Displaying items by tag: cx 5

Mazda PH adds tricked-out CX-5 2.5L AWD SPORT to the line-up

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 01:29:24 +0000

Words and photos by Christopher Kho

When the Mazda CX-5 arrived in the Philippines a year ago, it came with powerful yet fuel-efficient a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine that drove the front wheels, SKYACTIV transmission, six airbags, start/stop button, and a touch screen infotainment system amongst others. It was definitely a complete package that was hard to beat; so complete that it was awarded as the Compact Crossover 2WD category winner in the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P). But now, they've made something good even better. This is the Mazda CX-5 2.5L AWD SPORT - the ultimate CX-5 money can buy.

Starting with its best asset, this range-topping variant of the CX-5 is powered by an four-cylinder 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine with a peak power of 188 hp and 250 Nm of torque. That's 26 hp and 40 Nm more than the 2.0L version to be exact.

A manual transmission version, however, will not be made available with this new variant. Instead, it will come with a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic and an intelligent all-wheel-drive. What makes it intelligent is its precise slip detection system that only puts power to the rear wheels when it senses a loss of grip. This means its mostly powered by the front wheels which is good for fuel-consumption.

Further improving the CX-5's fuel-economy figures is Mazda's i-STOP system which is exclusive for the 2.5L AWD SPORT variant. What this tech does is it shuts off the engine when the vehicles comes to a complete stop, say at a stop light, to conserve fuel. It then restarts itself when you step on the throttle.

Sprucing up the CX-5's head-turning looks are a bigger set of 19-inch alloy rims and a sunroof. Meanwhile, the interior gets leather upholstery and door trim, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. But aside from the standard safety equipment such as airbags, ABS and EBD, and keyless entry, what sets the 2.5L AWD SPORT apart are its exclusive features such as DSC and TCS, Rear Vehicle Monitoring (blind spot warning), Lane-Departure Warning, Reverse Cameras with Parking Sensors, and a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System.

Like the other CX-5 variants, the CX-5 2.5L AWD SPORT is imported CBU from Japan and is priced at P1,685,000.

Car of the Year 2012 - 2013 Day 9: The Last Hurrah

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:28:46 +0000

Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Hans Gerald Chua

Last Saturday, January 26, 2013, was the final day of the qualitative testing for the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P). It was a day for big brutes once again, as Hyundai sent the Santa Fe R-2.2 GLS 6AT 2WD and Premium 4WD, which were matched by Toyota’s Fortuner 4x2 G DSL AT and Hilux 4x2 G MT and Mazda’s CX-5 and BT-50. The Honda CR-V made its reprise with the 2.0 S and 2.4 SX variant, this time made in Thailand with local specs (Honda sent the Japan-made CR-V last time).

It was the fitting ending for this chapter. The cars weren’t too exciting to leave us done and fulfilled at the end of the day; they were mellowed down to leave us wanting more. Of course, “more” would come to us during the technical testing at the Clark International Speedway on February 25 to 27, when the cars will once again converge for the acceleration, braking, and handling tests. But until that comes, we were satisfied enough with the cars we’ve driven to keep us at ease until the end of February. Hopefully, the sky will stay clear of rain clouds and strong winds until then.

With that last hurrah, here are some final words from our writers about the cars of Day 9:

Jose Carlo R. Sapera, Kotse.com Assistant Editor: 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Premium 6AT 4WD

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe has exceeded all my expectations of what an SUV should be. It looks absolutely huge on the outside, but surprisingly cozy on the inside. There's lots of soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door inserts covered in beautifully stitched leather. Even small details like the power window switches and door grab handles have been beautifully sculpted. There’s plenty of leg and head room on the front and middle seats, but the third row is quite cramped. Nevertheless, it can be folded flat for more luggage space. With all the amenities, plus the plush ride and low floor, the Santa Fe feels more like a luxury midsize sedan on the driver's seat, which is a good thing.

On the road, the 2.2 liter common rail diesel mil purrs silently as it provides ample power even with five people on board. Likewise, the six-speed automatic responds quite well and shifts ever so smoothly. The electronic parking brake, on the other hand, takes a bit of getting used to and can get quite annoying to engage or disengage at times. And even with the Santa Fe's size, we found it quite easy to maneuver around traffic. Parking was also a breeze in this variant, as it came with a reverse camera.

