Only the third Mazda model to reach cumulative sales of five million units, the long-serving CX-5 reached a new milestone with the arrival of the upgraded third generation.
We had the opportunity to sample the mid-range Touring and top spec Akera, sharing the same mechanicals, but with different interior fitouts.
Clearly, the previous CX-5 shape worked for the buying public, so Mazda retained the visuals, despite a complete overhaul.
That means the familiar vertical grille remains, linking the two generations for owners upgrading to the new model.
While not a carbon copy of the older car, the familiarity flows down the car, with the same high bonnet, although the leading edge is more rounded for better aero effect.
Similarly, the roofline retains its curved profile, fractionally longer and taller than before, flared guards add 10mm width to the front track and 30mm at the rear.
The CX-5 keeps its ‘long nose, short tail’ appearance, the extended wheelbase, up 115mm, translates into more interior space, while shaped channels improve frontal aero efficiency, directing air around, over and through the front.
The rear end received the same attention, retaining the slightly bulbous tail, but redesigned to improve luggage area access with a higher roof and lowered lip for easier loading and unloading.
Mazda factories turn out well-built cars, and the CX-5 is no exception, the panel fit is excellent with a colour palette perfect for the shape.
Inside, the feeling of evolution continues, familiar motifs remain, but much of the interior is replaced or upgraded.
While the driver’s space is virtually unchanged, rear seat passengers rejoice, there is extra knee and headroom, always a bonus in this mid-size SUV market.
Our test cars had the optional trims, white Maztex with black accents for the Touring, and Sport Tan leather in the Akera, over the standard black Maztex and leather.
Seats were comfortable and supportive, while I appreciate a longer seat base, the CX-5 seats did the job, working well on longer drives as well as around town.
Mazda said the modified seat back better absorbs vibrations, improving driver and front passenger comfort, the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat allows for the ‘perfect’ seating position.
The passenger only gets six-way adjustment, manual in the Touring, power-assisted in the Akera, although both seats are heated on both models.
Celebrating Mazda’s motorsport heritage, the CX-5 has a ‘driver’s car’ vibe, you feel in command, controls fall easily to hand, the wheel feels ‘right’, you are ready for fun every time you drive the car.
The big change was the central touchscreen, while Mazda led the way with the rotary controller, after 14 years, it was time to catch up to the opposition.
Driver and passenger can access total vehicle functionality, the fuel consumption screen, including the reset button!, could be easier to find, that aside it was a mostly intuitive process to navigate the menus.
A thick-rimmed and leather-wrapped three spoke steering wheel frames the driver-selectable displays, with controls mounted on the spoke faces.
Gone are the traditional speedo/tacho/fuel/temperature gauges, now it is multiple display options, you can add navigation, around vehicle monitoring, audio or trip computer, all while you are on the move.
With my favoured floating Heads-Up Display (Active Driving Display) projected onto the windscreen, I had speed and navigation in the HUD, with trip and audio on the dash.
Upgrading the entertainment system facilitated an overhaul of the centre console, the cupholders are now forward of the gear selector but in easy reach, the wireless phone charger sits between the selector and the storage box.
More than once my wallet went into the phone charger, only to be relocated to make way for my phone…
I feel for designers trying to accommodate the variety of USB connectors, Mazda went all -C ports, front and back.
The enlarged dimensions flow through to the cargo area, the enlarged tailgate opening is welcome, I didn’t have to stoop to clear the hatch, the flat floor made loading the week’s groceries an easy task.
The Akera got the ‘foot swipe’ open and close function for hands-free operation, but I’m tall, so I just pushed the tailgate button!
My only complaint is the seemingly built-in blindspot common to Mazda’s SUV range, around the left-side door mirror and A-Pillar.
This has been around for many years, across different CX models and remains in the renewed CX-5, whether it is a legacy of being designed for left- and right-hand drive, you lose close to 30 degrees of vision and is especially bad at uncontrolled intersections and pedestrian crossings.
After trying multiple seating positions, the only solution is the ‘long necked goose’ head bob, trying to see around the A-Pillar especially, and to be extra careful.
While not totally cocooned from the outside, you enjoy a feeling of separation and privacy, engaging with the world, without it intruding into the cabin.
Fit and finish is excellent, high quality, but long-life, materials combine to give both versions a ‘finished’ feeling, these are cars you can own for a long time and still enjoy the interiors.
Mazda chose the proven 2.5-litre petrol four cylinder, making 138kW/257Nm on 95 RON fuel or 132kW/242Nm with 91 RON, driving all four wheels through the carried-over 6-speed automatic transmission, providing reasonable, but not sharp, performance.
While I didn’t expect a race car, it felt a bit underdone, perhaps blunted by the slight increase in weight with the larger body, but another 10 or 15kW would be nice.
The gearbox also felt clunky against the smoother-shifting opposition, given the amount of work on the rest of the car, it felt odd Mazda chose to leave the driveline unchanged.
Although the All-Wheel-Drive dulls the CX-5’s dynamic edge with its power-sharing and weight penalty, it does give the car a surefooted feeling in all conditions.
The ride is composed, the longer wheelbase works with the suspension to cancel out bumps and corrugations, but hit a speed bump hard and you will still hear and feel it.
The standard safety suite is impressive, too lengthy to detail here, but Mazda appreciated we didn’t deploy airbags or seatbelt pre-tensioners, even the ABS brakes and various traction controls stayed dormant.
Letting the car drift in its lane had the Lane Departure and Lane Keep Assist doing their thing, while an unbidden steering adjustment can surprise, Mazda has tuned it to nudge rather than launch you across the road.
Overall, the CX-5 is ‘safe’, without being bland, competent and comfortable, clearly striking a chord with buyers, rather than breaking the mould.
