• First Drive: Mazda CX-5

    by  • April 25, 2012 • Car Reviews, First Drives

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    2012 Mazda CX-5 Exterior Skyblue

    Mazda’s CX-5 boasts the cheetah look

    If you look at the front of the new Mazda CX-5 and see a cheetah staring back at you then the designers will be very happy indeed, for that is exactly the look they were going for.

    Always known as a ‘driver’s car’, this time round Mazda is championing ‘Jinba Ittai’, oneness between car and driver to you and me, to offer predictable and responsive driving dynamics.

    A lightweight design, sporty interior and gear changes, better fuel economy and reduced cabin noise all contribute to driving pleasure.

    2012 Mazda CX-5 Interior Dashboard

    Inside the CX-5 is bright and roomy

    Mazda claims the CX-5 offers best in class in C02 emissions, fuel economy and interior space/functionality and it’s also hoping that it will be the driver’s choice in the segment.

    I had the opportunity to take both the 2.2l diesel 150ps automatic and 175ps six speed manual for a quick spin across the Austrian countryside and found both very pleasant to drive.

    Weather conditions were good – mostly warm and sunny with a sprinkling of rain, and the terrain we were travelling on was mostly flat, but windey, and we did get to experience very narrow urban streets when we veered off course after missing a turn on our map (the Tom Tom SatNav soon got us back on course though).

    Both models handled well, offering a smooth and confident drive.

    The CX-5 is a big car and can seat five comfortably. The boot is best in class and can fit four full size suitcases or sets of golf clubs, with scope for extra space if you lower the rear seats.

    2012 Mazda CX-5 Interior Boot

    The boot is also spacious

    With a high driving position and spacious interior, the cockpit is sporty and functional, with everything where you’d expect it to be.

    The car is also well spec-ed, with Smart City Brake support, which prevents fender benders; tyre pressure monitoring system; hill hold assist; Tom Tom SatNav; Bluetooth; Stop/Start and steering wheel mounted audio controls just some of the technology which comes as standard in the entry level Executive model.

    The CX-5 will reach Irish showrooms early next month and three trims will be available in Ireland – Executive, Sport, and Sport SE.

    Three 2.2l diesel engine types, including an automatic, and a 2l petrol engine will be on sale.

    Prices start from €25,195 for the 2l petrol. Mazda expects the 2.2 Diesel 150ps Sport to be the top seller in this growing C-SUV segment in Ireland. It comes with a price tag of €29,495 and falls into Band A road tax.

    While I enjoyed my spin in Austria and found the CX-5 quite fun to drive I’m looking forward to taking it out on the Irish roads to see how it fares under more familiar conditions.

    A version of this article first appeared in Metro Herald