Skip the long read if you will. Just my in depth impressions on it and a run down of its features.

Finally traded our Infiniti QX in for what we have been hunting down for the past eight months. A fully loaded Mazda CX-5 AWD GT with tech package. Exterior is Black mica with the usual beautiful flakey Mazda paint (silver flakes in light). Interior is Sand Leather, which is a slightly off white tone with double stitching in white thread and a sand color thread. Very nice contrasting details in the interior with the black soft touch plastics, real metal plated accents, off white leather, and of course the stitching as mentioned before. Soft touch plastics and padded materials are an abundance. The HVAC control ***** feel absolutely amazing with the metallic "clicky" feedback. The interior quality is leaps and bounds above Mazda's before it. I do presume the leather will be a total bitch to keep spotless. Also, it is definitely spacious for its size (as most of you have read in reviews).

It handles absolutely superb for the type of vehicle that it is. At times, it can even dwarf handling and feel of smaller vehicles like compact sedans and hatches. The GT is running 225 width all-season Toyo's in 19". The ride is tight and taut, no extra bounds and rebounds. I literally plow it into turns and on/off ramps, yet the body is controlled and flat. Yet it is quiet and soaks up relatively large bumps with ease. Very VW/Audi and BMW like. The CX-5's handling and ride is actually very reminiscent of my friend's Audi Q5. The only difference is that the CX-5 seems nimbler due to the (lack of) size and weight, the short wheelbase of the CX is also felt over bumps, and the steering in the CX has slightly more steering feel. If I have one thing to complain about its "handling," it would be the lightness of the steering. It got the nimbleness and the feel, just lacks the heft. Though I must admit, I like my steering heavy.

On to the tech package. It includes the TomTom navigation, which is basically an add-on SD card unit for the already standard multifunction infotainment system. Tech pack also includes thigns such as blind spot monitoring, adaptive bi-xenon HID's, keyless entry, and a few other misc things. The navigation system is simple and efficient. It includes many options in it to control vehicle lighting, locks, auto wipers, etc. Basically a simple iDrive that allows plenty of gadget controls/customizing. The relatively small screen is okay. Though much better than VW's integrated small unit, it is still hard to see and quite hard to control while driving. My fingers are skinny too! I would appreciate perhaps a bigger surface area than a measly 5.8" LCD especially with the abundance of customization option it allows at any given time. Good thing it has voice control for nearly every function.

I think the audio system deserves its own paragraph. The Bose audio system is by far the best Bose I have heard. I've always disliked Bose, as every Bose I have heard is merely just brand marketing for sub-par systems. I absolutely hated the Bose in our Infiniti and same goes with the RX-8. Sub-lows are FINALLY apparent with great impact and controlled, mids are smooth and fairly detailed, and the highs have good sparkle and extension. In other words, no complaints.

The engine and drivetrain does the job. the high compression 2.0l SkyA-G has great USABLE torque for simply cruising around town. I rarely go above 2500 RPM when cruising around town by myself or with one passenger. With the CX packed with five people, then it becomes under powered for highway entrance and passing. Hills are also a nuisance with passengers as well. I find myself downshifting one or two gears for hills and passing. The SkyA transmission is simply better than DSG, even VW's. Has all the benefits of the DSG, with none of the let downs. It is smooth and quick in terms of shifting. The automatic down shift rev-matching is a nice trick applied with the full range lock up clutch. When analyzed, I can tell when the torque converter is used and when the clutch locks. Not by feel, but by sight of the tachnometer. It only uses the torque converter upon rolling from a stop up to 2-3 mph, then it locks. It also does it in between shifts for smooth yet fast engagement. The DSG's (even in TDI's and the Golf R) I have driven are harsh, especially when moving from a stop. It is also slightly harder to park with a DSG (especially on a hill), since it doesn't roll and require throttle input to move.

Gas mileage is great. It isn't even broken in yet! With ~250 miles on it, I am getting an average of 30.3 mpg. About 1/4 of those miles include a packed car. 1/2 of those miles include brutal NYC stop and go local traveling. With a similar trip, we would get no more than 14-15mpg combined with our Infiniti. Granted that thing has the renown Nissan/Infiniti VQ35 3.5 V6.

