THE MAZDA CX-5 is a willing beast of burden slogging through traffic every day.
Over the years, we’ve missed out on some really good Mazda vehicles. We never had models like the RX-7 lineup, the MX-5 (OK, it is sold here but just too expensive), the 929 Executive Sedan, and the Mazdaspeed 3 and 6.
What we got instead were rather forgettable Mazda vehicles like the 323 and the Tribute, to name a few.
To be fair, there were some hints of brilliance with the Mazda 2 hatchback, the previous Mazda 6 sports sedan and the CX-7. But there was a consensus that the brand could do better.
Until recently, Mazda was almost like a joke for various issues. Despite being fun to drive, its cars had questionable ergonomics, styling and proportions. It’s models’ engines, despite feeling very spirited, were deemed to be guzzlers, and were rather expensive to service and repair.
These weaknesses basically killed the Mazda models’ resale values, demoting them to third- and fourth-tier bargain taxi fleet buys.
When Berjaya Automotive Philippines took over Mazda’s reigns in the Philippines, things started to look right.
Finding the mark
Three offerings found their mark. Mazda’s CX-5 was an impressive compact sport utility vehicle, while its 6 showed other manufacturers how an affordable but premium-feeling sports sedan should be. Mazda’s BT-50, despite being a Ford Ranger clone, is still impressive and, thanks to sheet-metal styling, has a very unique feel. All vehicles share Mazda’s Kodo: Soul of Motion Design Language, which looks very unique.
And when Mazda 3 comes out next year, it will blow everyone’s socks off, Mazda says. That’s definitely something to look forward to.
Let me just share with you my thoughts on Mazda CX-5 Sport.
The CX-5 differentiates itself from its lower-end variant sibling with bigger 19-inch wheels, and BI-xenon headlamps outside and eight-way powered leather seats for the driver. Like all other new Mazdas sold under Berjaya Automotive Philippines, it also comes with Mazda’s SkyActiv Technology (higher compression G-engines, faster locking torque converters for their automatic transmission, firmer suspensions and a more rigid chassis) and their excellent all-in Yojin3 Total Care Program, which gives free three-year PMS servicing, a three-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty, extended roadside emergency recovery and assistance. Lastly, the CX-5 is as fun to drive as ever, always a strong Mazda selling point.
All aspects covered
But fun driving isn’t always everyone’s priority. Aspects like fuel economy, roominess, ease of entry and exit, ease of maneuverability, safety and stability at highway speeds, and refinement are just as important. Mazda has addressed the safety aspect once and for all: Six airbags surround the cabin, with ABS-EBD brakes with emergency BA or Brake Assist and traction/stability control as standard on all models. You’ll be as safe as you’ll ever be.
The 19-inch wheels give the CX-5 a firmer yet more connected feel. But there will be little road and tire noise from the bigger wheels and tires as the CX-5’s refinement is truly impressive. While both the 2.0 PRO and 2.5 Sport variants come with a 5.8-inch TFT LCD screen with Bluetooth Telephony and MP3 Audio connectivity, the Sport has BOSE enhanced nine-speaker surround sound system. There’s also a reverse camera in both models, but the 2.5 Sport has sonar parking sensors to aid you further.
No doubt, the CX-5 deserves very special attention. It is very easy and effortless to drive every day and, surprisingly, does a very decent 8.2-8.7 km per liter in traffic-ridden city driving, with a light right foot. The steering is easy to handle and the brakes a tad firmer compared to what most people prefer; but the drive and ride are so very smooth, so refined, stable and composed, you would not have thought Mazda has gone this far ahead in the game.
The interior is simple yet classy. No gimmicks inside, just simple, well-laid-out geometric shapes with bits of chrome trim around the instrument cluster. Perhaps adding some more chrome trim or mood lights might have spruced up the interior. Nonetheless, it’s a comfortable and classy, not to mention very refined, place to be in.
Since it’s an SUV, hauling is always a factor. In the CX-5’s case, the boot is generous, and the second row seats fold flat to the floor, allowing you to load up copious amounts of cargo.
Yet despite this “path of least resistance” the CX-5 has taken for everyday motoring, a spirited drive up to Tagaytay yielded some pleasant surprises. The engine and transmission, while initially feeling a bit sleepy and unresponsive, wake up when you floor the throttle, you’re able to overtake three to four cars with ease on the winding roads.
Improvements with the steering make the CX-5 a joy to drive, giving you the confidence of avoiding bumps and ruts, overtaking and avoiding cars from the opposite lane.
The firm-feeling brakes are worth their effort when you floor them hard, tuck back in line on a convoy of cars, and when a quick jab of the brakes helps unload the rears, transfer weight to the front, aiding crisp turn-in on sharp but fast bends. The Mazda is a willing partner in these brief stints of hooliganism on the road and an equally willing beast of burden in slogging through traffic every day.
Previously, if you were shopping for a compact SUV, you would have chosen a Subaru Forester for speed, a Kia Sportage for looks, a Hyundai Tucson for value-for-money, a Honda CR-V for something roomy and a RAV4 just for safe choice. The Mazda CX-5 now has all these attributes, stepping in as a veritable and serious alternative. Drive one and be amazed.
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