Has been working for several years Mazda quite successful in taking on a special role among Japanese volume providers. This is primarily due to a European-looking design, but also through a particularly careful workmanship, which positions the vehicles visibly in the premium direction. Models like the Mazda3 or the Mazda6 are examples of this. At the Los Angeles Motor Show, the Japanese now presented the extensively revised CX-5, which will not be available in Germany until the end of May 2017. The prices will probably not change much and start at around 25.000 euros.
The best-selling SUV in Germany and second in the world behind the Mazda3 remains on the same platform as the current model, also the optional four-wheel drive and the range of engines, consisting of the well-known 2,2-liter diesel (150 or 175 hp ), as well as two petrol engines with 2,0 or 2,5 liters displacement (160 to 192 hp), will not be changed. The trunk volume also remains practically constant at 505 liters. Mazda has hardly left any piece of sheet metal or plastic on the outside and inside and introduces some new comfort and technology features.
The lane, which is one centimeter wider at the front and rear, is intended to provide a sportier appearance and a better stand, and the vehicle's center of gravity has also been lowered slightly. The A-pillar, which is offset by 3,5 centimeters to the rear, in combination with the slightly smaller exterior mirrors will provide a better view towards the front and the slightly lowered belt line with the resulting larger glass portion for better all-round visibility. The new front of the CX-5 emphasizes the width of the vehicle with its narrow LED headlights, which are positioned lower than the current model. The large grille dominates the front view.
Mazda calls the refined robustness somewhat flowery the design approach by which the Japanese primarily understand the art of omission. This even works well, because the outfit of the CX-5 exudes tightness, which in combination with the alternately concave and convex sheet metal skin provides exciting lighting effects. Mazda has further developed its frequently seen special color "Ruby Red" especially for the CX-5. The new color "Soul Red Crystal" looks a bit brighter and fits perfectly to the vehicle, which belongs to a class in which silver, black and anthracite tones dominate.
The progress in the interior is particularly striking, where all the materials not only look very well made, as before, but also look and feel high-quality. The slightly raised center console is said to offer more comfort for the driver, and the gear selector lever has also been raised by four (manual transmission) or six centimeters (automatic). Mazda optionally offers a head-up display and an electrically operated tailgate. For the first time, the rear seats are adjustable, and the rear passengers can also enjoy seat heating. Horizontal lines also dominate in the interior, here the design approach is somewhat similar to that of the competitor VW Tiguan.
One of the most important technical changes is the G-Vectoring Control, already familiar from the Mazda6. The system reduces the torque very briefly when cornering fast, which puts more load on the front wheels and keeps the car on track better. The adaptive cruise control system has also been improved: As part of MRCC (Mazda Radar Cruise Control), the CX-5 can now drive automatically in a traffic jam. (Peter Eck / SP-X)