Still a great option despite its age, Mazda’s CX-5 Carbon now even sexier, too
Some may say that it’s getting a touch long in the tooth, but we reckon that the Mazda’s CX-5 still looks a million bucks. Even if it costs half that and especially this new Carbon get-up.
IT’S EVEN CX-IER NOW!
The CX-5 has always had everything you’d ever want and then some, enough to keep us scratching our heads. One of a swathe of cars all of a sudden appealing to your darker side, this one’s maker reckons the Vader bits subtly enhance that CX-5 style to bring out an exclusive and sporty look, inside and out.
Its an interesting alternative – you’re not going to get much change out of a million rand from a similar sized premium German sport ute. Of course, it will be jam packed with spec, have everything that opens and shuts and a properly dependable badge on its nose. But hang on a second – does this Mazda CX-5 not pack a very good spec?
Never mind this one has that raft of delectable little Carbon bits over and above everything that opens and shuts and a properly dependable badge on its nose. Damn sure it does. OK, this one’s performance lags a little and that 121 kW 213 Nm 2-litre Skyactiv-G lump is rowdy at the best of times. And its gearbox may miss a cog or three, but will you ever notice? Doubt it.
POLYMETAL GREY MAKES BLACK POP
Based on the old 2.0L Individual Auto FWD it replaces in the seven-model CX-5 range, Carbon Edition comes standard with the same engine in automatic only. Ours was finished in this cool Polymetal Grey, which makes Carbon’s 19” black metallic alloy wheels and glossy black wing mirrors pop.
Step inside and while it’s side age causes it to be a bit staid versus some of the Mazdas we’ve seen of late it’s still pretty cool. Especially since the new Carbon trim adds and red-stitched leather and suede combination and red-stitched a steering wheel, gear lever and knee pads. Even though the extra shady bits contribute to an already quite dark space.
This CX-5 sailed through our time with it over a broad range of surfaces and chores as it challenged its fuel consumption claim. It feels solid on the street, handles, rides and holds the road impressively. And in our opinion, it’s still the best looking of all its rivals.
TITIVATED CARBON EDITION WORTH A PEEK
All in all, if that posh new SUV is starting to look a little too much like a test of your financial stamina right now, this titivated Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition certainly is worth considering. Take a look – it’s waiting to wow you at a lot less than you may imagine. — Michele Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Mazda CX-5 2.0 Carbon Edition Engine: 121kW 213Nm 2-litre petrol I4 Drive: 6-speed automatic FWD TESTED: 0-60 km/h: 4.67 sec 0-100 km/h: 10.21 sec 0-120 km/h: 13.76 sec 0-160 km/h: 22.64 sec 0-400m: 17.0 sec @ 135 km/h 80-120km/h: 6.95 sec 120-160km/h: 10.94 sec CLAIMED: Vmax: 195 km/h Fuel: 6.9 l/100km CO2: 160 g/km Warranty/Service: 3y Unl/3y Unl PRICE: R565K RATED 8
