What is it?
The Mazda CX-5 is the first model from the company that incorporates
the full complement of Skyactiv technology. The clever, all-new platform
- which might be described as a kind of steel spaceframe - has been
designed to be lighter, stiffer, safer and easy to scale so it will
underpin cars from the next Mazda 3 to the next CX-7.
More remarkable is the Skyactiv 2.2-litre diesel engine. Marked by
the exceptionally low compression ratio (14:1), this twin-turbo unit
comes in two power outputs (148bhp and 178bhp) and can meet the
super-stringent 2014 Euro-6 pollution regulations without the need for a
Nitrogen Oxide trap.
We tried this 148bhp, front-drive, late-stage prototype on the broken roads of southern Italy.
What's it like?
This car is well packaged, with impressive rear legroom, the largest
boot in class (with a clever three-section folding rear seat) and a
really well-judged seating position, which is no higher than it needs to
be. The interior styling is reserved, but typically Japanese in its
thoroughness and detailing.
The immediate impression from behind the wheel is of the engine’s
exceptional refinement (both audibly and in terms of NVH through the
driver’s contact points) even when accelerating with wide throttle
openings.
This front-drive CX-5 had a handy turn of speed and a very slick,
closely spaced, manual 'box. Mazda went to a great effort (re-locating
the pivot point of the rear trailing arms) to replicate the kind of
mature, easy-rolling ride that rounds off the edges of imperfections. It
has undoubtedly succeeded, delivering something that feels credibly
European.
Mazda engineers have also succeeded in eliminating the high-frequency in-cabin noises that are so annoying to European ears.
Should I buy one?
This car is radical under the skin, polished on the surface and
impressively economical. The real test will be when full prices and
specs are released early next year – but the signs are incredibly
promising.
Hilton Holloway
Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D 2.2 Front-drive
Price: £22,000 (est, entry-level); Top Speed: 125mph; 0-62mph:
9.2sec; Economy: tbc; Co2: 119g/km; Kerb weight: 1445kg; Engine: 4cyls,
2184cc, turbo diesel; Power: 148bhp; Torque: 280lbft at 1800-2600rpm;
Gearbox: Six-speed manual.
source: www.autocar.co.uk
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