1. The Mazda CX-5 has an excellent reputation
Mazdas are known to be well-built cars that don't give their owners problems. In the latest consumer reviews the world over, Mazda CX-5 drivers couldn't be happier, and award their car an average of 4.6 – 4.8 stars out of 5. And, up to 97% percent of Mazda CX-5 owners would recommend this car to others. The CX-5 scored nearly full marks for value, interior design, reliability, performance and exterior styling. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 also received the 2018 Top 3 World Car of the Year title. And when the time comes to sell it on, you won't struggle to find a buyer plus you will probably get very close to your desired selling price. The CX-5 is one of those SUVs that retains its value rather well!
In February 2019, our local CX-5 's exterior was mildly refreshed with a colour change for the 17” alloy wheels available on the Active derivatives and a new wheel design on the 19” alloy wheels from the Dynamic model and upwards.
Related: Keen on buying used? Check out this video review of the 2017 Mazda CX-5 by Chad Lückhoff
2. It's super-safe and full of tech
The CX-5 has been raking in the safety awards, and as such it goes without saying that its EuroNCAP safety rating is five stars. In all models, six airbags are standard, along with ABS, EBD, brake assist, auto-levelling LED headlamps and front fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, an electronic parking brake, hill-launch assist, G-Vectoring Control, and a reversing camera. Dynamic models have an auto-dimming rearview mirror and Individual models add blind spot monitoring, a lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, Smart City Brake Support, fatigue detection, and head-up display. Sat-nav is also standard on Individual and Akera models.
With the last product feature update in February last year, Android Auto and Apple Carplay became standard on all derivatives. Mazda is not keen on touch screens, as tests have shown that it's a real distraction to drivers when they lean over the steering wheel to adjust settings on-screen while the car is moving, often causing the vehicle to veer out of its lane. The MZD connect infotainment system is super easy to use via the controller dial which rests just below your left wrist. I love the perfectly-sized screen that doesn't overpower the cockpit's minimalistic design. (The latest Interior design updates include a new air-conditioner panel pattern, chrome accents on the door mirror and window dials, as well as redesigned commander and volume controls.)
Related: Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 vs. Nissan X-Trail: Running cost comparison
3. It's spacious and practical
Whoever you're driving around and wherever you plan on going, you won't be left wanting for space in the Mazda CX-3, thanks to its long wheelbase and the Mazda designers' clever utilisation of space. There's rear legroom aplenty and 384 litres of luggage space too, with a tonneau cover as standard to keep your valuables out of sight. Folding the rear seats flat will enable you to transport objects as large as dining room tables.
Dynamic, Individual and Akera models have leather seats for easy clean-ups of in-car picnic spills, and an automated tailgate eases the schlepp of loading school bags and groceries into the rear. Two USB ports are hidden in the centre armrest cubby, keeping the front fascia tidy and cable-free (all models).
But what's it like to drive?
If you are keen on driver enjoyment that's not going to cost the earth, the well-balanced CX-5 is one of the more dynamic family SUVs out there. Its steering is well-weighted and direct, the 2.2-litre diesel engine is zesty, and the automatic gearbox is refined and sure of itself. My test model, the flagship CX-5 2.2 DE AWD Akera at R605 400 was excellent in most respects, although I thought it would use a little less diesel than my combined average of 8.2 litres per 100 km. My best consumption figure, however, was a decent 6.8 litres per 100 km after a leisurely drive up the West Coast to Paternoster.
Related: 3 dashing diesel cars to keep fuel costs low
Pricing
You don't need to spend megabucks on the diesel model. With a starting price of R 411 400 for the CX-5 2.0 Active (petrol), you get plenty of value. Although I haven't driven the petrol models yet, I implore you to take one for a test drive if your budget doesn't quite stretch past the R450 000 mark. I would probably look for a used diesel model, though.
Search for pre-loved 2017 Mazda CX-5s with 2.2-litre diesel engines here.
There are eight models in the current SA line-up:
- Mazda CX-5 2.0L Active 6MT FWD R 411,400
- Mazda CX-5 2.0L Active 6AT FWD R 424,000
- Mazda CX-5 2.0L Dynamic 6MT FWD R 437,800
- Mazda CX-5 2.0L Dynamic 6AT FWD R 450,500
- Mazda CX-5 2.0L Individual 6AT FWD R 509,900
- Mazda CX-5 2.2L DE Active 6AT FWD R 498,500
- Mazda CX-5 2.5L Individual 6AT AWD R 576,200
- Mazda CX-5 2.2L DE Akera 6AT AWD R 605,400
Visit www.mazda.co.za to compare CX-5 specifications.
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