For P2,228,000, you get plenty of kit including a panoramic sunroof, reverse camera, electronic parking brake, and Bluetooth connectivity. If you want to get something at par with the European brands at a fraction of a cost, then the Santa Fe should meet or even exceed your standards.

Leslie Sy, Kotse.com Online Expert: 2012 Mazda BT-50 3.2L 4x4

I would like to confess that I am not a fan of big SUVs and pickups for the simple fact that almost all of them have the same bone jarring ride quality - great for hauling heavy loads, but tiring and uncomfortable as a daily ride. The 2012 Mazda BT-50, on the other hand, which shares the same underpinnings as the Ford Ranger, was surprisingly an exception.

As expected, ride was “truck hard” when driven slowly within the parking lot, but astoundingly became rather comfortable at higher speeds. Despite of this pickup's handling manners, which constantly reminded me that I was in a large truck, I was actually having a bit of fun driving it. The five-cylinder 3.2L turbo-diesel engine producing 197 hp and 470 Nm of torque was definitely zippy for such a big truck. The six-speed automatic transmission shifted like silk without a single jerk during my test drive.

Overall, the interior is nothing to write home about, but I would consider it as “pleasant,” especially if I have to spend hours behind the wheel of this rig. The dashboard was nicely done in a textured hard plastic with a few touches of silver trims to break the overall black monotone of the cabin. The steering wheel was lovingly wrapped in leather for that touch of luxury. Basic-looking black leather-covered front and rear seats would accommodate five people in relative comfort. One big surprise is that the BT-50 features dual-zone auto-climate control - something normally more associated in luxury SUVs than in pickup trucks.

The BT-50 is a good pickup to own IF you happen to like the somewhat-polarizing Mazda-styled front and rear end. For me, it looks less of a working tool and more family SUV. Priced at P1.49 million, it just might be affordable enough to give pickup truck buyers a step-up from the usual choices.

Hans Gerald Chua, Kotse.com Contributor: 2012 Toyota Fortuner 4x2 G DSL AT

The Fortuner has been one the country's top SUVs, primarily because of its outstanding features and affordability, not to mention that it's a Toyota. This updated model has a new 2.5L diesel engine under the hood with a new Variable Nozzle Turbo (VNT) and top-mount intercooler. As suggested, it's a lot more responsive and livelier than the previous 2.5L powerplant and is now comparable to the bigger 3.0L version. We also estimate that the upgrade should make it more fuel efficient since you no longer have to jam the accelerator so often to get it going.

This model still wears the updated exterior package we first saw in 2011, which features a Land Cruiser-inspired front end and clear tail lights that we're a bit skeptical about. There are, however, several new upgrades inside; the most important of which is the 2DIN touch-screen infotainment system which has GPS navigation and bluetooth connectivity. This should give you more enjoyable driving experience than the usual radio.

Like before, the leather front and rear seats are comfortable and deliver a subtle snug fit for its driver and passengers. The third row seats though can only fit small children. And despite the updates under the body, the suspension still needs a bit of work, as it's not as comfortable as I’d hope.

Mazda CX-5 beats the 86 and BRZ as Japan's 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 22:01:37 +0000

Words by Christopher Kho

Well waddya know. Contrary to popular belief, the The Toyota 86, and its fraternal twin the Subaru BRZ, apparently is not the best car to come out from the land of the rising sun this year. Beating it by 45 votes is the all-new Mazda CX-5 which earned the coveted title of 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Japan.

According to the Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY) committee, the 86 and BRZ did impress with its “thrilling rear-wheel-drive handling, high-revving boxer engine, and reasonable price. But it was the CX-5's “revolutionary SKYACTIV technology, great handling, and economical clean diesel engine” that impressed the jurors the most.

In accepting the trophy, Mazda's Executive Officer of Product Planning and Powertrain Development Kiyoshi Fujiwara said: “It was a long road. In the early days of Skyactiv development, I had a lot of opposition from colleagues suggesting this technology was not the answer. But we stayed true to our goals, and here we are today, fully recognized by the COTY jurors.”

The CX-5 is Mazda's first model to incorporate all of the brand's SKYACTIV technologies including the engine, transmission, body, and chassis. It's also the first to embody Mazda's new design theme they call “KODO - Soul of Motion.” But it was the new-generation SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine that really stood out amongst this year's nominees. Not only does it provide the performance of a powerful V8, but also achieve a fuel economy as high as 18.6 km/L.

