Mazda CX-5 - 5 things we like

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that sports a sleek design along with edgy aerodynamics. The vehicle is offered with luxurious interior accents, innovative technology and upgraded safety features at a reasonable price tag. The Mazda CX-5 lineup gets minor changes for 2020, including automatic high-beam headlamps and a new 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen display amongst others. 

Mazda CX-5 is available with four powertrain options in Australia - 2-litre, 2.2-litre, 2.5-litre and 2.5-litre turbo. The engines are further powered with 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive (automatic) transmission. However, only the MAXX variant comes with a six-speed manual transmission option. Both the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options are also available.

Mazda CX-5 price in Australia starts at $26,135. The updated trim levels and engine specs over the Mazda CX-5 gives a tough competition to the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan. 

Let’s take a look at some of the major features of the Mazda CX-5 that will appeal to buyers.

1. Sleek styling

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 comes equipped with strong styling cues and aerodynamical design that blend with the long-hood profile and provide the rear-wheel-drive with a meaner look of a cross-over. The flat front fascia of the car gives it a cohesive and clean finishing along with the fine detailing around the broad grille and narrow taillights that sweep into the fenders. Additionally, the automaker has swapped the standard 17-inch alloy wheels for 19-inches wheels that are available on the higher-trim versions. The exterior provides a humble and elegant finish while not going overboard with details. A distinctive front end and sharp sides make the CX-5 a head turner while on the road.

2. Smartly designed cabin for enhanced comfort

 Mazda has raised its level in designing the cabin of the CX-5. The updated offering is now capable of holding a minimum of nine carry-on suitcases behind its rear seats. The CX-5 cargo volume is more functional for 2020 and comes with a completely flat load floor. The smartly designed cabin also features several nooks and crannies in the cabin for smartphones and other loose items. Additionally, the centre console comes equipped with a deep tray at the front and a useful bin with a removable shelf.

3. Impressive power figures

As mentioned above, the new Mazda CX-5 is available with four different engine options (three petrol and one diesel) that include 2-litre, 2.2-litre (diesel), 2.5-litre and 2.5-litre turbo. The 2-litre petrol engine can make a maximum power of 154 hp along with a peak torque of 200 Nm. Next is the 2.2-litre diesel guise that pushes out a maximum power of 190 hp along with 450 Nm of peak torque.

Thereafter, the 2.5-litre petrol mill appears on the picture that is capable of churning out similar power like the diesel guise (190 hp), while the peak torque is different at 252 Nm. The flagship one among the powertrain option is the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which pumps out up to 231 hp power with 420 Nm of peak torque.

4. Refreshed infotainment and connectivity

In its latest offering, the CX-5 lineup sports an attractive 7.0-inch touchscreen that is placed at to top of the dash. The vehicle also features a rotary control that is mounted between the front seats and a straightforward interface. The infotainment system in the car can easily be integrated over Apple CarPlay and Android. 

5. Upgraded safety and driver assistance features

The CX-5 is renowned under the safety category due to its five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, the CX-5 was also named as Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The vehicle features a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features that come as standard across the CX-5 lineup. However, some of the notable key safety features of the car include a Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard adaptive cruise control for better handling of the car in all terrains, and standard lane-departure warning along with a lane-keeping assist for better safety of the occupants of the car.

Summing up

Lastly, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 serves as one of the best small crossovers available in the market. The car delivers an engaging driving experience than most rivals in its segment. Additionally, the smooth-riding experience and the ride quality along with an upscale interior, making it the desired car for many. Lastly, for the smartly designed cabin space and the price tag that it carries, the CX-5 is one of the best choices in the compact SUV class.

Also read: 2020 Mazda2 is here, carries a premium of up to $5,400