While there's still some tyre noise present on some mediocre patches of bitumen, the car inside was frequently quiet enough for the whine of the turbocharger to be faintly heard from the driver's seat. On the outward-bound leg of the drive program, it was immediately apparent that Mazda had delivered on its promise, and the update model was better in every respect mentioned. The value is there, however, with standard equipment including alloy wheels, front foglights, auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, triple-split folding rear seat, dual-zone climate control, leather-bound wheel/gear knob, vanity mirrors, six-speaker audio and satellite navigation. This car is one peg above the entry-level variant, but with the extra cost of the diesel engine, the automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it tops out at just under $39,000.

Since these features as a package are only standard in the flagship CX-5 Akera, and most of the drive program was conducted on country roads during daylight hours, there was simply no opportunity to make a valid assessment of them.įor the local launch of the new car, due to go on sale early next month, first sampled the diesel-engined CX-5 Maxx Sport. The new safety features, bundled together under the name i-ACTIVSENSE, include adaptive LED headlights, Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Smart City Brake Support (with rearward detection added), Smart Brake Support and Mazda Radar Cruise Control.

What has changed is the car's ride comfort, noise suppression, active safety and price. Of particular note, there have been no changes to the three 'SKYACTIV' drivetrains on offer. It's space-efficient and affordable, frugal to run, but fun to drive.Īn update for 2015, belied by a mild facelift, addresses the CX-5's relatively few weaknesses. The reason for the CX-5's success is its ability in competencies that appeal specifically to the modern SUV buyer. It's a far cry from the results posted by its predecessors, the CX-7 and Tribute – worthy machines though they were.

That's what the Mazda CX-5 has achieved since its arrival in the local market back in 2012. In such a tight, action-packed segment as the medium SUV segment – and the SUV class generally – to sell in excess of 20,000 cars of the one type for two consecutive years is nothing short of astounding.

Mazda cx 5 2015 review