The Newground version of the Mazda CX-5 Skyactive-D 150: A very intelligent family SUV

The Mazda CX-5 presents itself as a family SUV competing with the Toyota RAV-4. The new design associated with this 2022 grape season is important for the manufacturer as this car represents 21% of its annual sales in Europe.

Nine months after updating the CX-5 range for a new gasoline engine and an improved infotainment system, Mazda gives its SUV a new design with a series of adjustable changes for the year 2022. The first development is about chassis. The CX-5 receives the latest SkyActiv platform, which offers improved suspension, better sound protection and new seats. In the same way, the boot volume ranges from 477 l to 550 l in gasoline and from 465 l to 538 l in diesel. The convertible two-piece boot floor and loading sill are now at the same level to facilitate loading operations.

Our pilot version of the Newground diesel powered by 150 hp is called heart rate. It is known for the silver treatment of front and rear bumpers, as well as door hinges, black glass coverings, green lime inserts at the grille level and 19-inch alloy wheels. Basic induction charging, display high and Transport and Traffic Assistance (CTS), which can be considered as a semi-autonomous driving system, are also considered. Finally, the Advanced Adaptive LED Lighting System (ALH) is also provided. Inside, black leatherette upholstery with green stitches, black inserts and a warm front seat complete the casual accessories.

The CX-5 starts at € 32,220. Our trial version included a Skyactiv-D 150 diesel barrier and a 6-speed manual gearbox in the Newground version, all starting at € 41,750.

Released in 2017, it was high time for the Japanese manufacturer to revisit its best seller. Well-designed, balanced and elegant from its release, the CX-5 benefits only from a slight overhaul of this 2022 edition. The front part of the CX-5 2022 takes on a new grille with more marked features. Very clean, we see a yellow reminder in the upper right corner, specifically for our Newground finish. The headlights have been redesigned and now have 20 beams instead of 12. They connect the foglamps, the shields are also redesigned. In the background, only the new signature of the lamp signifies this adjustment. The outer color palette is enhanced by the Zircon Sand color found in our experimental model.

Inside, Mazda stored an old dashboard. It is elegant and is known for its excellent finish and assembly quality, but it does not particularly shine with its sophistication. Induction charger appears, as well as support in traffic queues. All controls are in your hands and, most of all, we appreciate the different manual climate controls, which are very clear and instinctive to work with. On the other hand, small details – in our opinion – at the control of the steering wheel, are very small and not necessarily very intuitive for beginners.

In the past, passengers will be comfortable with a good elbow and leg room and a nice head room. The glow is lovely with a beautiful glazed surface. The smoothness of the seats is incredible and they have a warm option seat. Too bad the console foot is made of hard plastic that marks easily. Similarly, there are no separate climate adjustments.

The stem gets 16 liters of storage due to the upgrade of the Bose sound system to provide 465 l. Not bad in itself, but unfortunately under section tenors: 520 l for Peugeot 3008 and 580 l for Citroën C5 Aircross.

Compared to the competition, the Mazda CX-5 is generally better equipped. From the Dynamique version, available for € 36,300, you will enjoy the usual remote trunk opening, parking tags, navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, LED lights, 17-inch rims, collision avoidance system and recognizing pedestrians, warning to leave the road. and blind spot sensor. To get the same equipment on the Audi Q3 35 TDI 150 (without integrated navigation), it costs € 41,700. The Tiguan 150 TDI, priced similarly, sells for € 39,225. Even the Peugeot 3008 is more expensive with a € 37,900 price tag despite its less powerful engine. The price / equipment ratio of the Mazda CX-5 is therefore very good. However, we remain a little disappointed with the infotainment system.

Mazda is one of the rare manufacturers to have a wheel to navigate its Mazda Connect infotainment system. This can be achieved in the center position on the right, just behind the elbow gear, and it takes time to adjust. It is necessary to place the hand properly so that the five fingers are located on the Back keys, Sounds, Home, Navigation and Favorites. If the 10.25-inch screen in 16/9 format has an acceptable definition, it is clear that the graphics are not redesigned compared to the competition. It is certainly modest and easy, but it is not very interesting, especially when it comes to browsing through a list of criteria. Response is also a little behind and the touch feature is no longer available when the car is stopped. Good for safety, a little less for ergonomics.

The flexible cruise control is easily activated via two clicks on the steering wheel. On the other hand, the middle in the path is inaccurate and reacts with a slight delay. The distance assessment with the car in front is accurate and makes it possible to slow down. The traffic congestion service is also available up to 55 kilometers per hour.

Finally, there is an alert system for the driver’s infrared face scanner (DAA), live reverse detection (RCTA) for automatic brakes, intelligent brake support (SBS) and pedestrian and brake detection at intersections, reading of traffic signs. (TSR), hill start assistance (HLA), blind spot warning (BSM or BLIS) as well as automatic route adjustment (BSA) and mandatory E-Call emergency function.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 in turn uses the next generation Skyactiv Mazda architecture, which helps to change its body shape, suspension and seats to improve driving comfort. The sound barrier has also been redesigned. In our experimental version with a 2.2 l Skyactiv-D 150 hp engine, some vibrations and decibels still exist. We found 68 dB (A) at 130 km / h, but the barrier knows how to be sensible in general, especially in the city.

In addition, the CX-5 is distinguished by a good level of driving comfort. The seat is very comfortable, the controls fall well by hand and the road feel is pleasant. Without being rough, the steering is precise and allows you to move a mile in a relaxing way. If you want to take advantage of the 380 Nm torque obtained from 1800 rpm, the throttle response is fast and you can pass without hesitation. However, in a series of turns, the front part is stiff and the suspension adjustment allows for a slight rotation. The CX-5 just doesn’t like speed, designed as it is for the family to drive at leisure speed.

By way of comparison, the Peugeot 3008 offers, for example, a more incisive and precise front axle, without the same comfort. Great place for a 6-speed gear box that provides short transport and accurate and consistent gear selection. Finally, the stand is up to the CX-5: accurate, but without surprises.

Unfortunately, the redesign of the CX-5 2022 does not allow Mazda to introduce hybrids on its family SUV. The latter is reserved for the Mazda 2 (available in a smaller and simplified hybrid) and the new CX-60 which we will be testing soon. So the barrier to this experiment is the 2.2L Skyactiv-D 150hp engine (2191 cm³). Even though this engine has no wind in its sails, its technology is impressive as it benefits from a low pressure ratio in the world (14: 1). This technology allows this engine, with less mechanical problems and thus reduce weight, provide better efficiency, better combustion and better utilization.

During our experiment, we found an average of 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers, very close to the 5.6 liters announced by the manufacturer. With its 56-liter tank, the column is only close to the 1000-mile mark.