Mazda CX-5 – Is it priced right?

Mazda launched the second-generation avatar of the CX-5 in Malaysia in 2017, and it has broadly remained the same ever since. The CX-5 has proven itself as one of the best-selling models for the Japanese carmaker - it sells quicker than Mazda can make it. So, it’s abundantly clear that the marque has a definite winner on its hands. The compact crossover SUV is available with a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and transmission duties are handled by a standard 6-speed automatic gearbox. The CX-5 price range between RM 127,653 and RM 165,939, competing against the likes of the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Mitsubishi’s Outlander. However, does the Mazda CX-5 deserve its lofty price tag? Well, let’s find out.

Exterior appearance

There’s no denying the fact that the Mazda CX-5 is one of the better-looking crossovers in the market, today. While some brands try really hard to convince buyers of the SUV aspects of their crossover, Mazda has taken a different approach. The CX-5 isn’t designed to look intimidating or aggressive, nor does it have the boxy proportions of a wannabe-SUV. Instead, its KODO design language endows it with sleek, well-balanced, car-like proportions. Of course, it still retains some of the traits that make it a crossover SUV - there’s the high ground clearance and ride height, judiciously flared wheel arches and black lower-body trim.

Other neat styling touches on the CX-5 include the bold 19-inch alloy wheels, sleek LED headlamps with DRLs, low-slung bonnet, mesh front grille with shiny chrome garnish, integrated roof spoiler, wrap-around LED tail lamps and twin exhaust pipes. Compared to rivals such as the Outlander or Forester, the CX-5’s styling looks more contemporary and urbane. It looks even more attractive if you choose to drape it in what Mazda calls its ‘Soul Red Crystal’ colour option. It might cost you an extra two grand, but considering the result, it’s a worthy investment.

Quality interior

One of the biggest strengths of the CX-5 has to be its interior. It’s well appointed, ergonomic, well built with a top-notch fit & finish, and even feels a touch sporty. While some of its rivals cut costs by using low-grade plastics on the inside, Mazda hasn’t quite done that - at least not to that extent. Most of the surfaces are covered in soft-touch materials, while the metallic accents, piano black finish, and the stitching on the leatherette look and feels upmarket. Further still, the buttons, switches and dials in the CX-5’s cabin have a sense of quality to their operation and feel expensive as well. The seats provide plenty of support and are quite comfortable, though larger adults might find them a bit too snug.

Features and equipment

With the CX-5, you also get loads of stuff for your money. For example, even the base GL trim gets automatic LED headlights, LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-folding wing mirrors, keyless entry with push-start button, electronic handbrake, cruise control, LCD multi-information display, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and split-folding rear seats. But wait, there’s more. There’s also a 7-inch touch-infotainment head unit with voice command and 6 speakers, parking sensors with a reversing camera, and automatic engine stop-start technology.

As far as safety is concerned, the CX-5 is available tonnes of kit. There are six airbags, dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill-hold assist, auto hold function, speed-sensing door locks, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, and auto emergency braking.

Driving experience

Mazdas have been, for the most part, fun cars to drive. The CX-5 is no exception that rule. No matter which engine option you choose, the CX-5 will manage to put a smile on your face - it really will. That smile will be even bigger if you pick the one with the SKYACTIV 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. It puts out a healthy 192 horsepower and 257 Nm of maximum torque, enough to propel the CX-5 from nought to 100 kmph in just over 9 seconds. And with a little bit of tailwind, the CX-5 will touch 200 kmph. It also comes with Mazda’s excellent G-Vectoring Control, selectable drive modes, and sorted suspension setup. Couple those with the sporty driving position and a well-balanced steering wheel, the CX-5 easily ranks as one of the best driving cars in its segment. Its weight balance and body roll control are also noteworthy, making enthusiastic cornering quite a pleasurable task.

So, is it worth it?

In a word, yes. It is. The Mazda CX-5 is a good looking, fun to drive, well built, packed with features, and a reasonably economical crossover. However, if you want something that’s cheaper, more intimidating and less car-like, look elsewhere.