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Is the Mazda CX-5 worth it?

It’s one of the most desirable choices in its respective segment today.

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2020 Mazda CX-5 exterior front Philippines

The Mazda CX-5 is one standout product of the Japanese brand. Aside from having that fun-to-drive DNA, Mazda has reinforced this compact crossover with quality materials, topnotch features, and practical appointments, which makes it one of the most desirable choices in its respective segment today.

The compact crossover was born in 2012, and it has received numerous praise and positive comments mainly because of its fuel-efficient SkyActiv engine and engaging driving experience. After the glory days of its first-generation, the crowd now reigns over its second-generation model that’s arguably more handsome and more fun-to-drive than its predecessor. Plus, the overall execution of the vehicle has been heightened into a new level, making it a worthy alternative to other luxury crossovers.

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2020 Mazda CX-5 exterior quarter front Philippines

We may be exaggerating, but this Mazda CX-5 is such a beautiful piece of art. Like the rest of the brand’s current lineup, this crossover follows the KODO Soul of Motion design philosophy.  The overall body structure was designed meticulously, its character lines just scream grace and personality. 

Upfront, there’s a Mazda-fashioned grille that’s treated with chrome and a sort of black material, it’s also got a pair of angry-looking LED headlights and fog lights which lit the road very well during night time. What’s quite odd for me is the shape of the bumper, which is pushed inward to give it more of a fluidic look to it. 

2020 Mazda CX-5 exterior quarter rear Philippines

Its beauty remains consistent up until the rear which gets LED taillights and a pair of chrome exhaust pipes for that added sporty look to it. There are three available alloy wheel designs for the CX-5, it usually varies depending on the trim. The 17-inch alloy is for the Pro and FWD Sport variants, while both the AWD Sport and AWD SkyActiv-D get 19-inch alloys with different designs for each variant.

2020 Mazda CX-5 interior dashboard Philippines

Mazda is known for its beautiful interiors and the CX-5 is just no exception to that. Its consistent use of high-quality materials does deliver better satisfaction and comfort among passengers. The abundance of soft-touch materials is applied not only on the front section of the interior, rather the consistency continues all the way through the rear seats. Speaking of seats, all variants of the CX-5 come with leather upholstered seats. 

2020 Mazda CX-5 interior infotainment system Philippines
2020 Mazda CX-5 interior speaker Philippines
2020 Mazda CX-5 interior speaker Philippines

The brand’s Mazda Connect System is standard across the line, giving passengers that needed in-car entertainment they deserve. Plus, the system is now Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capable, therefore allowing you to connect your phone and use essential apps such as Waze and Spotify. While a 6-speaker audio system does sound good, the CX-5 is offered with a 10 speaker Bose sound system that is available on the Sport FWD trim and up, delivering superb sound quality within the cabin. Notably, rear passengers are also treated with charging ports that are cleverly situated in the fold-down armrest. All of these amenities are achieved at an affordable price which actually starts from P1,730,000 up to P2,350,000.

2020 Mazda CX-5 exterior quarter front Philippines
2020 Mazda CX-5 exterior quarter rear Philippines
2020 Mazda CX-5 interior speaker Philippines

The Sport FWD trim is perhaps the goldilocks variant of the CX-5 range. You get the perfect balance of looks, driving dynamics, and features. At P1,890,000, you get the majority of those features mentioned above such as the Mazda Connect System and the 10-speaker Bose audio system. The sunroof on the other hand is standard only on the AWD Sport and SkyActiv-D AWD variant.

Additionally, the I-ACTIVSENSE suite of active safety features actually start at this trim, therefore you get blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert. Although other active safety features like the driver attention alert, smart city brake support, and lane departure warning with lane-keep assist are reserved for the range-topping SkyActiv-D AWD variant.

2020 Mazda CX-5 exterior engine Philippines

For the Mazda CX-5, you get three engine choices, two gasoline engines, and one diesel engine. The 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G engine is the entry-level engine of the line, it is capable of producing 154 hp and 200 Nm of torque. It’s not the fastest CX-5, yet it’s a proper engine for both the city and highway given its sufficient power and esteemed fuel efficiency. 

If you want more power from a gasoline engine, there’s a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine that produces 187 hp and 252 Nm of torque, it’s a more spirited engine on highways given its uprated numbers in comparison with the 2.0-liter SkyActiv G engine. 

For those who are craving for a substantial amount of torque, the Mazda CX-5 is available with a diesel engine. It’s a 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D engine that churns out 175 hp and 420 Nm of torque. Those numbers do speak performance for a diesel engine, this engine just keeps on going all thanks to its extensive amount of power and torque. Despite that, it is still able to return satisfying fuel economy numbers given that it is a diesel.

All of the engines mentioned above can only be paired with the brand’s 6-speed SkyActiv Drive AT transmission.

2020 Mazda CX-5 exterior quarter front Philippines

Under all of the data gathered with regards to the renowned compact crossover, is it worth it? Yes, it is. With its pleasing driving dynamics and plethora of features, the Mazda CX-5 is indeed worthy of your consideration. If you are in the market for a compact crossover that offers the looks, feel, and features of a luxury crossover at an affordable price, then the CX-5 is the way to go. 

While the rest of its competitors offer more practical appointments, the Mazda CX-5 outshines them in terms of character. Apart from those features and other necessary facets reinforced in the crossover, the CX-5 stays true to Mazda's Jinba Ittai philosophy, a Japanese term that translates to the oneness of horse and rider. It is perhaps something that will be appreciated by most driver enthusiasts, given that the CX-5 is indeed a driver-centric vehicle.

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