2017 Mazda CX-5 review: on the way up!

With recent models, it looks like Mazda is on the right path. For the fourth year in a row, their sales are up and now they are presenting completely refurbished 2017 Mazda CX-5 crossover.

With the great success of Mazda3 and Mazda6, it is actually amazing how well Mazda CX-5 is doing. The first generation, presented in 2012, became the first Mazda model, which combined the Japanese KODO design language code and Skyactiv technology.

Every fourth Mazda sold is Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5 side view shows positive first impression. CX-5 already persuaded over 1.5 million buyers, we believe many more are coming to Mazda showrooms.

Simultaneously with the growth in sales of crossover segment, Mazda CX-5 increasingly gained popularity and is now one of the most important models within the brand. As many as 25 percents of all Mazda customers choose the CX-5, which in numbers means that from 2012 until today in 120 countries around the world, Mazda CX-5 already persuaded more than 1.5 million customers.

Therefore it is not surprising that the renovation of such an important model must be taken carefully and prudently. The engineers maintained the previous generation proven quality and correct what was not good. In doing so, they take into account the comments of buyers. As they say, they have very loyal customers, and primarily they want to keep them, and on the second plan acquire new ones.

Mazda CX-5 exterior: elegant, refined, also dynamic

2017 Mazda CX-5 exterior design is elegant, refined and also dynamic.

Consequently, when designing a new Mazda CX-5, they mainly concentrated on the exterior appearance, a pleasant interior for the driver and passengers and improved driving dynamics. Of course, without any exaggeration. Based on the great success of the car it would be absurd to drastically change the external appearance.

The first impression is positive, and there is nothing wrong with the greater similarity to the Mazda CX-9. On the contrary, it seems that the Mazda CX-5 acquired some elegance from the larger sister and now performs much more refined and sophisticated. What stands out is the front part of the car, which is simple and elegant, on the other hand, with a large mask also dynamic.

The Mazda CX-5 interior serves the driver first

2017 Mazda CX-5 interior wants to serve the driver first, with new steering wheel and new “real” HUD on the windscreen.

The interior is designed in such a way that it is primarily pleasing the driver, then the passengers. Finally, the Mazda said goodbye to the projection screen in the form of small glass on top of the dashboard. They now offer a true one, in which information is projected directly onto the front windshield in front of the driver’s eyes.

Extensively renovated is the steering wheel (which can also be heated) and seats, new and better quality materials are added (including a light colored interior). Also, CX-5 is the first Mazda that provides electrically operated rear tailgate. If most of that is intended for the driver, it is worth mentioning heated seats and two USB sockets on the rear bench, cleverly positioned in the center armrest.

Improved driving dynamics for the new Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5 front view driving dynamics

Mazda CX-5 2017 has a very dynamic front part, and that coincides with improved traction, cornering and overall driving dynamics.

As the third most important guideline during the renovation was, as already mentioned, the driving dynamics. Just like the Mazda6, Mazda CX-5 has a G-Vectoring system, which takes care for improved traction and cornering. The operation of the system is not perceptible to the driver but certainly, helps when driving. However, thanks to the system or not, the new Mazda CX-5 is driving much better than its predecessor.

Despite the size and height (by the way, Mazda CX-5 has a minimum ground clearance 193 mm / 7.6 inches), the car goes through tight curves without excessive tilt. The entire chassis also allows dynamic driving. Of course, all these merits do not go only to G-Vectoring system, but also to a renowned chassis, improved body strength and a new, lightweight material.

Renovated steering wheel is more responsive to driver commands. Clearly, as the large crossover befits, the buyer can choose a four-wheel drive, which makes the new Mazda CX-5 even more sovereign.

Mazda CX-5 available as petrol and diesel, also in the USA

2017 Mazda CX-5 engines: petrol without a turbocharger, 2.2-liter diesel.

New Mazda CX-5 will be provided with petrol and diesel engines and five different powers. The petrol engine is a 2-liter or 2.5-liter one, while the diesel is 2.2-liter. Interestingly, all the five engine versions move in a relatively narrow range, from 160 to 190 hp.

A six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard but it is also possible to combine all the engines with automatic, also a six-speed gearbox. For the entry petrol and diesel engine, the customer can choose between front or four-wheel drive, while with the most powerful diesel version only four-wheel drive is an option.

In practice, all the engines prove to be sufficient, but of course, it depends on how you use the car. For normal urban driving, the basic engines are absolutely sufficient, including the two-wheel drive. By driving on the uncured ground it will logically be easier to have all-wheel drive.

Reduced noise in the Mazda CX-5 cabin

The noise inside the cabin and interior has been reduced, but 2017 Mazda CX-5 is still not among the quietest ones. Like many other Japanese cars aren’t.

And when we mention driving, we should not pass through the sound insulation of the cabin. To reduce the interior noise, Japanese engineers improved sound isolation, at the same time they put a lot of effort to reduce the wind noise on some parts of the bodywork. Compared to its predecessor, the apparent improvement can be noticed, however, the Mazda CX-5 can not be described as the most silent car. A similar problem is encountered virtually with all Japanese cars.

Even Mazda CX-5 can not survive without modern security systems

2017 Mazda CX-5 has many modern security assistance systems. As expected.

The new Mazda CX-5 also offers new security-assistance systems, improved connectivity, and a new BOSE sound system. The radar cruise control is improved and can lead the car to a complete stop and later warn the driver if the car in front of him has left (if the driver does not react by himself). Even more significant enhancement is delivered from an urban emergency braking system. If the previous one worked in the area of 4 to 30 kilometers per hour, now the new one, equipped with a camera, operates in the speed range between 4 and 80 kilometers per hour, while also recognizes pedestrians.

Many other systems are available to the driver of the new Mazda CX-5 such as an unintentional lane departure warning, the warning of traffic behind the vehicle when reversing and warning of vehicles in the blind spot. Last but not least, the emergency braking system is also enhanced, its camera and radar observe the traffic ahead of the vehicle to a speed up to 160 kilometers per hour.

Conclusion

2017 Mazda CX-5 rear view: noticeable difference from the predecessor, can not hide Japanese roots.

Certainly, there is a noticeable difference between the previous and the new Mazda CX-5. Mainly in the exterior design, production quality, and not least the interior. On the other hand, it is true that even the new Mazda CX-5 can not hide the Japanese roots. But maybe it also refuses to do so. The main point is, the car is likable to those customers who love cars like this. And after all, it looks like there are a lot of them.