Natural Aspirations

Natural Aspirations

When Mazda first introduced the CX-5, it was well received. Their current design language known as KODO – Soul of Motion was first seen in the previous car, and years on, the old car still looks fresh, with its crisp-cutting lines, and subtle flowing bulges. The new car takes on the same design philosophy, but with Mazda upping the game several notches with better materials, while styling hits the mark, prompting second glances at their mid-range SUV.

OneShift Editorial Team

08 Sep 2017

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The G-Vectoring Control does help with building confidence, and soon, you might just find yourself going a little lighter on the brakes

What we like:

Build quality
tech
Soul Red Crystal Metallic paintjob
ride comfort
handling

What we dislike:

Engine could be better
infotainment interface could use an update

Lately, there has been the buzz in Mazda about a little but important unseen feature which will find its way into future models. The CX-5 is the second model in their line-up (the first, being the facelifted Mazda 6) to feature their G-Vectoring Control. Generally a combination of hardware and firmware, designed to toggle so slightly with the engine’s delivery of torque, ensuring the best possible weight transference in anticipation of the car taking a corner, or even during braking. This according to the guys at Mazda enables the CX-5 to take corners with lesser roll and greater overall stability. Passengers on the other hand, especially in the case of taller cars, would feel less tilt, and hence enhancing comfort.

The 2.5 litre engine is a naturally aspirated unit (getting a little rare in this day and age), which from the lights, delivers its torque in a more linear fashion, instead of that near-sudden 100 percent you would get from a turbocharged engine. Maximum torque delivery of 257Nm is at 3,250rpm. Maximum power is rated at 194ps, nothing big to shout out, and just a little more than adequate. The CX-5 does boast a decent 13.9km/l fuel economy. Revving the 2.5 litre unit above 3,000 rpm does induce a little bit of four cylinder engine noise into the cabin, but in most cases, the car is never harsh. The six-speed automatic which is available for both the 2.5 and 2.0, swops cogs well, and the 6th gear does come with an electronic lock-up which activates when the car is on cruise mode, helping with the fuel economy.

Being front-driven, you would experience just a little bit of understeer around the bends. The G-Vectoring Control does help with building confidence, and soon, you might just find yourself going a little lighter on the brakes, while there is noticeably less roll compared to some of the competition. The drive is certainly satisfying, and seat comfort is good enough for those long journeys up north.

Technological goodies like the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system helps to alert drivers if there is an approaching car passing from behind, as you reverse out of a lot. In urban Singapore, features like Advanced Smart City Brake Support come in handy, as that added layer of active safety, helping as an added set of eyes on the road, to prevent or at least to mitigate an impending collision with another vehicle or pedestrian.

Mazda did a superb job with the new CX-5. Build quality is very impressive. The only major let down is their engine. While they might be harping about their SKYACTIV technology, many car manufacturers producing cars around the same market segment have already turned to turbocharging for added fuel economy, without compromising on power and torque.