I did have a problem with the navigation unit. It wouldn't store settings nor would it acquire GPS signal ANYWHERE. I was planning on taking it into service on Wednesday. Fortunately, after some research and fiddling I got it to work by running an in system diagnostic and reinstalling the SD card. I went on Mazdas247.com, and they were of no help at all. ZERO information on that forum and the users are quite incompetent (no offense). Looks like I'm steering clear of that forum. Everyone should as well, as most of them are either misinformed or just plain ignorant.

Also, I must add. The HID's on this is impressive. Not sure if they are fresnel lens or clear. The light disbursement along with the turning adaptive projectors are phenomenal. Better than the 8's by far. Though they are lacking a bit in color. Not exactly true white color with a blue tint at the top of the cut off. May be due to the lens.

I am VERY happy with the car overall. It is not perfect, but it is damn near perfect especially for my needs and exceeded my expectation. With GT, AWD, and Tech, the MSRP was around $32,000 if I recall correctly.

Here are some cellphone pics I snapped when I got it three days ago. I'll do a shoot in a day or two with the 8. So just bare with me here

 

I like the cupholders on the top of the engine. Great touch when you are tinkering under the hood.




Nice write up, Mazda is getting things right, I suspect they are going to really take off with this new line up.

 

These little CUV's are great, I had checked them out at the dealer not long ago and all the basics like roominess, fit and finish, quality materials, comfort were down pat. Good choice!

 

nice car...this would be my choice except for exterior color, i'm in love with SkyBlue.

 

great choice. I hope the diesel version makes it to the US

 

Yes, Diesels are coming to US.

SNTP, congrats...I thought you might have waited for the 2.5l, as you have the heaviest (AWD) CX-5 made?...I guess you could not wait to offload your Nissan,,,, oops sorry, Infiniti...what a stupid car name.

Your TomTom, I recall reading a Mazda Europe TSB about SD cards, I think much depends on year of manufacture and that some have to be exchanged directly with TomTom agent and reset unit.

I will see what I can find.

What was the production date of your CX-5.

 

Here is some info just out for CX-5 and also on TomTom, one TSB's are for Europe, but most would apply to US..

 

Find Answers

 

Nice write up. My Girlfriend has been eying one of these to trade in her 2010 3S in on.

 

That is true concerning Infiniti's. Practically glorified Nissans.

This CX-5 is financed for 36 months at an awesome 0.9% APR. Reason for finance instead of buying it all out is because of the new batches of SkyA-G/D's coming. This leaves me options to trade in finance as long as the payments aren't behind (which they will not be). Don't get me wrong though, I'm more than happy to keep this car for years and years to come granted it doesn't give me any headaches.

Yes, it is the heaviest CX-5. I need the AWD for NYC snowy climates. The Infiniti's simply awesome 4WD system was unbeatable with its center locking diff and 4LO when going skiing in the mountains. I also prefer having the gadgets/amenities of the GT/Tech combo.

I have the new TomTom SD card, which I just updated yesterday. The TomTom is working fine. Even downloaded some nifty things like Mario on his "Mario Kart" as the vehicle indicator. Also downloaded Eric Cartman's voice from South Park. Granted it is rated R and I have to change it once there are family and kids in the car .

It is a bit cold and snowy to take a glance at the vin/production date now. I'll get back to you tomorrow.

I have noticed a slight rattle that happens rarely. It just started yesterday. I thought it was the license plate frame, but that is secure. I will check the rear suspension for "rocks".

Thanks for the help as always.

 

Thanks for the review! The only obvious thing I don't like about the CX-5, though it's unavoidable these days, is the 160 mph speedo. Might be useful when cruising down a mineshaft, but otherwise, stupid.

 

I found that to be hilarious. Good for tricking kids and stupid blondes though. Supah Fast Car.

I also wish the tachometer was a bit bigger. The gauges aren't big at all, and I usually like my tach right smack in the middle (E.G. RX-8).

