Since the debut in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 is floating on a wave of success. Because the SUV quickly rose to the bestseller in the program of the Japanese carmaker. The second generation of the compact SUV, which has been available since 2017, impressively continues this success story. Nevertheless, Mazda maintains its bestseller. The success of the CX-5 impressed. Worldwide reached the SUV now in the Mazda program, a sales share of about 25 percent. In 2017, Mazda launched nearly 19,000 copies of the CX-5 on our roads. The obesity of the SUV is also recognizable among our readers. Because the reviews of the CX-5 are obviously of interest to many readers. The driving report for the presentation of the second generation of the CX-5 has so far attracted around 14,000 visitors. An average stay of more than three minutes proves that visitors also read these articles. The improved smartphone integration can be retrofitted! So I was curious what the new Mazda CX-5 2018 offers.
Because on paper, the update looks moderate. All four engines offered - two gasoline and two diesel - now meet the "Euro 6d-temp" current emission standard. In addition, the top model CX-5 Sports-Line of the vintage 2018 now has a 360 ° camera. In addition, CX-5 customers can now order smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 300 extra cost the fun, which is not available in the entry-level Prime-Line. Obviously, Mazda also knows that the widespread systems of Apple and Google now far behind the connectivity solutions of manufacturers in the evaluation of customers. That's why Mazda even offers this update for existing customers. Even with older CX-5 second generation, the smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be retrofitted. The only requirement is that the CX-5 already has the infotainment system with the seven-inch screen. The engines are improved! The two-liter petrol four-cylinder won in the re-tuning five horsepower and now has 165 hp power. Even the torque of the smaller of the two offered petrol engine with now 213 Newton meters marginally.
The 2.5 liter petrol four-cylinder with cylinder deactivation, the performance data remained unchanged. The top model of the CX-5 family has 194 hp and is 258 Newton meters strong than the previous ones. In the diesel engines Mazda went the other way. The performance of the "smaller" auto-igniter remained unchanged with 150 hp and 380 Newton meters of torque. At the same time won the stronger diesel model equal to nine horsepower and now has an output of 184 hp and 445 Newton meters maximum torque. With an increase of 25 Newton meters this is a significant increase in the available engine power. What's new is that the CX-5's diesel engines now clean their exhaust using an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) emission control system. In conjunction with a urea injection, this ensures a significant reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions. In the past, Mazda was keen to comply with all emission regulations even without urea injection (AdBlue). But in the current emission standard "Euro 6d-temp" which probably no longer possible. It is also interesting that the stronger of the two twin-turbo diesels now already puts its peak performance on the crankshaft at 4,000 rpm.
Previously, CX-5 drivers had to turn 500 revs higher to get peak power. This improved response is also noticeable when driving, even if the converter automatic transmission (plus 1,800 USDs) available at extra cost robs the CX-5 of a part of driving pleasure. How does the Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-D 184 AWD operate? My CX-5 would definitely be a switch. This is also confirmed on the comparison trip in Bergisches Land. I just do not like how Mazda tunes the transducers of its automatic transmission. The compact SUV can be as sporty as comfort-driven with the six-speed manual transmission. The CX-5 benefits every single meter from its powerful diesel engine. The maximum torque of 445 Newton meters is already available at a very moderate 2,000 revolutions per minute. If you want, you can travel extremely shy with it. Because even in sixth gear, I let the CX-5 with this engine to distress even with just a little more than the idle speed to move. It is quite impressive that how the diesel then converts the command of the gas pedal into acceleration without delay.
Of course we are not talking about a sports car here, but the sovereign power of the four-cylinder, the two turbochargers breathe extra life, impressed anyway. When examining the test data, I'm a little surprised that the Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-D 184 AWD approved 9.3 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour. Subjectively, this feels faster. Even on winding roads makes the CX-5 quite fun. Especially since even my more than two-meter-long body stowed well on the driver's seat. Both the distance to the steering wheel and the position of the pedals fit. That is always the basic requirement for sporty driving. The steering is very direct, the suspension suitably sporty tuned. At best, in very sporty cornering I would wish that the front seats offer a bit more lateral support. The facelift of the vintage 2018 is a very moderate update. This is also so easy because the basis of the second-generation Mazda CX-5 was beyond any doubt. Especially the now 184 hp four-cylinder diesel is a good engine.
