2017 Mazda CX-5 – No Makeover Needed

The Mazda CX-5 is without a doubt Mazda‘s best selling vehicle worldwide. Standard practice dictates that by mid-year they had to deliver a mid-

life-cycle facelift, but as is often the case with plastic surgery, it isn’t always necessary.

Under The Knife

Let’s start by saying that the CX-5 is a beautiful car - the Kodo design really did wonders for first impressions, and is more than likely the reason we absolutely fell in love with the CX-5 when we tested it last year.

For the facelift, they took a knife to the beautiful face of the SUV and it all seems to be a little more pulled and pinched now, the headlights are slimmer with Xenon bulbs, the grille is larger, more angular and laced with chrome strips.

The hips have received some liposuction too, and now present a slightly angular line down the length of the vehicle. Around the back more surgery has taken place with the taillights being slimmed down, making the rear hatch look overly large. To complete the makeover, a newly designed set of 17-inch wheels can be found in the arches.

If the exterior cosmetics weren’t enough, Mazda cleaned up the interior in the same way a surgeon would remove a rib or two to make a supermodel thinner. The touches are minimal on the surface compared to the previous model, but of you look closely you’ll see a new dash, chrome inserts and softer materials.

As we were testing the Dynamic version (which was lacking in the features department in its previous incarnation), a new interior trim made us rather happy. The new Dynamic Auto model was added to the lineup to further expand the range and has so far proven to be a good move from Mazda.

Engine and Drivetrain options

You still get the same engine line-up with the 2.0l, 2.5l and 2.2l diesel with the same specification levels as before, but Mazda have now added the Auto option to the Dynamic spec.

Unfortunately, we were left a little bit disappointed with the combination, as the power delivery had been stunted somewhat. The lack of get-up-and-go left us frustrated in traffic, and on more than one occasion, stranded in the wrong lane.

That aside, the Mazda delivered more smiles per mile once again, and even though we bemoan the lack of drive from the Auto option, the same brilliant Mazda drive was still there. Excellent fuel economy and a compliant and supple drive more than made up for the transmission and engine pairing.

Upside & Downside

Mazda have taken an older soccer mom, given her a new face and slimmer sexy body. Now we have a younger-looking and considerably more enhanced mom to go partying with. However, I don’t think Mazda should have messed so much with the original design of the CX-5, it was beautiful the way it was. They should rather have injected technology and safety advancements found in the higher spec models down into the lower models.

In closing

We still love the CX-5, even though its had some (largely unnecessary) work done. It’s priced right and has a generous 3-year / unlimited warranty and service plan. Even though its competing with 22 other contestants in its segment, it still sells well. If you absolutely must, the Dynamic option is not bad, but you will be left wanting for the niceties that can only be found in the Individual and Akera.

Price

Mazda CX-5 2.0l Dynamic Auto FWD	R416 900
Mazda CX-5 2.5l Individual Auto FWD	R491 900
Mazda CX-5 2.2l DE Akera Auto AWD	R557 500

Mazda offers a 3-Year / Unlimited Warranty and Service plan.