Mazda CX-5 2.0 Luxury Sports (A) Facelift Review

I like this car.

From the time I first drove it in 2013 right through to the second generation in 2017, the Mazda CX-5 has been nothing but impressive. Of course, since then, there have been a couple more competitors joining in the segment. While the initial suspects were the Toyota Harrier, the Nissan Qashqai and the Volkswagen Tiguan, others such as the Skoda Karoq and Seat Ateca joined in the SUV party a couple of years later.

This has, obviously, made the segment a whole lot more competitive than it already is. But considering the capabilities of the Mazda CX-5, the carmaker should have very little to worry about.

Wait, aren't you being a little bias?

After all, for a pint-sized driver who is quite particular about a car, especially SUVs, the car clad in Soul Red here has been nothing short of impressive. Yes, that may sound a tad bias, but honesty remains to be the best policy, at least in the case of Sgcarmart.

For starters, the Mazda SUV looks striking and stirring all at once, thanks to the frontal unique-looking three-dimensional grille that extends to the redesigned slim LED headlamps. Depending on the new trim selections, the grille now comes with vivid red or bright lime green detailing, making it instantly recognisable.

Also, small but important detailing such as front bumpers, wheel arches and side skirts also come in piano black as factory standard on our highest Luxury (Sport) trim as compared to the matte black on other variants.

Wait, are you being fair?

The same sporty yet luxury treatment can be witnessed on the inside, too. This gives you and me a very peaceful easy feeling, which is decidedly not a let down. From the 7.0-inch infotainment system to the multi-functional steering wheel, everything seems to be well thought out here, with properly-engineered switchgears that can easily let the casual observers perceive the Mazda CX-5 to be one of the SUVs from the premium German carmakers.

With this refreshed model, you get the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, new wireless charging pad and hands-free tailgate, amongst others. For audiophiles, the 10-way Bose speakers are still available, as usual.

What's unusual and nice, though, is that on our test car, the stitching on the benches are in sporty red - a feature not commonly associated with cars in this class. Choose the base Elegance variant and you'll get matching bright lime green trimmings all around, including the surroundings on the air-con vents (which is honestly quite cool, methinks).

Space-wise, the CX-5 will not disappoint, too. Three Asians will fit at the back with no fuss with either the head or legroom. And should you need to haul extra baggage around for the weekly picnics, the 438-litre boot space that comes with a tonneau cover (similar to the one in the Mercedes-Benz EQS) will see to that easily.

Wait, I'm starting to like this car now, too!

More than just looking after the space segment is the way the CX-5 moves on the tarmac. Not only does the SUV deliver an athletic handling, it manages to strike a balance between nimbleness and comfort, which isn't something you see in a lot of cars in its class.

This harmonious balance allows the CX-5 to isolate tarmac imperfections while eliminating any sort of vibrations to the cabin. At the same time, you're never bored when faced with long, sweeping bends or tighter curves. Best part of all, all these are done with absolute finesse, with external noises all kept well at bay.

Yes, the 2.0-litre unit pumps out merely 162bhp and 213Nm of torque, and it'll hence finish the zero to 100km/h sprint in 10.2 seconds, but with the CX-5, it's more than just about power output. It handles well as an SUV, has excellent road manners and it remains composed and confident when you're driving at illegal speeds.

Don't get me wrong, the refreshed SUV is not perfect. It's neither as spacious as the Toyota Harrier, nor is it as quick as the Skoda Karoq, but very few can match the Mazda's self-confidence and alluring charm when you're on the go.

Wait, wait, wait... Hold up a second

According to Mazda, the CX-5 in the top-spec Luxury (Sport) trim will be having a launch price of $194,888, and it's valid until the 7^th of September 2022. Yes, with high COE prices right now, car prices are inevitably sky high, but the Mazda CX-5 makes for a very good case.

With all the bells and whistles in this top-spec variant, it's hard to find another SUV that can give you so much comfort, luxury and nimbleness for this price, which is exactly why I say this from an unbiased point of view...

I like this car.

 
Interested in other mid-sized SUVs such as the Mazda CX-5? Take a look at these cars then

Get fun and functional with the Skoda Karoq

The Nissan Qashqai is quiet and comfortable

The Toyota Harrier could well be a premium car

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a capable all-rounder

The refreshed Seat Ateca is a dependable proposition


Want to see more of this sweet SUV? We have just the thing you need...