Mazda CX-5

Unlike the curvaceous exterior, the interior of the Mazda CX-5 focuses more on sharp creases and lines rather than curves. The overall cabin has a good mix of all-black elements with leather and faux dark wood theme running in the midst of the dashboard.

In a typical Mazda fashion, the steering wheel has a round theme, which comes integrated with buttons for audio, telephony and cruise controls on it. The instrument panel behind the steering wheel is designed rather plainly, with three individual dials for speedometer, tachometer and MID screen, which shows fuel gauge and other real-time drive details.

The pentagonal-shaped AC vents with faux aluminium surround look nice and unique, while the Audi-like popped-up 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system provides you with all the essentials including supports for Bluetooth, reverse camera and navigation. The center console looks quite minimalist with small circular buttons for climate control, however, the large transmission tunnel with premium chrome touches for gear lever and drive mode selector feel premium.

The overall space and comfort levels are quite good, however, the rear headroom is slightly compromised for the coupe-like roofline. And being a premium crossover, the Mazda CX-5 is loaded with features, the most noteworthy of which include push-button start with keyless entry, 6 speakers, 4 USB ports, leather upholstery, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, manually adjustable passenger seat, 40/20/40 split rear seats, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, electrically adjustable and foldable rear view mirrors, dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, rain-sensing wipers and auto headlamps.

The Mazda CX-5, in contrast to traditional crossovers, has a curved and aerodynamic form that makes it rather attractive, though not big and cumbersome. The overall shape is lovely and smooth, which puts it in step with other members of the Mazda family.

The Mazda CX-5, beginning at the front, features a large, open mouth that resembles the grille, which is nicely adorned with chrome below it. The entire side of the vehicle is covered in chrome, and over the ends of it are two sleek, long full LED headlamps that are positioned right next to the grille on both sides. Also fashionable and unusual are the LED fog lamps attached to the front bumper. The CX-5 has a distinct frontal appearance thanks to this entire fascia.

The Mazda CX-5 has pronounced curves in its side profile that run from the front fender to the back, which, together with the coupe-like roofline, give the vehicle a sinuous rather than boxy appearance. Rearview mirrors set on the doors, and a chrome beltline below the windows give it a sporty, upscale look. The appearance of substantial 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, along with the general low-slung form of the automobile, is the most striking feature of this design, though.

The dramatic elements of the CX-5's overall design are the least prominent in the rear. Although there are fewer embellishments on the back hatch, the CX-5 looks unusual because to the big cavity-like contour surrounding the location of the licence plate. The rear tail lamps have an LED configuration and a streamlined style like the front headlamps. The slightly sloped rear windscreen again reminds you of the fact that it is more of a crossover than an SUV.

With a suspension setup of McPherson struts at the front and Multi-link suspension at the rear as well as disc brakes all around – front ventilated and rear solid, the overall ride quality of the Mazda CX-5 is slightly on the plusher side, which gives it more car-like trait in terms of ride and handling, rather than an SUV. The body roll is very well controlled thanks to large 19-inch wheels and low center of gravity, with the ground clearance of 193 mm too being helpful here on that front. And thanks to the G-Vectoring control technology, the CX-5 handles like a charm.

In terms of powertrain choices, Mazda is one manufacturer which doesn’t disappoint you in spoiling you with options. The Mazda CX-5 falls in the same category, for the crossover comes with two petrol and one diesel engine options.

Let’s start with petrol first. The smaller one here is a 2.0-litre unit which produces 162 bhp of power and 210 Nm of torque, while the bigger one of the two is a 2.5-litre mill which generates 192 bhp of power and 257 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the oil burner is a 2.2-litre diesel engine which pumps out 173 bhp of power and an impressive 420 Nm of torque.

All these engines are paired to a common 6-speed torque converter and get Mazda’s renowned i-stop idling technology, making the already powerful engine options even more driveable.  

The Mazda CX-5 is one crossover which doesn’t compromise on the safety front at all, for the vehicle is equipped with a very long list of safety features, which could shame even SUVs from one or two segments above.

The Mazda CX-5 has been blessed with safety features such as front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, Dynamic Stability Control, Emergency Brake Assist, traction control, emergency stop signal, electronic parking brake, hill start assist, ISOFIX mounts, adaptive front lighting system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning system, lane keep assist system, driver attention alert, and smart city brake support.

The Mazda CX-5 may not be the conventional SUV that one might anticipate, but its elevated stance and aerodynamically curved shape give it a huge, luxurious appeal that is enough to turn heads. Powerful engine choices are available, and they go well with Mazda's legendary ride and handling balance. The Mazda CX-5 does seem to justify its premium price tag with a long list of safety features and luxurious cabins.