Mazda's win in the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Japan also reflects the CX-5's sales performance. Since sales begun in February of this year, they've already received more than 37,000 orders which is three times more than what they anticipated.

Though there's no prize in finishing second-best, the 86 and BRZ didn't go home empty-handed as they were awarded the Sentimental COTY Steering Committee Special Prize. Meanwhile, the BMW 3 Series snatched the Import Car of the Year with 282 votes beating the Range Rover Evoque.

All passenger vehicles with an expected annual sales volume of over 500 units, announced or launched in Japan between November 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012 are eligible for this year’s Japan Car of the Year award.

For complete results, visit www.jcoty.org.

Four Wheeling on High Heaven | 2012 Mazda CX-5 6MT 4x2

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 01:27:51 +0000

Words by Leslie Sy | Photos by Christopher Kho

Two things have become a daily fact of life for many urban dwellers: the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and the weekly rise of fuel prices. The convenience of an SUV makes it the primary choice for many car owners - spacious interior, high ground clearance, and grunty engine. Unfortunately, rising fuel prices have never been good for their wallets. Many have opted to go the path of a small and fuel economic car, while others simply pray for better days. But with the recent launch of the all-new 2012 Mazda CX-5 and its much-anticipated Skyactiv technology, the promise of a fuel-sipping SUV has arrived. But does it deliver?

At First Glance

It was a stormy morning when I arrived at the Mazda dealership to pick up the CX-5. As I was shown the way to the test unit, it looked much more impressive up close than pictures on the internet suggest. The contour lines and other details that give it a very subtle muscular look have a tendency to fade out when seen from a distance. The rising shoulder-line combined with the flared-out rear fender gives its a more sporty look, and the rear twin tail pipes hint at this car's potential for performance. It seemed my day was starting to brighten up despite the torrential downpour just outside the dealership door.

Getting in the CX-5, I was greeted by an all-black interior with a touchscreen head-unit, a black leather-clad steering wheel (with controls for audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth functions), shift knob, and handbrake lever. The interior's look and feel, especially the dashboard, reminded me of a European executive sedan; it was stylish yet precise and business-like. The seats are in black fabric and very supportive, something that would feel more at home in a sports car than in a SUV. The automatic climate control air-con has dual-zone temperature controls, which is great if your passenger prefers a different temperature setting. But enough of the small details. I pressed the START button, and the 2.0L engine came to life.

Athletic Abilities

Heading out into the rain, I quickly found the car very light to drive, despite its 1,375 kg curb weight. The Skyactiv 2.0L is rated at 162hp at 6,000rpm and 210 Nm at 4,000rpm. With the accelerator floored, the CX-5 surges forward with authority, and should get from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 10 seconds. Yet in normal driving, the six speed manual transmission allows you to keep engine revs at 1,000 to 2,000 rpm between shifts. Driving the car around the city (in light to moderate traffic), I was able to achieve a fuel economy of around 10.2 km/L according to the on-board computer. Our Test Drive Editor, Niky Tamayo, mentioned that he was able to achieve a better fuel economy of nearly 20km/L, albeit at a strict 80 km/h on the highway. Either way, those are pretty impressive fuel consumption figures for an SUV.

My confidence with the CX-5 grew despite the stormy weather outside. Its handling is sharp and predictable, while the ride quality is firm yet comfortably smooth with very little engine and road noise entering the cabin. The electric power steering (EPS) provides excellent road feel, which is great, as many other cars equipped with EPS usually ends up with practically dead steering feel. The six-speed manual is smooth, responsive, and precise.

Nitty Gritty

The CX-5 is as entertaining to drive as the somewhat awkwardly-heavy CX-7 promised to be. Yet despite being smaller and lighter than the CX-7, the CX-5 is not lacking in space. The rear seat and boot seem about as spacious as in the CX-7, and the front seats are great for sporty driving.

Other interesting features of this SUV are the 5.8 inch touch screen audio system, traction control system, dynamic stability control system, tire pressure monitoring system, dual front airbags, and side curtain airbags - features usually found in more expensive cars, but quite surprising to find in the more humble Mazda CX-5.

Some basic features I did find lacking were auto-locking doors and rear reversing sensors. These should be simple to remedy with aftermarket solutions, but maybe Mazda can add them to next year's version?

