2017 Mazda CX-5

Mazda continues to push forward and create great cars to drive.  The latest SUV on offer for 2017 is the next generation CX-5 that has a number of features worth highlighting, though you may need an eye for detail to see some of the subtle changes in design.  Treat yourself to a drive in a new Mazda CX-5 and you’ll marvel at the way the car performs and rides.

Stacked with safety kit, the new CX-5 now boasts a full array of modern safety features which include things like blind spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and display, smart city braking, driver attention alert systems, adaptive LED headlights, lane departure warning and radar cruise control.  Each new CX-5 comes with a five-star safety rating where the passenger compartment of the CX-5 remained stable in the frontal offset test.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Interior

A cocktail of lovely interior design is what makes the inside of a 2017 CX-5 very appealing.  The textures, curves and differing planes are beautifully put together in an ‘Audi’ sort of way.  There is no higgledy- piggledy ergonomics with clueless functions.  Everything is well sorted and very modern.  Build quality is best in class, and some would say even better than a VW Tiguan.  There is reference and connection with the way the switchgear flows, while everything falls easily to the touch.  The only complaint I would have is that the touchscreen is quite small compared to the bigger screens that you’d expect to find in this class of car.  The screen definition is still very good, it’s just that bigger equals better in this case!  When it comes to operating the touch screen, you can also manually operate the infotainment system via the round knob on the centre console which you twist through the various functions.  There are some buttons for driving it as well.  A multifunction steering wheel is standard kit and there is a good standard-kit audio system on-board as well as strong heating/cooling equipment with dual-zone air-conditioning.  A phone charging compartment is handy, and with smartphone connectivity you’ll be able to play your favourite music tunes no problems.  Premium CX-5 models come with a powered boot lid, heated front seats, a Bose stereo and even a heated steering wheel.  You certainly don’t feel short changed.

Having a well-sorted interior that is comfortable and roomy means that you can then get down to the business of driving the new CX-5 without being concerned that occupants mightn’t be enjoying the ride as much as you might be.  If you happen to be the adult in the middle of the rear seat, you won’t be quite so happy because space isn’t all that great – it is a smaller SUV after all.  The rear seat passengers with the window view have plenty of room and comfort, however.  A rear arm rest folds down to make life very nice for two rear seat occupants, and it boasts a USB jack point, cup holders and storage space.  A 507-litre boot space is sizeable but very much average for the class.

In the case of the Mazad CX-5, this new generation model follows in the footsteps of its predecessor which happened to be a class leader.  Driving the new one reveals the same high level of composure and responsiveness.  Ride cushioning is well sorted between comfort and sport, and this gives account as to why it appeals to the driving enthusiast inside of each us.  An SUV isn’t much fun when there is just too much body roll combined with stodgy steering but with the Mazda CX-5 you’ve got quite the performer with accurate steering and taut cornering control.  Equipped with Mazda’s G-Vectoring system that reduces engine torque ever-so-slightly as you turn into a corner to improve steering response, and a tweaked suspension, the 2017 Mazda CX-7 does have some useful footwork through the corners.

The brakes are very strong, and they pull the mid-size SUV up with little fuss on any road surface.  Speaking of road surface, the CX-5 will make a great open road tourer that is happy to take on the odd gravel road as part of your journey.  Both FWD and AWD models are available, and the FWD versions are mated to the 114 kW petrol engine with 114 kW @ 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 200 Nm @ 4000 rpm.  AWD petrol versions get the larger, and very smooth, 2.5-litre engine with 140 kW @ 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 251 Nm @ 4000 rpm.  AWD diesel versions get the frugal 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with 129 kW @ 4500 rpm and a maximum torque of 420 Nm @ 2000 rpm.  The diesel would likely be the most popular model in the range.  Check out the useful torque that this motor delivers, too.

It looks similar to the outgoing model but the larger grille, bonnet lip, sharp headlights and a nicely tucked rear-end results in a new CX-5 that looks more imposing on the road – particularly from the front.  You’ll also notice that the A-pillar has been moved rearwards by 35 mm creating a sportier profile when looking at the car’s appearance from the side.  All-in-all a very pleasing exterior design that just looks that little bit sharper.

It might be reasonably difficult to note the changes on the new Mazda CX-5 but it is true that its 10 mm longer, 20 mm lower and the A-pillar has been moved 35mm rearwards, creating a more sporting profile.  Mazda’s 2017 CX-5 SUV is a winner, and in GT and Akera guise the new CX-5 is very much a premium SUV for small families.

2017 Mazda CX-5

The current 2017 Mazda CX-5 models include the:

• CX-5 FWD Maxx (2.0 petrol)
• CX-5 FWD Maxx Sport (2.0 petrol)
• CX-5 AWD Maxx (2.5 petrol)
• CX-5 AWD Maxx Sport (2.5 petrol and 2.2 diesel)
• CX-5 AWD Touring (2.5 petrol and 2.2 diesel)
• CX-5 AWD GT (2.5 petrol and 2.2 diesel)
• CX-5 AWD Akera (2.5 petrol and 2.2 diesel)

For any more information on the latest Mazda CX-5 models or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mazda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!