Long test Mazda CX-5. Part 1: the right course

The second generation Mazda CX-5 and our second meeting. Looking at what the new car was after an early facelift.

The second-generation Mazda CX-5 has been complaining about sales lately. The Japanese are consistently in the top ten best-selling cars among all SUVs, where, by the way, there is a very popular Renault Duster and Hyundai Creta. At the same time, which debuted just two years ago, the CX-5 has already experienced the first update, although it is not an update (the car itself has not changed) and most of the expansion of the range of modifications and improvements to various facilities and specifications.

Outside, the updated crossover can only be identified by the wheel design. In my opinion, these wheels look much cheaper, also with ridiculous black inserts.

With its own main reason for which the rise began, the Russian market is not affected. Unlike the Mazda6 model, which won its arsenal of Skyactiv-g 2.5T turbodiesels (230 hp and 420 Nm), the Mazda CX-5 remained with the same range of engines. And this is quite understandable. Now the top-end CX-5, held by the executive, has already crossed the 2.5 million conventional unit mark, and if it were a turbo, it would have to create internal competition with the big Mazda CX-9 crossover, which starts at $2.75 million.

Already in the basic version, the drive and active CX-5 are equipped with LED headlights with halogen running lights. In the higher trim, the halogen running lights have been replaced with LED ones, and you'll get an adaptive lighting system. The higher executive version is supplemented with automatic high beams.

The most expensive executive equipment has become even richer. Now, nappa leather is used in the decoration, natural wood inserts, the ceiling and pillars are made in color, the front seats are ventilated, and the rear-view mirrors in the cab are frameless now. In addition, the Mazda CX-5 received a new climate control unit, the pedestrian recognition function not only works day and night, but the multimedia system now supports integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mobile devices. The rear view camera at the top of the equipment is not just a camera, but a whole system of circular video review.

Right now, the Mazda CX-5's most expensive package flaunts Nappa leather and black headlining.

A system of circular video review appeared in the list of equipment.

Executive equipment received a full projection on the windshield. The version is easier to accept on a plastic screen located on the instrument panel visor.

Ok, the limits of restyling from the outside are not for everyone. The only change is the new 10-spoke wheels, which, in my opinion, look much better than the old wheels with a controversial design. Another change concerns the technical part, and the electronic system is G-vector control, which aims to change the engine thrust depending on the steering angle, speed and current on the vehicle acceleration. Thanks to electronics, the car has more precise and predictable reactions in corners. So the updated system, which received the “plus” prefix, is now included in the work earlier under the minimum turn of the “steering wheel”, and also continues to control the car at the exit of the turn. Of course, it is unlikely to really feel this change, but the fact is the fact.

We will discuss the driving performance of the Mazda CX-5 in the next part, and how the visible and invisible changes that the car received during the last update can be said that the Japanese crossover has become even stronger in its class. As I said in the test, 2017, with the appearance on the market of the second generation, the CX-5 has taken a significant step towards quality and comfort. Of course, we won't talk big words like “premium” and “luxury”, but the quality of workmanship, attention to detail and the overall level of development on the Mazda CX-5 is one of the leaders in the class.