Dare I say it? Despite the less than ideal weather, the Mazda CX-5 proved to be the proverbial silver lining to my dark, stormy drive home. The next few days of driving in the CX-5 simply went by too quickly. It was a heart-breaker having to return her to the dealership, because the CX-5 was as fun to drive as it was frugal. Priced at P1,392,000 for the 6-speed manual CX-5 4x2, owning a great driving SUV does not have to result in expensive fuel bills.

Mazda's CX-5 achieves maximum 5 Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating (w/ video)

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:51:11 +0000

So that you'd know what your chances are of surviving an accident in an all-new CX-5, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) put Mazda's latest crossover to the test for you. They've crashed it head on, against a pole, and even onto a hapless dummy pedestrian all in the name of safety. And after the dust has settled, not only did the CX-5 pass with flying colors, but it also achieved the maximum five-star safety rating, which pretty much means you, your passengers, and that annoying jaywalker should be able to walk away in case of a crash.

It scored a remarkable 94% in adult and 87% in child occupant safety - high numbers even for today's standards. According to the report, the CX-5's compartment remained stable in the frontal impact where its level of protection remains the same no matter what the size the occupant may be. And for people bringing their toddlers along, you should be glad to know that the CX-5 likewise scored maximum points for protection of a 3 year old child.

With a 64% rating, the CX-5 proved to be safe not only for its passengers, but also for pedestrians. So just in case you didn't see someone dash in front of you, the bumper and hood should give them enough protection that bumping into them would less likely be fatal. And its Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and seatbelt reminders that come as standard equipment were enough to earn it a score of 86% in safety assist.

On top of Euro NCAP's five-star rating, the all-new Mazda CX-5 was also included in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick 2012.”

No matter how good of a driver you are, accidents can and will happen. So to improve your chances of surviving a car crash, you might just want to start saving up for Mazda's all-new CX-5, priced at P1,392,000 for the 4x2 MT and P1,452,000 for the AT version.

All-new Mazda CX-5 has finally arrived, looks better than expected

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:07:44 +0000

Words and photos by Christopher Kho

Only seven months have passed since the all-new CX-5 made its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and Mazda's latest crossover is finally here. Launched last week at the Mazda Revolution held at the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City, it would be the first vehicle in Mazda's line-up to adopt the ground-breaking SKYACTIV technology and 'KODO - Soul of motion' design theme. And while we got its initial P1,392,000 price tag spot on, we did didn't quite expect that the CX-5 would look this good in person.

Labelled as a 'compact crossover,’ we thought it to be within the ballpark dimensions of the BMW X1 or Subaru XV. But in reality, the CX-5 is just as big as the CX-7 that it effectively replaces - just 141 mm shorter. Plus, it looked a whole lot better than what we imagined. Although, we really think it's shaped like a bull shark. Its deeply-recessed headlamps, wide wheel arches, and large five-point grill, make it look like it’s ready to take a bite out of the competition.

Beyond the typical tale of the 'driver-oriented interior' in the official press release, we can see that Mazda's design team has taken some of their inspiration from BMW - the true masters when it comes to 'driver-oriented interiors.’ The horizontal piano-black moulding on the dashboard, white-illuminated metallic gauges, and center dash cluster are all reminiscent of the 1 Series. However, don't take it as a liability, because (let’s face it) it feels good to sit behind the wheel of a Bimmer. And now you get to have the same experience, but with a different badge on the wheel.

At 2,700mm, the CX-5 has one of the longest wheelbases in its class, which allows rear passengers to enjoy 997mm of legroom. Head and shoulder room are also quite generous, but it's quite puzzling why Mazda only mentioned that four adults can relax in comfort when we reckon that five full-sized passengers should have no trouble fitting inside.

Hiding under the CX-5's long bonnet is its biggest asset: the 2.0 direction-injection SKYACTIV-G engine. At 162 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque, it's able to produce low-end torque for acceleration while delivering exceptional fuel efficiency. And helping it achieve this is a SKYACTIVE Drive six-speed automatic transmission that's tuned for fuel economy. But we're more interested in the SKYACTIV MT six-speed manual version that promises to offer the same sporty feel as the MX-5.

