Tag Archives: CX-5

TEST DRIVE

Mazda CX-5 2.5T is great and fast and all, but there’s 3 issues – Test drive

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WE have driven the performance variant test of the CX-5, with the 2.5T turbo petrol engine delivering 228hp and 420Nm of torque, alongside the all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

Undoubtedly a unique offering from Mazda, with no clear close competitors, it provides more options besides naturally aspirated petrol and diesel.

However, due to demand, we also list some issues or problems with this Mazda CX-5 2.5T. Yes, as good as the car is, even though it’s advanced and powerful, issues can still arise. We have identified three main issues.

You’ll be loved by petrol station owners

Being loved is usually a positive thing, right? But that’s if you’re loved by your parents, loved by your wife. If you’re loved by petrol station owners, it’s not so great.

With the CX-5 2.5T, you will often visit petrol stations because this SUV truly gulps down petrol, unlike most of its competitors that just sip petrol. Throughout the writer’s experience driving this turbocharged CX-5 for over 1,000km, the writer could only achieve an average of 9.4km per liter. The writer tried very hard to achieve 10km per liter but failed.

It’s also enjoyable to experience the strong 420Nm torque, similar to a diesel, available as early as 2,000rpm, but with great power comes some sacrifices. Oh, the struggles…

The addition of the AWD and only six gears in the gearbox doesn’t help with fuel efficiency. Perhaps if Mazda offered this variant with an 8-speed gearbox, it would help achieve better fuel economy.

2. It looks too similar!

The second issue is that this 2.5T AWD turbo petrol version looks too similar to the other CX-5 variants. Obviously, we identify a car by its design and external identity.

With the CX-5 2.5 turbo, only the rear emblem with the red letter “T” indicates that this is the high-performance turbo petrol version. If you see this red “T”, just forget about poking fun at this CX-5, you’ll be way off the mark.

For owners who want to stand out a bit, they might feel unsatisfied with the too modest appearance of this CX-5 2.5T. Perhaps it should have larger rims with a unique design, additional red stripes on the front grille, or a rear roof spoiler. Anything that can make this performance SUV stand out more, Mazda knows better; the writer is not a designer.

3. A bit of identity confusion

The third and final issue is a slight identity confusion with this 2.5T CX-5. It’s not a significant problem, just that to the writer, this CX-5 is not quite an SUV, and not quite a sports car either.

It’s not as efficient (in fuel consumption) as other SUVs or other CX-5 variants, but it also doesn’t provide maximum satisfaction like driving a Mazda MX-5 Miata or Mazda3. This 2.5T CX-5 is too in the middle. No SUV satisfaction, nor true sports car satisfaction. Hence, the writer says it has a bit of identity confusion, not knowing which one it wants to be.

Conclusion

Those are the three issues the writer has experienced during the test drive of the Mazda CX-5 2.5T AWD. But there are many other great aspects about this model, which you can read about here.

And the writer still wants to thank Mazda for producing this unique performance SUV, even though there may not really be a need for it. It demonstrates Mazda’s capability and their identity of not caring about others; just producing enjoyable cars that will be appreciated by their fans.

TEST DRIVE

Mazda CX-5 2.5T AWD: The letter T that makes it all – test drive

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The writer did not expect that the 2024 Mazda CX-5 facelift would still be offered with the 2.5T variant, or its full name, the CX-5 2.5G Turbo AWD. It’s not that the writer didn’t want or like it, but there wasn’t really a need for a high-performance variant for the CX-5.

However, high-performance vehicles usually show up uninvited and unexpectedly, which is what makes them intriguing.

The writer had driven the old CX-5 2.5T a few years ago, but had not yet shared the experience here, so let’s follow the writer’s journey. We will also examine the updates and determine if it’s worth buying.

Simple appearance with hidden weapons

Interestingly, it is difficult to determine whether the CX-5 you see is the regular version or the turbo petrol one. From the outside, there is only an emblem at the back that reads “2.5T”. No fins, spoilers, decals, stickers, or large markings.

It’s like a hidden weapon. Looks ordinary, but if you mess around, here you go! Some people may like this, but not the Type R FK8 owners. It’s a ‘you know it if you know it’ situation.

The CX-5 still receives the facelift updates like the other variants, including a new front end, grille, paddle shifters, and the most noticeable change, the DRL graphics shaped like two Ls on each side.

It still looks sleek like the CX-5 we all know, just the mentioned updates make it slightly fresher for 2024. Is it enough to compete with the CR-V?

The 2.5T variant is also equipped with a 7-inch instrument display with new graphics, seats with cooling functions, Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity (wireless), a 360-degree camera, and wireless charging.

The writer also noticed a new Off-Road driving mode, in addition to the existing Normal and Sport modes. However, the infotainment screen in the middle with an 8-inch size feels a bit ‘stingy’, too small for a car like this. A 12.3-inch screen would be more fitting.

Power in mind all the time

Driving this Mazda CX-5 2.5 turbo petrol, the writer frankly admits that power is at the forefront of their thoughts. The 4-cylinder DOHC engine produces 228hp at 5,000rpm and 420Nm at 2,000rpm.

