Pros
Pleasurable driving manners
Reasonable fuel economy
Comfortable, spacious seats
Acute hairstyle.
Five-star overall NHTSA crash test
Cons
Infotainment system not responsive enough
Low-quality stereo audio
The standard engine has poor acceleration
Poor resale value in Zimbabwe
Requests to examine specific vehicles sometimes come my way. Someone who is thinking about purchasing a certain vehicle or is a petrol head will make requests here and there for me to review their vehicle of choice.
Nearly a year has passed with this one sitting in my basket. I was under the impression that the requestor would just forget, yet he keeps prodding me every time we cross paths.
Dr Winslow Chiduku, this one is for you. I finally laid my hands (and feet) on the 2015 Mazda CX 5 2-litre petrol a few weeks ago. The diesel version is widely accessible from vehicle rental companies, while the petrol version is more difficult to come by.
Exterior design and features
The 2015 Mazda CX 5 2 Litre Petrol exudes a captivating presence on the road, thanks to its meticulously crafted exterior design. From its sleek and aerodynamic silhouette to the striking signature grille, every element has been thoughtfully crafted to captivate your senses.
The CX5's flowing lines and sculpted curves create a dynamic and athletic appearance, ensuring that it stands out in any setting.
The muscular fenders and sweeping roofline contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency, while the bold character lines add depth and sophistication. Complementing the vehicle's sporty demeanor are the stylish alloy wheels, available in various sizes and designs.
These wheels not only enhance the overall aesthetic but also contribute to improved handling and performance.
The CX 5 embraces modern lighting technology with its innovative LED headlights and taillights.
These energy-efficient and long-lasting lights not only illuminate the road with precision but also add a touch of elegance to the vehicle's exterior.
For those seeking an open-air driving experience, the available panoramic sunroof offers an expansive view of the sky above. This feature adds a sense of spaciousness and allows natural light to flood the cabin, creating a refreshing ambiance.
With its striking aesthetics and thoughtful design elements, the 2015 Mazda CX 5 2 Litre Petrol seamlessly blends form and function, ensuring that you turn heads wherever you go.
Interior design and comfort
Step inside the 2015 Mazda CX 5 2 Litre Petrol, and you will be greeted by a meticulously crafted interior that prioritises both style and comfort. From the premium materials to the ergonomic design, every aspect has been carefully considered to elevate your driving experience.
The CX 5 offers a range of seating options, including high-quality leather or cloth upholstery, designed to provide optimal support and comfort during long journeys. The front seats are available with heating and ventilation functions, ensuring a cozy and refreshing ride in any weather condition.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the CX 5 boasts a surprisingly spacious and airy cabin.
The thoughtful interior layout maximizes legroom and headroom, ensuring that you and your passengers can stretch out and relax during your adventures.
Whether you are packing for a weekend getaway or tackling your daily errands, the CX 5's versatile cargo area has you covered. With the rear seats folded down, you will have access to a generous cargo space, allowing you to transport larger items with ease.
Mazda's attention to detail shines through in the almost premium appointments found throughout the cabin. From the soft-touch materials to the high-quality trim accents, every element contributes to an upscale and refined ambiance.
With its harmonious blend of comfort, style, and practicality, the interior of the 2015 Mazda CX 5 2 Litre Petrol offers a sanctuary where you can escape the stresses of daily life and enjoy the journey ahead.
Performance and handling
Under the hood of the 2015 Mazda CX 5 2 Litre Petrol lies a powerhouse of performance and agility. This compact SUV defies expectations by delivering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and confidence-inspiring.
At the heart of the CX 5 is a 2.0-liter petrol engine that produces an impressive 121kW of power and 210 Nm of torque. This engine strikes a perfect balance between power and efficiency, ensuring a responsive and spirited driving experience.
Depending on your preference, you can choose between a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission or a precise 6-speed manual gearbox. Both options offer seamless power delivery and excellent responsiveness, allowing you to tackle any driving situation with confidence.
The CX 5's finely tuned suspension and precise steering system work in harmony to provide an engaging and dynamic driving experience.
Whether you are navigating winding roads or cruising on the highway, the vehicle's agile handling and responsive steering ensure that you remain in complete control.
For those seeking enhanced traction and stability, the CX 5 offers an available all-wheel drive system.
This intelligent system continuously monitors driving conditions and distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, ensuring optimal control and confidence on various terrains.
With its potent engine, responsive transmission, and agile handling, the 2015 Mazda CX 5 2 Litre Petrol delivers a driving experience that is both thrilling and rewarding, allowing you to conquer any adventure with confidence and style.
Driving manners
Despite the lack of steering feel, the CX5's agility more than compensates. The suspension handles weight transfer with vigilance, with no wallowing or rolling, and the changes in direction are quick and incisive. Also, the mechanical grip is really good, but it will understeer if you push it too much.
This isn't something you wouldd often see in an SUV, but the CX5 encourages exuberant driving by giving the impression of being more of a sporty sedan than a high-riding SUV.
When compared to other manufacturers, Mazda had the best value back then. The Chinese, however, have seized control. These days, it is hard to purchase a Mazda without also considering Chinese brands like Haval and Chery.
Considering everything, the mechanical package pushes the limits of what you typically expect from an SUV. Particularly noteworthy is the gearbox.
The 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, often overlooked as a sports vehicle, boasts fine-tuned responsiveness and gear retention, particularly in sport mode.
The shifting is a little clunky, but a little throttle input gets you into the right lower gear quickly, and you can hold the gears at higher rpm in bends like a manual gearbox.
Alternatively, you may manually swap gears using the paddles attached to the steering columns; this method also has a rapid shift reaction, but with slower shift durations.
My decision
Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Haval H6, Chery Tigo, and Kia Sportage are still competitors.
The CX5 renders the concept of a "premium brand" obsolete. In its SUV shape, it is a fearsome road companion because it embraces its crossover identity and uses all of its available features.
Although I usually stay away from soft-roaders, the CX5 is excellent beyond my wildest expectations.
Specifications
2.0 Petrol (121kW @ 210Nm)
Auto headlights
17” Alloys
Rain sensing wipers
Dual Zone Aircon
7 Inch display-MZD connect system
Bluetooth hands free
Radio / CD / Aux / USB
Cruise control
40:20:40 folding rear seats
ISOFix
Hill Launch Assist
Reverse camera
Front fog lights
Push-button keyless start
6 speakers
Privacy glass
Cloth seats
Audio controls on steering wheel
Electronic parking brake
- andrew@muzamhindo.com.