Mazda CX-5: A good Japanese student, but lacking a bit of brilliance
Mazda, one of the smallest Japanese manufacturers, is finally entering the compact 4x4 market. The Hiroshima firm has always been characterized by original solutions and avant-garde technologies. We feast in advance.
Consensus all the way
The line is pleasing and the interior neat, well presented. But all of this is typically “Asian”, that is to say well done, consensual and... without any real personality. It will be difficult, in the street, to identify the brand of this vehicle. The passenger compartment is vast (but not the trunk), the ergonomics correctly thought out, except for a central armrest that is too low and backwards. Everything is at your fingertips. However, we deplore a few flaws, such as reduced visibility due to the two thick pillars on both sides of the windshield and... three-quarter rear. In addition, the seats offer a soft backrest. You can adjust the hardness at the level of the kidneys. But, then, we find ourselves with a hard seat just at the level of the kidneys and inconsistent elsewhere. As a result, we keep sliding up and down. Uncomfortable on long journeys. The seat is also a little too long for those who are not taller than 1.75 meters. In short, these seats are to be reviewed.
Black is black
Let us also criticize, in this interior which is intended to be ultra-rational, a dark, gloomy atmosphere, without warmth. I admit I don't understand how most manufacturers can concoct such sinister “harmonies”. When will the return of warm and chic materials for seat fabrics and door panels, such as velvet or “alcantara” (faux suede), and more sought-after colors than this eternal and dreadful grey-black?
New lean engine
In short, we are a little disappointed with the appearance of this brand new (fake) 4x4. But we are going to catch up on driving... Because the technical sheet is attractive. Mazda has concocted a new high-displacement diesel for us, with a very low compression ratio and a twin turbo with variable geometry. On paper, it should give a flexible, smooth mechanics, with response to all speeds. Let's say that this engine fulfills its contract... three-quarters. It is indeed soft, elastic, well filled from 1,500 rpm. It picks up without batting an eyelid, even in sixth gear at 90. In addition, it distills no untimely vibration and shows great sobriety for the category (7.3 liters per hundredths with a lot of city). It is backed up by a slightly firm but precise gearbox.
Mediocre front end
So why aren't we more excited? Alas, this mechanics has two faults: it hardly offers sensations, but, above all, it shows an unpleasant lethargy at startup. Like so many current diesels … We are therefore surprised to slightly pack the accelerator to start with a little bit of promptness. But, then, there is a catch: with a clutch lacking a bit of progressiveness, the front axle does not like this treatment at all. When the turbo kicks in, the power bursts too suddenly and the front wheels spin, shake and seek their way. On wet cobblestones, it is almost impossible to start cleanly. As a result, we feel a rather paradoxical lack of safety in heavy weather on a 4x4, even a fake 4x4. Japanese Yokohama tires are not the best on the market. And that doesn't fix anything. Note that our test model was a simple front-wheel drive. To solve the problem, it is imperative to switch to the 4x4 version! This front axle, a little inconsistent, also lacks precision and hampers driving pleasure. Nothing to do with the efficiency of a Peugeot 3008! Damage. The CX-5 is, on the other hand, rather comfortable - except on the speed bumps. Note that the "Stop and Start" (stopping and restarting the engine automatically at a red light) messed up... twice during our test.
Prices in the market
Our Elegance version of the test represents the second level of finish, 2,210 euros more expensive than the basic Harmony version. And, frankly, the latter, at 26,690 euros, is enough. It already has everything we need. But, impossible to access the GPS. The Tom-Tom navigation system is optional at 500 euros, but only on the Elegance version alone. Note that the 4x4 transmission, essential for more safety and to combat mediocre traction, is only available from the third level of finish, Dynamique. Then count 32,600 euros! For real luxury (leather, heated seats, reversing camera), it is necessary to opt for the Selection, the most upscale. And there it is 36,900 euros, with a more powerful 175 horsepower engine and 4x4 transmission. This version makes it possible to escape in particular from the sinister black interior. Unfortunately, marketing has been there, with its strange rules. And this version is decked out with huge 19-inch wheels with lower sidewall tires, fragile and a bit flashy! For a 4x4, it's not smart!
Choose the 4x4 version
The CX-5 has real qualities. He has for him the formidable reputation of reliability of the Japanese brand. On the other hand, the distribution network is quite weak. A defensible proposition... provided you choose the 4x4 version.Alain-Gabriel Verdevoye
Test model: Mazda CX-5 2.2 D 150 Elegance: 28,900 euros
Engine power: 150 hp (diesel)
Dimensions: 4.55 meters (long) x 1.84 (wide) x 1.67 (high)
Qualities: good general design, spaciousness, correct comfort, precise gearbox, smooth and fuel-efficient engine...
Flaws: ... but sluggish when starting, mediocre traction, gloomy interior, seats too soft
Competitors: Toyota Rav 4 2.2 D-4D: 4x2 Cape Town: 26,600 euros; Renault KoleosdCi 150 4x2 Carminat: 29,100 euros; Volkswagen Tiguan TDI 140 Sportline: 31,820 euros
Rating: 13.5 out of 20
Alain-Gabriel Verdevoye5 mins
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