Driving the electrified Mazda CX-5
WHEN YOU think about the most important segments in the local automotive industry, the compact crossover/SUV segment inevitably comes to mind. In it, you have cars like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, and many more. Traditionally, the segment has been dominated by Japanese brands, but Chinese automakers have started to creep into the market.
Undaunted, this year has seen the Japanese fight back with all-new or updated models of the aforementioned nameplates. And now, fellow Nippon marque Mazda is joining the fray with the all-new CX-5, which has been a highly anticipated model considering its success in the Philippines over the years.
We finally got our hands on the all-new model during a short but very sweet media drive up to Baguio. But before we talk about the drive itself, we need to discuss the changes to the CX-5. This is a major model because it is also a possible preview of Mazdas to come. One of the biggest overhauls has been the removal of physical buttons, and the introduction of a larger integrated infotainment screen that houses most of the car’s settings and features. I personally don’t mind the bigger screens, but I do lament the loss of physical buttons. It’s a little more complicated to have to dig deep into the screen to fiddle with the car’s functions.
Overall, though, I have to say that the CX-5’s interior is textbook Mazda, which is built to a higher standard than most marques. You won’t feel shortchanged in the CX-5; it comes with wireless phone connectivity, a massive sunroof, and ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) features. Speaking of safety, Mazda is regarded as one of the safest automakers today, gaining multiple international top marks during crash tests. The CX-5 has also gotten more cabin and cargo space without bloating the outside too much. We were able to comfortably fit three adults, a full-size golf bag, and multiple pieces of luggage without the need to fold seats.
Any drive up to Baguio is considered a test for any car; once you exit the expressways into the hit-and-miss provincial roads, things tend to get tricky. Luckily for us, the CX-5 comes with AWD, and I must say that it’s probably the best-handling car in its class, with a ride that is both comfortable and sporty. The engine is a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G inline-four gasoline power plant paired with a 24V e-SkyActiv mild-hybrid system that makes 190ps and 252Nm of torque. Its transmission is a six-speed SkyActiv Drive, so on paper it should be enough.
The truth is, I felt the performance of the CX-5’s new engine was just adequate; certainly not the fastest in the bunch, but enough to propel you comfortably. Up the steep climb of Marcos Highway, I would say that an additional helping of torque would have been welcome to make overtaking easier. Fuel consumption was decent at best. In the city, the CX-5’s mild-hybrid engine gave us around 10kpl, with a highway figure of 14.8kpl. These aren’t bad numbers for an AWD crossover filled with people and cargo.
As a side note, we also had the CX-60 and CX-90 during the drive — two of the best SUVs in the market today. Despite their age, the models still feel relevant, and provide exhilarating driving performance in practical SUV packages.
At P2.495 million, the new CX-5 is priced a little higher relative to the competition, but not shockingly high as the CR-V. Overall, I’d say that the CX-5 is for those who want the predictable four-cylinder engine paired with just enough electrification.
Of course, the CX-5 is safe, spacious, very good-looking, and drives as a Mazda should.