Build from scratch - a phrase that is increasingly scarce in this era where component / platform sharing is the key for profitability in the mass-produced automobile market.
Yet, these words appeared in Mazda's latest CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) brochure. The CX-5 is also its first offering to feature SkyActiv technology with its Soul of Motion (KODO) styling cues.
In the name of better driving dynamics, SkyActiv combines its latest efficiency-optimised powertrain, with lightweight chassis construction. The soft off-roader (local CX-5 variants are FWD) also features a fully revised suspension system
Exterior
Like its sedan stablemates, the CX-5 took on a smart, modernised design. Crisp styling lines flank each side of the bonnet, running through the body and sides, hints at the undertaking of the firm's latest crafting language - Soul of Motion. Up front, the CX-5 still bears the family-signature grille, and headlamps resembling those found on its stablemates.
The rear hatch is more acutely shaped, with a distinctive lip running between the lamps - a pleasant departure from the more chubby-looking SUV brother.
Yet, these words appeared in Mazda's latest CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) brochure. The CX-5 is also its first offering to feature SkyActiv technology with its Soul of Motion (KODO) styling cues.
In the name of better driving dynamics, SkyActiv combines its latest efficiency-optimised powertrain, with lightweight chassis construction. The soft off-roader (local CX-5 variants are FWD) also features a fully revised suspension system
Exterior
Like its sedan stablemates, the CX-5 took on a smart, modernised design. Crisp styling lines flank each side of the bonnet, running through the body and sides, hints at the undertaking of the firm's latest crafting language - Soul of Motion. Up front, the CX-5 still bears the family-signature grille, and headlamps resembling those found on its stablemates.
The rear hatch is more acutely shaped, with a distinctive lip running between the lamps - a pleasant departure from the more chubby-looking SUV brother.
 |
In luxury guise, the CX-5 packs 19-inch alloys (the lesser trim receives 17-inch), as well as a sun-roof. Headlamps with HID function, as well as fog-lamps (as much as they are less of a necessity on our local shores) come standard in the luxury package too.
The CX-5 inherits modern styling cues - 'Soul of motion'  |
Interior
Finished in a generally monotonous dark hue, the CX-5's cabin may seem a little dull on first entry. Stirring a sense of sportiness are the lightly littered bits of aluminium trimmings, flanking the centre console and forming the third stalk in the three-spoke steering.
Credit where it is due, the steering wheel carries a good feel to it, with thick supports and adequate girth. Beyond this are a trio of legibly scripted gauges encircled in metallic-looking trims, which form a flowing packing with the surroundings.
Taking centre stage in the dashboard layout is a new 5.8-inch infotainment system, which offers ease of operation through its touch-screen capability, as well as the flanking buttons and switches. The relatively-small dimensions though, are likely to attract differentiated views.
Finished in a generally monotonous dark hue, the CX-5's cabin may seem a little dull on first entry. Stirring a sense of sportiness are the lightly littered bits of aluminium trimmings, flanking the centre console and forming the third stalk in the three-spoke steering.
Credit where it is due, the steering wheel carries a good feel to it, with thick supports and adequate girth. Beyond this are a trio of legibly scripted gauges encircled in metallic-looking trims, which form a flowing packing with the surroundings.
Taking centre stage in the dashboard layout is a new 5.8-inch infotainment system, which offers ease of operation through its touch-screen capability, as well as the flanking buttons and switches. The relatively-small dimensions though, are likely to attract differentiated views.
 |  |
Affirming its purpose as a utility vehicle, the CX-5 can easily fit three adults at the rear. It also comes with a functional-sized boot that's well shaped with adequate depth to accommodate daily loots from the mall. And should the time calls for more space, one-pull release levers are conveniently situated on boot walls for the rear-folding bench in 40/60 split format, allowing easier 'knock downs' of rear benches.
 |
The Drive
Conceived and designed for optimal efficiency, the 2.0-litre powerplant under the hood of the CX-5 features the highest compression ratio in the market.
Prodding on the accelerator, the car feels relatively smooth on the pickup. The engine is eager to work its way through the revs, though feeling a tad overly enthusiastic at times, especially when jabs with the right foot is responded with a vocal note.
Leaving the auto-box to do its work, the six-speed transmission operates in a relatively fuss-free manner. When taking matters in your own hands (via the gear-lever that is), the cog-change does react with a tad of sloppiness. The manual mode too, exposes the 'loop-holes' in the torque delivering during lower engine speeds.
Engine cover finished in bright metallic blue hue - serves as a reminder of the technology beneath
Conceived and designed for optimal efficiency, the 2.0-litre powerplant under the hood of the CX-5 features the highest compression ratio in the market.
Prodding on the accelerator, the car feels relatively smooth on the pickup. The engine is eager to work its way through the revs, though feeling a tad overly enthusiastic at times, especially when jabs with the right foot is responded with a vocal note.
Leaving the auto-box to do its work, the six-speed transmission operates in a relatively fuss-free manner. When taking matters in your own hands (via the gear-lever that is), the cog-change does react with a tad of sloppiness. The manual mode too, exposes the 'loop-holes' in the torque delivering during lower engine speeds.
Engine cover finished in bright metallic blue hue - serves as a reminder of the technology beneath The less-engaging drivetrain, however, is dully counteracted with the superior handling characteristics of the soft roader. Around bends, the CX-5 feels predictable, with the precise steering and controlled body-roll. In short, the CX-5 does not disappoint in its chassis setup, defying the myth that cars on stilts are generally sluggish in handling.
Conclusion
The CX-5 has marked a major stride for Mazda, and has offered us a glimpse of its future cars to come. It also serve as a compelling option - a good compromise of form and functionality, which will satisfy the 'urban off-roaders'.
In the scale of efficiency and dynamism, the drivetrain of the CX-5 may have tipped towards the former. But do not, by any means, be taken into thinking the CUV an underperformer - it thrives in its own manners.
Conclusion
The CX-5 has marked a major stride for Mazda, and has offered us a glimpse of its future cars to come. It also serve as a compelling option - a good compromise of form and functionality, which will satisfy the 'urban off-roaders'.
In the scale of efficiency and dynamism, the drivetrain of the CX-5 may have tipped towards the former. But do not, by any means, be taken into thinking the CUV an underperformer - it thrives in its own manners.
