2018 Mazda CX-5 Review
The majority of people in the Kenyan market are switching their loyalty and preference from sedans to crossovers owing to their practicality, reliability, and stellar fuel economy. The Mazda CX-5 has largely benefitted from this shift as it has become one of the most sought-after vehicles, and despite its popularity, the manufacturers are still getting orders to produce more. It takes pride in its stylish exterior design language, spacious cabin, and enjoyable driving experience. As much as it is advantaged in many ways, it faces stiff competition from the likes of Toyota's RAV4, Nissan's X-Trail, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Detailed Review
2018 Mazda CX-5 front and side view
The first model of the Mazda CX-5 designated as KE was manufactured from 2012 to 2017. The second version of the CX-5 codenamed KF commenced its production in 2017 and it is currently ongoing to date. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 comes with two engine options, a 2.0 L SKYACTIV G (Petrol), a 2.5 SKYACTIV G (Petrol), and a 2.2 L SKYACTIV D (Diesel) linked to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. Click here to purchase the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Buyer’s Guide.
2018 Mazda CX-5 Grades
- Mazda CX-5 20 S- This grade comes with LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, and a power-assisted steering wheel.
- Mazda CX-5 20 S Proactive- This grade has adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and heated seats.
- Mazda CX-5 25 S- This grade boasts parking sensors, a sunroof, a rear defrost, privacy glass, a rear spoiler, and a reverse camera.
- Mazda CX-5 25 SL Package- This grade is fitted with a Bose sound system, a navigation system, keyless entry, and a power liftgate.
- Mazda CX-5 25 S Proactive- This grade comes with a remote engine start, intermittent wipers, power door locks, AM/FM Radio, and an MP3 player.
- Mazda CX-5 XD- This grade has a smart device integration, climate control, a wireless phone hookup, multiple airbags, and an anti-lock braking system.
- Mazda CX-5 XD L Package- This grade boasts electronic brake force distribution, traction control, blind spot monitoring, and power mirrors.
- Mazda CX-5 Proactive- This grade is fitted with child safety locks, Cross-Traffic alert, Bluetooth connectivity, a centralized door lock, and a keyless entry.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has a simple cabin that is somewhat stylish. The first row has comfy seats with ample legroom and headroom and the seats can as well be reclined to match a desired posture. The second row has adequate legroom and headroom.
2018 Mazda CX-5 first row
2018 Mazda CX-5 second row
Cabin Storage
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 features multiple storage compartments designed to improve the comfort of passengers by either storing or holding items like soft drinks, paperwork, key fobs, beverages, and other staff. A glove box compartment, door panel storage, a center console, and two cupholders are incorporated in the first row. Second-row occupants have access to jacket pockets, two cupholders mounted on the armrest, and door pockets.
Boot Space
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 boasts a sizeable cargo area that can carry small and medium-sized luggage. To create more space, the rear seat can be folded.
2018 Mazda CX-5 boot space
Exterior
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 features a sophisticated and elegant design. A massive grille with chrome embellishments bears the Mazda’s logo and it is flanked by LED daytime running light as well as the angular headlights which lends it a modern and upscale appearance. The lower bumper is fitted with a black lip spoiler that distinguishes it from the car’s body color. The bonnet has sculpted lines and is slightly slanted hence improving visibility for occupants.
Mirror caps and the door handles are body-colored. The fenders give the CX-5 a somewhat muscular look. Contours are visibly present on the side profile and they help a lot in improving aerodynamics. Higher grades come with a sunroof that allows ambient lighting in the vehicle. The sloping roofline towards the rear is perfectly attached to a roof spoiler that makes the car look more sportier.
The rear encompasses tail lights, turn signals, as well as an electronically driven tailgate that could be very convenient especially when your hands are full of cargo. A reverse camera as well as parking sensors are well-positioned to aid the driver when navigating in confined spaces.
2018 Mazda CX-5 front view
2018 Mazda CX-5 front and side view
2018 Mazda CX-5 rear and side view
2018 Mazda CX-5 rear view
2018 Mazda CX-5 Safety Features
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 features multiple airbags, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, traction control, a rearview camera, stability control, brake assist, and an anti-lock braking system.
2018 Mazda CX-5 Fuel Consumption
2018 Mazda CX-5 2.0 L petrol engine consumption- 13.3 km/l on average
2018 Mazda CX-5 2.5 L petrol engine consumption- 12.7 km/l on average
2018 Mazda CX-5 2.2 L diesel engine consumption- 17.2 km/l on average
2018 Mazda CX-5 Acceleration
2018 Mazda CX-5 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.2 secs
2018 Mazda CX-5 2.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.0 secs
2018 Mazda CX-5 2.2 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.7 secs
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 Fuel Tank Capacity: 58 liters
Ground Clearance: The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has a ground clearance of 7.6 inches.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.
Spare Parts and Availability
Mazda CX-5 spare parts are easily available in major towns. However, its body components are somewhat expensive
Stability And Handling
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 provides a pleasant and sturdy ride thanks to its power-assisted steering wheel that makes it adapt to road curvature. The suspension system protects passengers from jarring movements picked up from rough surfaces. The brakes are very robust and capable of stopping this car in a matter of seconds hence avoiding any kind of mishap. Its cabin is well-insulated to prevent outside noise from bothering the occupants.
Its approach and departure angles allow it to cruise off-road without the risk of damaging its body components. The engine works in tandem with the transmission system to deliver a smooth start and decent acceleration.
When approaching tight bends, it is recommended to reduce speed as the CX-5 could have body rolls owing to its high center of gravity. Some of the technologies incorporated in this crossover to improve its stability include anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, and stability control.
2018 Mazda CX-5 steering wheel & gear shift
Reliability
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is considered a reliable crossover. It has a high clearance that allows it to cruise in off-road terrains. The most notably problems reported by CX-5 owners include transmission issues and excessive brake noise. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such troubles.
Click here to purchase the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Buyer’s Guide.
Resale Value: Average
Mazda CX-5 Competitors: Toyota’s RAV4, Nissan’s X-Trail, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
What we like about the 2018 Mazda CX-5
Excellent fuel economy
Stylish exterior design
Comfortable ride
What we don’t
Limited cargo space compared to its rivals
No Apple Car Play or Android Auto
Conclusion
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has a perfect balance between comfort and handling. Its spacious cabin will appeal to people with small households as its exterior styling will entice the young clientele especially those who hail in urban settlements as they can use it as a daily driver. Owing to its stellar fuel economy, long distance drivers have a good value for their money. However, as much as many people adore the CX-5 and would love to own it, its high purchase price will turn off people on a tight budget. Click here to dowload the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Owner’s Manual.
2018 Mazda CX-5 side view
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