Splendid CX-5 Carbon remains pick of mid-SUV bunch
It may be long in the tooth, but Mazda’s CX-5 still remains the pick of the South African midsized SUV bunch. Sure, there’s a huge range of choice out there today, but SA’ best kept SUV secret has benefited a continual series of also basically secret upgrades to keep it a short head clear of the pretenders to its throne.
This most recent ruby-red sampler is ample proof of that. There have been a few really cool upgrade since we last drove one, which all came as a bit of a surprise. Subtly updated instruments for instance now include a novel fuel gauge with a little range readout at the end of the needle. And there’s a handy live consumption meter other side the smart analogue speedo. Now there’s a step forward to economy conscious drivers!
Cool tech keeps clever Carbon cabin current
Staying inside this most sophisticated, plush and quite cool, if a touch dark cabin, this one’s Carbon trim adds a red-stitched leather and suede combination, a red-stitched steering wheel, gear lever and knee pads. That all of course over and above everything that opens and shuts and a properly dependable badge on its nose.
The infotainment works too. Has all the necessary buttons and knobs aided and abetted by a sensible rotary knob, etc. and cleverly laid out steering multi-functions. It all operates on a small and unobtrusive screen that only shows you want you want, or need to see. So refreshing in this world of idiot interfaces that no average human will ever operate efficiently.
Carbon trim makes ruby CX-5 Carbon kick
Before we step outside, the boot is also worthy of mention. It now also has a truly novel parcel shelf that connects direct to the tailgate via a roll-out mesh net. Not only does it work a treat, but this system is so much better than the old string and tray method that inevitably snags or gets in your way every time.
Stepping outside for a moment, this ruby-red metallic finish really kicks with its Carbon black 19” metallic alloys, wing mirrors and the rest. So you’d never believe that its smart, angular, yet curvy Mazda is among the oldest SUVs in class. Sure, it’s been perfected over the years, but that trademark Mazda grille and sparkly bright LED headlamps rival the executive best, never mind the regular lot. A Mazda touch of class?
Clever Skyactiv-G does interesting job
Slipping under the bonnet, were surprised to learn that Mazda has dropped manual gearboxes and the 2.2 turbodiesel from the CX-5 range. The gearbox matters little in this neck of the woods, but we’d still prefer the TD option. Not that anyone will ever notice, but this rowdy 121 kW 213 Nm 2-litre Skyactiv-G lump’s performance lags a little, and its gearbox may miss a couple of cogs that the old TD did not need.
It’s still an impressive piece of work though, even if its extraordinarily high 13:1 compression ratio chosen in place of turbocharging is the source of that ever-present mechanical din. Skyactiv-G, and that G means Gasoline, or Petrol in regular English, however, has less internal friction than a standard 2-litre.
Packing special pistons to deal with high combustion pressures and a banana-branch like 4-2-1 exhaust, it delivers more torque, better fuel economy and lower emissions than a regular 2-litre. But even if it’s a brave and quite special engine, it doesn’t match some more recent downsized petrol turbo rivals. So let’s hope that means there’s an even better TD like the splendid new hybrid straight six in the CX-60 on the way!
CX-5 Carbon handles, rides, holds the road
Some may say that it’s getting long in the tooth. But the Mazda’s CX-5 certainly still looks well over a million bucks in this Carbon get-up, even if it costs half. See, the CX-5 has everything you’d ever want, and then some from a medium-sized SUV. Which makes this Mazda jam packed with spec, everything that opens and shuts and a properly dependable badge on its nose a most compelling option.
The CX-5 sailed through our time with it over a broad range of road surfaces and driver’s chores, Sure, it challenged its fuel consumption claim, it’s a tad noisy and it’s performance is only average versus its looks. But it feels solid on the street, and handles, rides and holds the road impressively.
In our opinion, it’s still not just the best looking of all its rivals, but it’s still the best overall package too. And best of all, the Mazda CX-5 2.0 Carbon waiting to wow you for considerably less money than you’d ever imagine. – Michele Lupini
Testing & images – Giordano 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
Range 800 km
Warranty/Service: 3y Unl/3y Unl
PRICE: R681K
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