 

looks like I found my next vehicle purchase. Do you know what the towing capacity will be on the diesel? I was hoping I could trailer the 8 to local events to look like a "baller"

 

No pics of the cocaine interior... Yet.




http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/8320022918/http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/8320022918/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/saynotopistons/, on Flickr


http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/8320017458/http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/8320017458/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/saynotopistons/, on Flickr

 

Out of curiosity, I went to test drive a CX-5 Sport. The basic of the basic CX-5, the lightest. Just wanted to see the handling characteristics and was hoping to feel a bit more peppiness because of the 200+ lb weight savings compared to my fully loaded CX.

Went on some nice on and off ramps. Corning felt the same. If anything my 19" wheel set up provided more feedback (probably due to much lower profile tires). Around the city stop and go driving, power felt the same (thanks to the amazing usable low end torque of the SkyA-G 2.0). On ramps and highway passing felt about the same as well, not much noticeable difference. Still a bit under powered and has the necessity to downshift at least one or two gears.

I know some are looking at this and saying "Damn power hungry Americans. You don't even use 60% of the power most of the time." Well, for those who have driven in metro NY, you know you either have to hop in line QUICK or risk getting plowed in the *** by a delivery truck or cabbie. Or you can just sit there and wait for the never coming opportunity to leisurely get into lane.

I see a SkyA-G 2.5l or the 2.2 twin turbo diesel in my future. Plus with Speedsource already making whopping power out of a near production 2.2 block for GrandAm GX, I see lots of reliable power goodies in the future.

 

i like! congrats. very nice looking vehicle.

 

Congrats on the CX-5! FWIW, I'm 5,000 miles into my Touring AWD version now with no problems to report

 

Thank you! I'm about 1000 (mostly city) miles in. No problems here either.

Just got news that Mazda is releasing the 2.5l CX-5 within a month with a <$1000 premium over the 2.0L. I'm still happy with the 2.0L though .

 

Damn, too bad I no longer lives in NYC, otherwise I really wanna try the CX-5 AWD

 

So that means no more compression tests

Where do you live now?

 

take a god damn guess.

 

Do tell, NYCGPS.

 

I totally forgot about getting the production date. I looked at the left side front door for the sticker and found a date of "9/12".

It's been quite cold here in NYC the past few weeks. Since the temps have gone down to ~10*f (~ -12*C), the passenger front door panel has been getting a slight rattle. Almost unnoticeable and only clicks every once in a while when I really turn up the radio volume or when I hit large bumps. The rear rattle is still there. I have yet to check for pebbles in the lower control arm, but I also suspect that it may be the license plate frame.

One of these days I'll bring it in for "service" for these little nuisances. Just waiting on when I can grab a new Mazda6 loaner when my CX-5 is in for service .

Gas mileage has been great as well. I averaged around 29 mpg my last tank. That's with a decent amount of NYC stop and go city driving and some idling time. Take into consideration that it's been very cold as well. Warm up periods usually last at least 5 miles of driving. I can hypermileage and actually get up to 40mpg highway for my 30+ mile commutes!

 

Hey Ash. I've been getting rattles in the center console around the HVAC unit and shifter trim piece. Also a rattling inside the right passenger door panel. Any TSB's out for this?

I am looking to bring the CX in for service next week for rattles. I would like to be at least somewhat informed if it is a known issue.

 

Sorry for the late response......

I know of no TSB's concerning 'Rattles' on the CX-5, apart from the Rear Bumper one..

There are a few updated TSB's for the new CX-5 and new 2014 6.

I am thinking of whether or not I start a new thread just for Skyactiv TSB's (Mazda 3 SA, Mazda CX-5 and 2014 Mazda 6).???

What do you guys think...do you want one here in RX-8 forum?

There is a new 'hot of the press' Special Service Program' SSP39 concerning '''MIL ILLUMINATION WITH DTC P0126:00'''

Require a PCM (ECU) firmware re-flash, within certain VIN'S...

I will post this TSB for North American market...