CX-5 diesel hits the road running

If you’re planning to purchase the Mazda CX-5 crossover, the diesel version is what you should go for, as it’s the one that best reflects the Japanese automaker’s car-making philosophy. 

That’s why it is also the costliest of the three engine options available, topping the range at Bt1.67 million, while the 2.5-litre gasoline version costs Bt1.44 million and the 2.0-litre gasoline retails from Bt1.2 million to Bt1.3 million depending on the trim level. 

I’ve driven the CX-5 earlier this year in New Zealand, trying out the different engines, but this time I had an “official” test-drive in Thailand, which means the cars I drove are actually being sold here. 

The CX-5 for the Thai market is assembled in Malaysia and imported duty-free, since the AutoAlliance Thailand plant – Mazda’s joint-venture factory with Ford in Rayong – is already running at full capacity, pumping out Mazda 2s, Mazda 3s and BT-50s. 

This time around, Mazda decided to stage a domestic test-drive event especially for the diesel flagship model, which has the largest share among CX-5 sales at 40 per cent, while the remaining 60 per cent is shared among models with the other engine choices. 

Even before the official launch earlier this month, Mazda has already received 1,700 orders, and plans to sell 1,000 of its new crossover each month. The Hiroshima-based manufacturer has high hopes for the CX-5, which is its first model to come with complete SkyActiv technology that helps improve fuel economy to hybrid levels while maintaining the sportiness that Mazda vehicles are known for. 

There are many radical engineering techniques with SkyActiv, such as dramatically lowering the compression ratio of the diesel powerplant to just 14.0:1 (and raising the figure for the petrol engine to 14.0:1). There are also totally redeveloped transmission, suspension and body components that all work in conjunction to complete the package. The 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D engine produces 175 horsepower and a whopping 420Nm of torque, giving the CX-5 probably the best performance in its class, which also includes the all-time champion Honda CR-V. The diesel is surprisingly rev-happy, easily shooting up to 5,500rpm, a region usually reserved only for gasoline engines. 

The engine noise is also very low, which will surprise many customers who hate the knocking sound commonly found in Japanese diesel pickup truck engines we are used to. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, another SkyActiv component that combines advantages of dual-clutch manual and automatic gearboxes, to offer responsive performance along with low fuel consumption, claimed at 18km/litre. Power goes to the front wheels in normal driving conditions, but if they start to slip, it could be distributed to the rear wheels as well – up to 50-50. 

Looking at the torque figures, many would expect the CX-5 to accelerate with brute force especially with its two turbochargers teaming up to provide high torque at both low and high revs. But that’s not the case. Acceleration is linear and controllable, with speed gradually increasing rather that banging you against the seats like a sporty German diesel. Nevertheless, you’ll appreciate the quick pedal response, although the top two gears may not offer much grunt due to fuel-saving ratios rather than top-end acceleration. 

Apart from the smooth-flowing powertrain, the CX-5 also boasts exceptional handling and roadholding for a SUV. While it is more or less a recreational vehicle and not a sports car, Mazda has made sure that it is also fun to drive. At least to a level that can put a smile on your face. 

Mazda offers 19-inch alloy wheels as standard because it looks better, along with sporty 225/55 tyres for a little sharper handling, while the brakes – vented discs all-around – are firm, again reflecting the sporty nature of the CX-5. The steering is crisp and precise, offering good directional control as well as making it easy to manoeuvre around corners. 

Meanwhile the front strut-rear multi-link suspension offers plenty of grip on the road, with much less body roll you’d expect from a vehicle in this class. Do not expect the comfort level that competitors like the CR-V offer, as Mazda is not willing to make sacrifices by trading off its fun-to-drive character with pothole-conquering capabilities. 

Many who are interested in the CX-5 have a great first impression just from looking at it. Featuring the “Kodo: Soul of Motion” design philosophy first used in the Minagi concept, the CX-5 looks athletic and clean-cut, rather than luxurious and bulky. There are many unique design characteristics in the CX-5, such as the sideview mirror that is mounted lower on the door rather than at the A-pillar area, giving you a little more visibility on the front left and right sides of the vehicle. 

The interior is also rather plain which doesn’t distract you from the driving, which is the main objective of the CX-5. However, the materials could be better, especially at the rear. Nevertheless, there is a highly practical 3-part split-folding backrest with one-action folding levers in the luggage area that makes life easier for many. 

The diesel version comes with a respectable (albeit dull-looking) entertainment system featuring Bose loudspeakers that deliver great front stage imaging and detail, something you don’t usually find in standard OEM systems. A Bluetooth function is offered, allowing you to make or answer calls or stream music. The steering is multi-function, with buttons for the onboard computer, audio system, mobile phone as well as voice control and cruise control. There’s a shift lock release feature offered for the transmission, but you need to remove the plastic cover from the key insert which isn’t practical, considering that we often need to park at shopping areas in Thailand. 

There is an automatic i-Stop system that helps lower fuel consumption, as well as a tyre pressure warning system, automatic turning headlights and traction control. 

The CX-5 won the Japan Car of the Year award for 2012-2013 as well as numerous prizes around the world, and it will surely win the hearts of many in this country. Moreover, it represents the new generation of Mazda models that comes with full SkyActiv technology that offers the best of both worlds – performance and fuel economy. That’s where Mazda’s “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom” punchline comes from. 

 

 

Mazda CX-5 XDL 

Engine: DOHC 16-valve common-rail twin 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 

Suspension (f/r): McPherson strut/multi-link 

Steering: powered rack and pinion 

Turning circle: 11.0 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: 1,650kg 

Wheels: 19-inch alloys 

Tyres: 225/55R19 

Min clearance: 210mm 

Fuel tank capacity: 56 litres 

Price: Bt1.67 million 

Distributor: Mazda Sales (Thailand)