining every component in the car (engine, transmission, chassis, body construction, etc) in order to maximise fuel efficiency while maintaining the fun-to-drive character of Mazda vehicles.

While the technology had previously been introduced in other models such as the Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6, the CX-5 is the first full Skyactive model from the Hiroshima-based manufacturer. And after a long period of media build-up, Mazda will finally pull the wraps off this crossover in Thailand in the next couple of months. However, due to the lack of capacity at its AutoAlliance Thailand joint-venture plant in Rayong, the new model is likely to be imported tax-free from Malaysia using the Asean Free Trade Agreement.

Before the official launch takes place, distributor Mazda Sales (Thailand) invited us auto journos from Thailand to test drive the CX-5 in New Zealand on an 800km stretch in varying conditions, with one of the world’s most beautiful sceneries in the background.

Starting off at the Mazda New Zealand headquarters in Auckland, the Thai contingent took turns driving the caravan of CX-5 vehicles. Our first destination was Rotorua, 262km away, and the following day the drive snaked along a distance of 549km, with the final destination being the windy city of Wellington, which is also New Zealand’s capital. According to Mazda officials, this is the same model that will be sold in Thailand, although there will be differences in terms of equipment.

The cars came with three engine variants, which would also be offered in Thailand. They include the 2.0- and 2.5-litre gasoline and 2.2-litre diesel. Both 2WD and AWD versions will be offered for the gasoline variants, while the diesel will be available only with AWD. The equipment list for the Thai market will be unveiled during the launch, Mazda officials said. You can expect the regular offerings to include automatic climate control for top models, cruise control, an entertainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and surround sound, dual front airbags, side airbags and window airbags, ABS brakes with Brake Assist, a parking sensor with a rear-view camera, a removable rear luggage cover, drink holders large enough to store 1-litre bottles, and more.

Adopting design rooting from the “Kodo: Soul of Motion” philosophy, the CX-5 boasts muscular lines and dynamic styling. The front end features a 5-point grille that leads to a “signature wing” effect, and the mounting position of the side-view mirrors have been moved from the A-pillar to the doors to improve visibility with a smaller blindspot area. There’s a C-pillar with a design that resembles those of the Mazda3, while the rear end is highlighted by the large fenders and black plastic apron that gives it a powerful appearance.

The interior is modular in design, featuring a sporty multi-function steering wheel that feels great in your hands and bucket seats that offer good lateral support, since many a driver would be cornering pretty fast in the CX-5, thanks to its sporty performance. The controls are easy to reach and although the CX-5 doesn’t have very large exterior dimensions, there is generally good space for passengers, particularly those in the rear who get a class-leading 66mm of knee room.

The luggage compartment has an area of 490 litres, but with the rear seat backrests folded, it increases to 1,390 litres, enough to carry two mountain bikes.

Mazda engineers say they have designed the CX-5 so that it offers linear performance. This makes it easy to control the speed of the vehicle using the throttle. Another important criteria is the transition of forces during the braking-turning-accelerating process.

New Zealand’s winding country roads were an ideal place to display the CX-5’s excellent handling. Through hundreds of curves, the CX-5 not once showed signs of weakness, swooshing through with brimming confidence. The steering, suspension and stiff bodyshell all teamed up to give the driver that extra signal to how the vehicle is about to behave. The diesel powerplant (175hp/420Nm) was my favourite choice for the CX-5 when driving in New Zealand. Apart from the excellent fuel economy (17.5km/litre), thanks goes to the large amount of torque that helps the crossover shoot out from corners with more authority, while uphill performance is also better. Meanwhile, the 2.5-litre engine (188hp/250Nm) revs up pretty well and is another great engine to propel the CX-5, giving an average fuel economy of 13.5km/litre. The smallest engine is the 2.0-litre (155hp/210Nm), which boasts outstanding fuel economy for a gasoline-powered compact crossover (17.8km/litre), but acceleration isn’t one of its strong points. A little throttle input would often result in a kickdown, which makes driving it quite tiring.

Although Mazda hasn’t announced what the CX-5 will cost in Thailand, you can expect it to be competitive against rivals such as the all-time favourite Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Nissan X-Trail. After the tremendous success of the Mazda2 subcompact, the entry of the CX-5 would mark another major success for the Japanese brand in Thailand, this time in the more upmarket compact SUV market.

 

 

Mazda CX-5 2.2 Diesel AWD

 

Engine: DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel

Displacement: 2,191cc

Bore and stroke: 86.0x94.3mm

Compression ratio: 14.0:1

Max power: 175hp/4,500rpm

Max torque: 420Nm/2,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Ratios: 

3.487/1.992/1.449/1.000/

0.707/0.600

0-100km/h: 10.2 secs

Top speed: 194km/h

Suspension (f/r): 

MacPherson strut/multi-link

Steering: powered rack and pinion

Turning circle: 11.2 metres

Brakes (f/r): 

vented discs/solid discs

 

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 4,540

Width: 1,840

Height: 1,670

Wheelbase: 2,700

Track (f/r): 1,585/1,590

Weight: 1,405kg

Wheels: 19-inch alloys

Tyres: 225/55R19

Min clearance: 210mm

Fuel tank capacity: 56 litres

Price: n/a

Distributor: 

Mazda Sales (Thailand)