Mazda CX-5: Where power meets style

Mazda cars are known for their ultimate form of beautiful craftsmanship based on the “KODO” design philosophy. One of its examples is the Mazda CX-5 that is indeed a treat to the eyes. But, when its striking design meets power, the result appears in the form of a distinctive styling crossover with engaging driving dynamics, which is one of the best-selling Mazda vehicles globally.

The Mazda CX-5 boasts a ground-breaking turbo engine delivering torque similar to that of a V8 engine and sits top of its class when it comes to styling. If you are looking to buy a crossover SUV with such features, here’s how the Mazda CX-5’s style plus power formula fits the bill.

Curvaceous and slick exterior 

The combination of speed and grace defines the core of the Mazda CX-5 design. It follows the brand’s ‘KODO - Soul of Motion' design philosophy that has been evolved through leaps and bounds to represent boldness, elegance, and maturity. The Mazda designers crafted every element of the SUV with harmony, be it the front grille, rear combination lights, or alloy design complementing the flowing lines along with the car's profile.

The most striking elements of the model’s curvaceous and aerodynamic design include: 

• Adaptive LED headlights for maximum visibility
• Unique LED tail lights
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• LED fog lamps
• Sporty bumpers
• Coupe-like roofline
• Sharply raked rear windshield
• Powered tailgate with programmable height function

Another marked design highlight of the Mazda CX-5 is the Soul Red Crystal hue, one of the brand’s signature colors offering the luster and depth conceived by the creative minds of the designers. According to Mazda's Color Designer Akihiro Hoso, “In our minds, red was the only color that could express Mazda’s strong passion and dedication to the creation of cars.”

Other than this, the Mazda CX-5 colour options list includes Sonic Silver, Deep Crystal Blue, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Machine Gray, Arctic White, and Meteor Gray.

Top-notch interior

The difference between crafting or assembling something lies in attention to detailing. Mazda designers crafted the CX-5 interior with a sharp focus on how the driver and occupants perceive comforts and create a connection with the vehicle. The cabin captures the imagination of everyone on board. Be it comfort, technology, and spaciousness, it meets quality finishes everywhere you see.

The Mazda CX-5 cabin features a combination of black elements and leather and a faux dark wood theme that runs in the dashboard. The steering wheel has a round theme in a true Mazda fashion, which is paired with a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster (4,2-inch as standard). The other notable features on the Mazda CX-5 specs sheet are:

• Mazda Connect with full-colour touch screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for total smartphone connectivity 
• 360º View Monitor 
• Active Driving Display onto the windscreen in full colour, displaying trip information in the driver’s line of sight for less distracted driving
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rear centre armrest with cup holders and 2x USB ports
• Rear air conditioning vents
• Voice commands
• Engine start/stop button
• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold
• Power adjustable front seats
• Rain-sensing wipers

A powerful turbo engine

The Mazda CX-5 is powered by a 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G turbo engine which produces a maximum power output of 228 bhp and a peak torque of 420 Nm. The torque levels are similar to that of a V8 mill, offering excellent dynamic performance in the mid-to-low rpms range. The engine gets the world-first Dynamic Pressure Turbo, which controls the degree of exhaust pulsation depending on the engine’s speed. The system redirects the energy in every exhaust pulsation to maximise drive force at lower rpms, which eliminates turbo-lag and provides immediate, linear, and smooth power delivery. The motor also gives away an impressive fuel efficiency of 8.2 litres per 100 km.

The setup is mated to a 6-speed auto transmission with manual shift mode and all-wheel drive. It also features a Skyactiv Vehicle Dynamics G-Vectoring Control Plus to control G-forces for unprecedented levels of confidence-inspiring controllability.

Other engines on offer include a 2.0-litre unit which produces 162 hp and 210 Nm, a 2.5-litre mill good for making 192 hp and 257 Nm, and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel mill which also kicks out the impressive 420 Nm torque with 173 hp of maximum power. All are coupled with the same 6-speed AT gearbox.

In a nutshell, we can say that when power, comfort, and style are a matter of concern, then the CX-5 is the right choice. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 price in Malaysia starts at RM 132,000.

Also read: Mazda to roll out 13 new electrified models by 2025