This is generous power, ladies and gentlemen. While the infotainment screen may be lacking, the power is abundant, surpassing the 2.5 naturally-aspirated (192hp and 258Nm) or the 2.0 (162hp and 213Nm) engines.

The 420Nm torque of the 2.5 petrol engine is almost on par with the 450Nm torque from the 2.2 diesel engine. However, the diesel model is only 2WD, while the 2.5 petrol is AWD, which the writer finds more balanced. The power is distributed more effectively, with both the front and rear axles receiving engine output.

Driving the CX-5 2.5T is quite straightforward. It’s quiet, can stay in any gear, even in 4th gear at 2,000rpm, and when you gently press the accelerator, it doesn’t need to downshift. The car continues to move forward smoothly.

The writer tested it on high-speed twisty roads in Karak and low-speed twisty corners around Jengka, Pahang. This high power can be seen as a safety feature, providing the confidence to overtake on highways. Less time is needed to be in the opposite lane. What do you think?

The handling is not as sporty as the Mazda MX-5 even though the CX-5 is much more powerful. It’s still an SUV.

However, it’s enjoyable to control the heavy and large body smoothly with braking while downshifting, steering inputs while releasing the steering, keeping the right foot on the pedal for positive traction in corners, and then gradually pressing the pedal to the floor when the road straightens.

Upshift as the rpm approaches redline, then repeat as the next corner approaches.

Yes, Mazda is equipped with G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) and the Jinba-Ittai philosophy. Both these elements provide controlled, precise, calm, and non-fatiguing driving, in the writer’s opinion.

Even though it ‘only’ comes with a six-speed gearbox, all gears are sufficient for powerful acceleration even with a heavy load (passengers and cargo), while allowing the engine to operate at reasonable rpms when cruising on highways.

However, the compromise for the abundant power is its fuel consumption. The writer can report that the Mazda CX-5 2.5T is not fuel-efficient. The writer struggled to achieve over 10km per liter. After around 1,10km of driving, the writer only managed 9.4km per liter (and a smile). AWD becomes more significant.

Earlier, the writer mentioned that the CX-5 2.5T now comes with an Off-Road driving mode. Although the pre-facelift version also had AWD, it did not have an Off-Road mode.

The writer had the chance to briefly test this mode on a sandy beach. The delivery of its power can be felt smoother and more relaxed. This mode should assist you in crossing mild off-road terrains without any incidents of tires ‘digging’ into the ground/sand.

Is it worth buying?

If you desire an SUV that appears modest but has the ability to outshine hot hatches at traffic lights, you should consider checking out this CX-5 2.5T AWD. It is a unique offering by Bermaz Auto Berhad, with hardly any close competitors.

It still maintains its power and capability, but the upgrades make it more current, sophisticated, easier to use daily, and safer.

All variants of the Mazda CX-5 2024 in Malaysia come with a 5-year or 100,000km warranty, with a complimentary maintenance package for the same duration and distance.

NEWS

Mazda CX-5 facelift launched in Malaysia – 5 variants, from RM144k

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BERMAZ Auto has officially launched the Mazda CX-5 facelift in the Malaysian market, offering it in five variants with a choice of petrol and diesel engines.

The five variants are as follows:

  • 2.0G 2WD Mid (RM144,459.20)
  • 2.0G 2WD High (RM161,469.20)
  • 2.5G 2WD High (RM174,960.40)
  • 2.2D 2WD High (RM180,322.80)
  • 2.5G AWD High (RM188,760.40)

In terms of design, the CX-5 facelift retains the same general shape as before, but its front fascia has been redesigned to give it a three-dimensional look. The grille has also been touched up, while the central air intake is now more compact.

Not only that, the front and rear lights now feature new L-shaped LED graphics. The wheels come in two sizes, 17 inches for the 2.0G 2WD Mid and High variants, and 19 inches for the other variants.

The colours offered are Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Machine Grey, Deep Crystal Blue, Soul Red Crystal, Polymetal Grey, and Platinum Quartz.

Inside, all five variants come standard with an eight-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, and four USB ports.

Other standard features include Stop Start technology, G-Vectoring Control Plus, and wireless charging. In addition, all variants except the 2.0G 2WD Mid get a 360-degree camera and paddle shifters.

On the safety front, all variants except the 2.0G 2WD Mid are equipped with driver assistance systems which include Adaptive Front Lighting, High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Smart City Brake Support, Smart Brake Support, Radar Cruise Control, and Cruising & Traffic Support.

As for the powertrain, both the 2.0G variants are powered by a SkyActiv 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 162 hp and 213 Nm of torque, while the 2.5G 2WD High variant features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 192 hp and 258 Nm.

The 2.2D variant comes with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 188 hp and 450 Nm on tap. The range-topping 2.5G High AWD is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 228 hp and 420 Nm of torque.

The facelifted Mazda CX-5 comes with a manufacturer’s warranty for five years/100,000 km, along with a five-year/100,000 km free maintenance package.