Review: Mazda CX-5 Turbo

The new range-topping Mazda CX-5 Turbo takes it into a higher market segment

What is it?
The CX-5 is Mazda’s best-selling model and the all-wheel drive Mazda CX-5 Turbo is the new flagship variant. It now has the performance to match its dynamic looks. The 2.5-litre turbocharged engine’s output is 227bhp, compared to 192 in the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated. It is the most powerful SUV in its segment.

What’s It Like?
The Mazda CX-5 Turbo is a lot more responsive than the NA version. The additional 163Nm of torque peaks at much lower rpms – 2000 vs 3250 – and makes the difference between being tailgated and leaving the tailgater trailing in the wind. It looks the same except that the rear nameplate sports a red “T”, the only sign of its super power.

It’s the fastest mover of its competitors from zero to 100 in 7.7 seconds with a top speed that’s twice the legal speed limit. The sprightly performance is enabled by various techs that ramp up to maximum output with minimum turbo lag. To be fair, the NA is still the fastest NA in its segment – and, it didn’t feel slow until I drove the Turbo.

The Mazda CX-5 Turbo also comes with updated kit: new digital instrument cluster, the latest GCV, Lane Keep Assist with steering correction and rear sensors on the autonomous braking system. The upgraded autonomous braking system stops the car before it reverses into obstacles.

Gravity Vectoring Control Plus limits body roll when manoeuvring by applying the brakes to the outer wheels as the steering direction is turning back to straight. As a result, there’s faster recovery from weight shift so the driver can tap into the additional power with confidence. The difference can also be felt by passengers, especially those who may be prone to car sickness, as the car is more stable. GVC Plus also makes travelling long distances less stressful and tiring because the passengers don’t tense their body muscles so much to counter motion forces.

Should I get one?
This is a really competitive and very diverse segment. Up against the Mazda CX-5 Turbo are the Honda CR-V, the Nissan X-Trail and the Subaru Forester in the Japanese market segment. However, there isn’t any real comparison because the naturally-aspirated CX-5 already outperforms them for power and features.

The brutal truth: CX-5 Turbo is in a league of its own. It has no Japanese market segment rivals. It is also the most powerful, the best specced and is the only one of the four with automatic transmission. The others are CVT. The CX-5 also has the advantage of being attractively designed inside and out.

Moreover, the CX-5 Turbo’s handling dynamics, style and performance take it up several notches into a higher category to compare against, the European SUV market. The minimised body roll and stiffer springs, compared to other Japanese cars, puts its driving dynamics more like something coming off a German production line than French.

Not everyone who likes European-style driver-centric sporty dynamics, handling and power can afford the massive jump in price from the Japanese segment. The difference can be over RM132k when factoring vehicle dimensions, drive train and output for the closest physical comparison.

The CX-5 Turbo is the higher price worth paying. It gives German-style driver engagement at a Japanese price. It is not by any means a compromise. It is what it is, superb (and it’s better specced than the Germans for active safety equipment).

Mazda CX-5 Turbo

Where Malaysia Price RM181,660.41 On sale now Engine 4-cyl, 2488cc, turbocharged, petrol Power 228bhp at 5000rpm Torque 420Nm at 2000rpm Gearbox 6-spd automatic Kerb weight 1708kg Top speed 226km/h  0-100km/h 7.7sec Fuel economy 25.4-25.9mpg CO2 248-252g/km Rivals Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester

 

Looking for a Mazda CX-5? Find yours from over a hundred pre-owned Mazda CX-5 SUVs at https://www.motortrader.com.my/cars/MAZDA