Mazda CX-5

Inside the CX-5 is a luxurious cabin. The elegance can be seen on the stitch details that run through the dashboard, gear shifter, doors, and center control panel, coupled with the leather-wrapped steering wheel drastically reduced the plasticky feel. The streamlined dashboard features a 7-inch LCD display instrument cluster and a floating touchscreen console that is smartphone mirroring ready. This means you can take handsfree phone calls, use app-based navigation systems, and stream music. And if you like music, you’d be pleasantly surprised that the CX-5 is equipped with a 10-speaker Bose sound system. Another feature of the interior that adds to its appeal is the ample space for both passengers and cargo which makes it ideal for long drives. There are enough legroom and headspace for passengers to sit comfortably without feeling constricted.  

The Mazda CX-5 boasts of modern with traditional Kodo design philosophy which captures the soul of motion. At the front is the typical Mazda robust grille with matte black mesh design. It’s flanked by LED headlights and a pair of LED fog lamps below. The same dynamic curves on the hood continue at the sides. At the rear is a shark fin antenna on top and at the bottom is a dual exhaust tailpipe for an added sporty appeal. The eye-catching bright and metallic color options of the exterior adds another bold dimension to the CX-5.

When it comes to riding comfort, the CX-5 does deliver. The combination of MacPherson Strut and multi-link suspensions at the front and rear give a comfortable and smooth riding experience. This is further magnified by a quiet cabin, thanks to the awesome insulation and soundproofing. There’s barely any outside noise and vibrations from the engine. Steering is very accurate and responsive. And thanks to the G-Vectoring Control Plus system, this compact SUV is very stable with no noticeable body sway with ample traction for an enjoyable driving experience.

The Mazda CX-5 is powered by one of these three engine options. First is the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G In-line, 4-Cylinder DOHC, 16-Valves gasoline engine with 2,488cc displacement. It churns out 190 PS of power at 6,000 rpm and 252 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Fuel tank capacity is at 58 liters. Another gasoline option, the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G is available but with smaller displacement at 1,998cc produces 156 PS of output at 6,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. It also comes with a smaller fuel tank capacity at 56 liters. The third engine option is the 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D In-line, 4-Cylinder DOHC, 16-Valves diesel engine with a 2,191 cc displacement. This engine delivers 175 Ps of maximum power at 4,500 rpm and peak torque of 420 Nm at 2,000 rpm. It’s capable of holding 58 liters of fuel. Despite having three engine options, all the CX-5 models come with only one gearbox option, SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission. Sorry, no manual tranny here.

Another great selling point for the Mazda CX-5 is its above class safety features that offer added protection, minimize risks, and lessen driver fatigue. Even the most basic trim of this compact SUV comes with 6 airbags when other automakers would only offer 2 or three. The entry-level CX-5 also comes equipped with i-STOP Idling Stop System which helps you save fuel by automatically shutting down the engine when the vehicle is idle and restarting it when the vehicle returns to motion. Other safety features worth mentioning are the Rear-View Camera, Smart Keyless Entry System, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and Anti-Lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (ABS with EBD). Top-of-the-line trims get added driver-assist features like lane departure warning with lane keep assist, driver attention alert, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, and smart city brake support.

The 5-seater crossover SUV segment is a highly contested niche here in the Philippines. And despite the price tag of the Mazda CX-5 going on the steeper side, we’d say it is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a compact crossover. It does not lack in any main points at all. It has the looks, great style, ample interior space, powerful engine, fuel efficiency, and impressive handling. What more can you ask for? Truly, the CX-5 can justify its price.