GIVE me anytime, the uplifted Mazda CX-5, you’re bound to catch me either in the coast or hitting some off roads in the Free State.
Yes, it does ticks all the boxes, as a premium experience, with very little to complain about!
So, off we visited Durban, for the usual pilgrimage of the Durban July horse race on the first of week of July, yes its au paux to see and be seen. Ahh, thanks to the CX-5, it was a whirlwind experience for some of my guests, who’ve never set a foot at the Coast, neither attend the race horse.
The model is refreshed, as I tried out the 2.5 Individual AWD variant, as on-lookers ooh’ed and aah’ed at the dewy-eyed Soul Crystal Red paint, at the popular stop-over Montrose, that straddles between FS and KZN.
Another Shot’left…
The styling has been revised to include redesigned LED headlamps along with new rear lights, and the alloy-wheels are also a new design, fitted with glossy black 19-inch wheels that complement the overall aesthetic to a tee.
The refined Mazda CX-5 is more than just harmony of quality design, elegant finishes, and unmatched performance. It’s the perfect combination of Japanese symmetry and imagination.
Styled with KODO Design principles, character lines have been minimised in favour of light-catching surfaces.
The looks of the CX-5 have always been contemporary.
The interior feels of premium quality and the leather covered inserts on the dash and door cards feature off-set coloured stitching that enhances the ambiance of the cabin. The electric, heated leather seats are very comfortable. They provide great cushioning and support to make long trips a breeze, considering the chilly conditions that weekend.
All safety air bags are synonymous in the CX-5.
The eight-inch touch screen and other features can only be used when the car is stationary, for safety reasons. But since I was traveling with the novice, they made sure the music was on, thanks to its 10 speaker BOSE sound system.
Separate controls for the automatic climate control system are also present. Steering-mounted controls are the only point of touch in the cabin that feel a bit less premium, with a squishy feeling when pressed. The inclusion of 360-degree cameras and both front and rear-facing cameras makes parking a joy.
The MZD Connect infotainment system works well and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a wired connection.
The 2.5l, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine produces 143kW and 258Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels.
However, be careful of cross-winds that could pose a problem if you’re first time driver, especially on the hills and mountains of Drankensberg. I had to de-accelerate to gain full control of the CX5 and it complied, due to its a good torque band.
The wind and tyre noise are almost non-existent, despite the big 19-inch alloy wheels.
The gearbox works seamlessly to deliver power and rarely hunts for gears. The engine is quiet when cruising, with just a little rumble entering the cabin during hard acceleration.
“Won’t mind returning for longer period to the coast in this perfectly modified SUV”, so clutched my guests, as they took snaps, enjoying the serenity of the Indian Ocean, and the morning breeze, accompanied by the thunder of the blue waves!
Oh, the boot carried those huge, yes, huge traveling bags, packed with designer dresses with ease, including sea-water on our return…by the way its no longer darkies, other races do carry sea-water. I know for a fact.
Claimed fuel consumption is 7.4l/100km.
Price range:
Mazda CX-5 2.0L Active 6AT R491,217 564,900
Mazda CX-5 2.0L Dynamic 6AT R522,870 601,300
Mazda CX-5 2.0L Carbon Edition 6AT R592,696 681,600
MSRP values include a 5-year unlimited KM Service and Warranty plan that comes standard across all models, with the exclusion of Mazda 2 and Mazda CX-3, which includes a 3-year unlimited KM Service plan only.
MSRP includes 5-year Roadside assistance and includes 5-year Anti-Perforation Warranty.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (6)
Fuel 1-10 (5)
Top image SLM (The dusty Mazda CX-5, taking a breather at Montrose, that straddles between FS and KZN.)
