Despite a generally bearish automotive market, the SUV segment continues to show good growth in Malaysia. It’s getting to be a competitive space with the likes of the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-Trail and Mazda CX-5 taking leadership positions. The growing segment will soon see more players, including Proton, thanks to new owners Geely, while another national auto maker Perodua is said to be mulling over the idea. Speaking about the Mazda CX-5 though, you’ve probably seen enough spy shots and rumours to know that it’s finally here…well, almost.
I was driving around Pandan Indah the other day and I came across the new CX-5 heading towards a nearby showroom. It’s no secret that a local launch is imminent.
In fact, as reported by PaulTan, Mazda Malaysia has officially previewed the all-new second generation Mazda CX-5 (KF) at the Inokom Plant in Kulim, Kedah.
First things first, engine choice. Three engines are on offer depending on trim level. A 2.0L SkyActiv-G petrol engine occupies the regular GL and GLS. The engine produces 162bhp and 210Nm of torque.
The range topping GLS model receives a 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine that produces 192bhp and 257Nm of torque.
Another GLS offering comes with a 2.2L SkyActiv-D diesel engine that can be either FWD or AWD. Power figures are 173bhp and 420Nm of torque for the diesel. All petrol models are FWD and comes with a 6-speed automatic gearbox with manual shifting.
Exterior
It may take a moment to realize that the CX-5 you see here is all new. From the front, the face has some design cues from the bigger CX-9. The slim and sharp looking headlights which feature full LED lighting (bulb lights on the base spec GL) as well as the fog-lights.
Moving down to the side, the CX-5 comes with 19-inch wheels on both the 2.5L SkyActiv Petrol and 2.2L SkyActiv Diesel whereas the 2.0L GL and GLS models make do with 17 inches.
The rear lights have the same concoction as the front, giving all models barring the entry model GL with LED tail lights. Also, parking sensors and Mazda’s Advance Keyless Entry is only on all but the entry level GL.
Interior
Stepping inside, the changes are more visible with a new dashboard layout. All but the entry level CX-5 gets a full leather interior and when it comes to interior trim. The GL model gets a gun metallic trim whereas the others get a wood and metal combination.
For those who enjoy spirited driving, you can alter the driving dynamics using the drive mode select toggle switch that is fitted to all petrol models only.
The diesel gets a 4.6 inch colour TFT multi-info display while the petrol models make do with a regular 4.6-inch TFT LCD display. For the driver, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat is present on all models barring the base GL which uses manual adjustments.
The rear seat layout offers a flexible 40:20:40 split with a one-touch folding mechanism. Rear air con vents are available as well.
All models get a 7-inch full colour MZD Connect display which is voice enabled and can be used via the touchscreen or the rotary knob. In the front, two USB plugins are available.
Also, six speakers and a reverse camera are standard for all models. Navigation is present on all models but only the GL model loses out on the 2D/3D mode.
Safety on the CX-5 puts it on par with the Honda CR-V as all models come with six airbags as well as ABS, EBD, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Auto-Hold function, Emergency Brake Assist as well as ISOFIX.
The CX-5 also has a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Mazda’s i-Stop idle mode and G-Vectoring technology is also present on all models.
Other safety technologies include Adaptive Front Lighting System, Adaptive LED headlights, Blind-Spot Monitoring System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Smart City Brake Support.
Pricing and availability
- CX-5 2.0L GL petrol (FWD) – MYR134,605.50
- CX-5 2.0L GLS petrol (FWD) – MYR148,605.50
- CX-5 2.5L petrol GLS (FWD) – MYR160,996.70
- CX-5 2.2L diesel GLS (FWD) – MYR164,579.10
- CX-5 2.2L diesel GLS (AWD) – MYR174,179.10
Source: Paultan | Image sources: Autobuzz, AutomobileMag, CarAdvice
