Mazda’s new CX-5 compact SUV has just been launched in South Africa bringing with it the latest in the company’s frugal SKYACTIV engine technology in a stylish package.
The CX-5 comes in three flavours, encompassing three trim (Active, Dynamic and Individual) and a choice of two transmissions, all of which are powered by a 2,0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine featuring a suite of fuel-saving engine technologies. Basically, the SKYACTIV systems aim to make internal combustion as efficient as possible to extract as much performance from the engine while keeping fuel consumption and emissions as low as possible.
The CX-5’s SKYACTIV-G engine, in addition to utlilising lightweight materials in its construction, features special pistons and a 4-2-1 exhaust system that makes allowances for a very high compression ratio of 13-to-1. This enables the engine to produce 114 kW at 6 00 r/min and 200 n.m of torque at 4 000 r/min while returning fuel consumption figures of 6,8 L/100 km when coupled with the Active model’s six-speed manual gearbox and 6,9 L/100 km with the six-speed manual featured in the other models. All of the present models are two-wheel drive.
The CX-5 follows Mazda’s Kodo design language and, according to its designer, “captures the energy of motion inspired by a cheetah as it moves in the wild” – in real-world parlance that means a smooth and fairly sophisticated design with hints of SUV robustness about it.
The CX-5’s cabin has a sporty undertone to its design while serving up the slightly elevated driving position that those in the market for a compact SUV often seek, as well as a reasonably spacious interior that can accommodate five adults and their luggage.
On the safety front, the CX-5 features the following; Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control, ABS with EBD and EBA, active bi-Xenon headlamps in the Individual model, hill-start control. Rear Isofix anchorage points and front/side/curtain airbags are standard on all CX-5 models.
Pricing inclusive of CO2 tax:
CX-5 2,0 Active MT R309 000
CX-5 2,0 Dynamic AT R336 900
CX-5 2,0 Individual AT R389 500
The above prices include a 3-year Mazda Roadside Assistance plan, a 5-year/90 000 km service plan and a 4-year/120 000 km warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km.
