ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE SECOND GENERATION MAZDA CX-5

Mazda marked the launch of SKYACTIV technology back in 2012 with their large SUV, the CX-5 and it was also the first production car to feature the company’s now range wide KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy. For 2018, Mazda have announced a facelift to freshen and offer more with this popular SUV.
The second generation model is longer and lower than its predecessor, but with the wheelbase remaining the same, However, front and rear track is slightly wider than before, and with the wheels placed as near as possible to the outer corners of the body, this delivers a sporty stance and as I discovered, this reflects in the handling and ride
departments. SE-L Nav cars feature 17 inch alloy while Sport Nav models have a new design of 19 inch Gunmetal alloy wheel. I had the opportunity to drive a two wheel drive version in Sport Nav trim.
In harmony with the new body style, the redeveloped cabin is a significant step forward and can now compete with the very best cars in the class by delivering a premium feel throughout.
Comfort, quality, design and functionality aid in providing an engaging and stress- free driving environment with comfortable, stylish and practical accommodation for driver and fellow travellers.
In company with the rest of the Mazda range the cabin has been designed to create an intelligently configured layout for the driver, with all major controls and instrumentation laid out ergonomically around the focal point of the steering wheel. Nice touch Mr. Mazda I really appreciated the heated steering wheel and of course the heated front seats.

A no fuss simplicity and elegant design is the theme and the easy-to- read three-dial driver’s instrument binnacle and the new seven inch display screen atop the dashboard are examples of the classy yet uncomplicated feel.
Sport Nav variants have a Bose audio system and the tweeters are neatly incorporated into the A pillars.
Top marks re the design of the steering wheel, leather with a tactile feel, and the switches are now integrated and concentrated into one row.
Again with Sport Nav a new version of Active Driving Display, the company’s head up display which includes Traffic Sign Recognition and projects full-colour information directly onto the windscreen within the driver’s line of sight.
MZD-Connect is Mazda’s mobile connectivity and with a compatible smartphone connected via Bluetooth or USB, you have safe and easy real-time access, via the seven inch colour touch-screen display.
I liked the revised seating and in particular the driving position afforded to the driver. One of the key demands of an SUV is practicality, such as 40:20:40: split/folding rear seats and the rear seat back can be leaned back to an angle of 28 degrees.
Sport Nav comes with a powered tailgate, an item which should be standard on all SUVs. Load carrying ability, 506 litres in the boot and with the seats down 1,620 litres.
A range of SKYACTIV engines, with SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions and the intelligent i-ACTIV all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The two litre 165PS petrol engine is available in SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trim with front-wheel drive and the six-speed manual gearbox.
Diesel choices include two power outputs from 2.2 litres, 150 and 175PS.2.2-litre 150ps The lower powered diesel is available with front or four-wheel drive and comes with a choice of transmissions.
I had no complaints with the lesser powered diesel. Rest to 62mph (100kph) takes 9.4 seconds with a top speed of 127mph (204kph) and an emission rating at 132g/km. The official figure from the manufacturer re economy, 56.5mpg. (12.4mpl).
The range topper 175PS comes exclusively in Sport Nav trim and is equipped with all wheel drive and a choice of transmissions. A number of options with the CX-5 tested left the final price at £29,255. ( € 33,317). N.I. In the R.O.I. the CX-5 starts at €28,995.