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Mazda CX-5 Touring Active
The refreshed Mazda CX-5 SUV retains
its good looks and excellent driveability,
making it one of the better choices out there
in the market.
We drove the Touring Active AWD 2.5-litre
Price from $42,880 plus on-road costs.
From the time I first drove it in 2013
right through to the second generation in
2017, the Mazda CX-5 has been nothing
but impressive. It has a five-star ANCAP
safety rating in 2017. Of course, since then,
there have been a couple more competitors
joining the segment. The SUV's initial
competitors are the Toyota RAV4 and
Hyundai Tucson.
For starters, the Mazda SUV looks
striking and stirring all at once, thanks to the
frontal unique-looking three-dimensional
grille that extends to the redesigned slim
LED headlamps. Depending on the new trim
selections, the grille now comes with vivid
red or bright lime green detailing, making it
instantly recognisable.
Also, small but important detailing such as
front bumpers, wheel arches, and side skirts
come in piano black as factory standard on
our highest Luxury (Sport) trim as compared
to the matte black on other variants.
The cabin is premium, plush and
comfortable. The same sporty yet luxurious
treatment can be witnessed on the
inside, too. This gives you and me a very
peaceful easy feeling. From the 7.0-inch
infotainment system to the multi-functional
steering wheel, everything seems to be well
thought out here, with properly-engineered
switchgear that can easily let casual
observers perceive the Mazda CX-5 to be
one of the SUVs from the premium German
carmakers.
With this refreshed model, you get the
usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a
new wireless charging pad, and a hands-free
tailgate, amongst other
things.
The stitching in the
cabin matches the
variant. What’s unusual
and nice, though, is
that on our test car
the stitching on the
benches is in bright
lime green trimmings all
around, including the
surrounding on the aircon
vents - a feature not
commonly associated
with cars in this class.
Space-wise, the CX-5
will not disappoint, too.
Three Asians will fit at the back with no fuss
with either the head or legroom. And should
you need to haul extra baggage around for
the weekly picnics, there is 438-litre boot
space with the 40/20/40 folding rear bench
up. Folding the rear seats frees up 1,342-litre
of space.
The Mazda CX-5 holds its own very well
on the go. More than just looking after the
space segment is the way the CX-5 moves
on the tarmac. Not only does the SUV
deliver athletic handling, but it also manages
to strike a balance between nimbleness and
SAMEWAY ISSUE 666 P. 20 09.09.2022