2019 Mazda CX-5 - First impression

Mazda makes some of the most unique-looking and attractive cars in the world’, we have said this numerous times before and we still believe in it. Perhaps, that is why Mazda did not try to alter the looks of the new 2019 CX-5 which has recently been launched in the country. Here is our first impression.

Exterior

As we said earlier, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 looks exactly the same as the previous model. And we are not complaining about it. It was just two years ago when the CX-5 first entered Malaysia and it hasn’t aged yet. It still looks amazingly beautiful and unique and is capable enough to give its rivals a run for their money.

But still, if you are wondering what are the key exterior features that make the CX-5 so unique? Read below.

• Mazda’s KODO design language
• Unique front grille
• Automatic LED headlamps
• LED fog lamps
• Sporty bumpers
• Sporty alloy wheels
• Unique tail lamps
• Proportionate design and dimensions

Interior

So now you know that the new Mazda CX-5 isn’t that different from its predecessor when it comes to the exterior features. But what about the interior? What are the changes, if any, that Mazda has incorporated in the interior of the new CX-5?

Ans. To be honest, if you have been inside a CX-5 before then you would feel right at home in the new model. That’s how similar things are. The overall theme and layout of things have been left untouched. However, there are a few additions made-

• 7-in LCD panel for instrument cluster in higher variants
• 4.6-in LCD panel for instrument cluster in lower variants
• Updated climate control panel with new display and button layout
• Heads-up display in higher variants
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support

Apart from these, you continue to get the other features-

• 7-in touch screen display
• Mazda Connect infotainment system
• Voice commands
• Engine start/stop button
• Dual-zone climate control
• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold
• Power adjustable front seats

We don’t really have to talk about the quality of materials used or fit and finish of parts because everything is top-notch.

Engine

The most significant addition in the 2019 Mazda CX-5 specs sheet has to be the new 2.5-litre turbo engine which produces 228 bhp of max power and 420 Nm of peak torque. And if you want to get AWD with your new Mazda, then this is the only engine you can have it with.

2019 Mazda CX-5 engine options-

	2.0-litre petrol	2.5-litre petrol	2.5-litre turbo petrol	2.2-litre turbo diesel
Cylinders	4	4	4	4
Max power	162 bhp	192 bhp	228 bhp	188 bhp
Max torque	213 Nm	258 Nm	420 Nm	450 Nm
2WD/AWD	2WD	2WD	AWD	2WD
Transmission	6-speed AT with manual shift mode	6-speed AT with manual shift mode	6-speed AT with manual shift mode	6-speed AT with manual shift mode
Fuel efficiency	14.5 kmpl	13.7 kmpl	12.2 kmpl	18.18 kmpl

Safety

We were quite impressed with the total number of engine options Mazda is providing with the new CX-5. Another area where Mazda has done a great job is safety. The new CX-5 comes with a host of safety features. Some of the standard ones are-

• SRS airbags
• Rear parking sensor
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

Then we also have Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE that includes a handful of advanced safety features like-

• Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH)
• Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS)
• Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) Front
• Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) Reverse
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
• Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS)
• Driver Attention Alert (DAA)

Mazda is also known for its Skyactiv Vehicle Dynamics G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) - a system developed by Mazda to control G-forces going through the car in motion that inspires confidence in the driver even in the twisties.

With its new CX-5, Mazda has open doors to a wider range of (power-hungry) customers. If we had to pick one up, we would definitely go with the new 2.5-litre turbo petrol AWD variant! To keep the 2019 Mazda CX-5 price as low as possible, the company is assembling it locally at its Inokom plant situated in Kulim, Kedah. You can book one now!

Also read: 2020 Mazda 3 TCR revealed with a 2.0L turbo mill