Tagged at P1,392,000 for the manual and P1,452,000 for the automatic version, the CX-5 is shipped CBU (Completely Built-Up) from Japan and comes in black mica, crystal white pearl, aluminum blue, velocity red, and sky blue. For those prices, you get front, side, and curtain airbags as standard equipment, along with Bluetooth connectivity with voice control, and a speed-sensitive electric power assist system. Now on sale throughout Mazda dealerships nationwide, it's finally time for Mazda's SKYACTIV revolution.

Mazda Expo: Go SKY high with the all-new CX-5 and Mazda 3 on April 21 to 22

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:15:10 +0000

Get ready to go SKY high this weekend as Mazda Philippines gives us a first taste of their revolutionary SKYACTIV Technology. Head on over to the Mazda Expo from April 21 to 22, 2012 at the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City and get up close and personal with the all-new CX-5 and Mazda 3.

Previewed last March, the CX-5 will ultimately stand as the timely replacement of the CX-7. The five-seater compact crossover boasts a new SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder 2.0L gasoline engine that's so efficient, it can do 16.7 km/L according to tests. Available with either a six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE auto or SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, prices are tipped to start at P1.392 million for the manual and P1.452 million for the automatic version. There have been no hints, however, of a diesel version coming anytime soon.

Following in its bigger brother's footsteps is the all-new Mazda 3. Wider, longer, and lighter than its predecessor, the subcompact will likewise be injected with Mazda's SKYACTIV technology. It's expected to be offered with a four-cylinder 1.6L or a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine and come in both six-speed SKYACTIV manual and automatic versions. And even before the big reveal this weekend, we've been getting reports of people spotting the all-new model in local Mazda dealers as early as last week, carrying a price tag of P999,000 for the base model and P1.290 million for the top of the line variant. We also got word that it will be made available in both sedan and hatchback versions.

Are you ready for the SKYACTIV revolution? You better be, because Mazda's out to take the country by storm with the all-new CX-5 and Mazda 3. And everyone who visits the Mazda Expo this weekend will get the chance to test drive both vehicles.

Mazda's CX-5 tipped to arrive in April; Prices start at P1,392,000

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 01:10:20 +0000

Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation

Just a week ago, Mazda Philippines divulged that three all-new models are headed our way in the second quarter of 2012. It was pretty obvious that the first two models are the all-new Mazda 3 and BT-50, but we were still in the dark about the third. After a bit of internet scouring, we were all stumped when a little bird told us that, barely eight months since its world debut in Frankfurt, the all-new CX-5 is ready to hit the local showrooms in April.

Sculpted with Mazda's new “KODO - Soul of Motion” design theme, the CX-5 pushes the design envelope of what a Japanese SUV should look like. And with the abundance of curved surfaces and prominent fenders, it's able to achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.33. According to initial specs, it should feature Bi-Xenon HID headlights with auto on/off and auto leveling, daytime running lights, fog lamps, and LED tail lights.

The new crossover SUV accommodates five passengers in absolute comfort and has the world's first 40/20/40 split independent rear seats. Luggage space is a generous 500 liters and can be expanded to a colossal 1,852 liters with the rear seats folded flat. And keeping up with the latest tech, the CX-5 boasts a 5.8-inch color touch screen infotainment system that includes audio, phone connectivity, and navigation systems with an HMI (Human Machine Interface) controller on the center console. Elements such as leather seats, dual-zone auto climate control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, engine start/stop button, and a six-speaker BOSE sound systemare to be included as standard equipment.

As the first Mazda to be fitted with the new SKYACTIV-G technology, the CX-5's four-cylinder 2.0L gasoline engine produces 153 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque and boasts a fuel efficiency of as much as 16.7 km/L. Only available in front-wheel-drive, transmission options include a six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE auto and a six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission. It's still a toss-up though if the local units will have an engine idle stop system.

Sources say that showroom prices will reach P1,392,000 for the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G manual and P1,452,000 for the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G auto. That makes it only P43,000 cheaper than the CX-7, which hints that the CX-5 will indeed be its timely replacement. Just don't be too hopeful that its advanced safety features such as Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Rear Vehicle Monitoring System (RVM), and Land Departure Warning will be included in the price tag. When it finally arrives in April, the CX-5 will be offered in seven colors: Crystal White Pearl Mica, Liquid Silver Metallic, Metropolitan Gray Mica, Black Mica, Sky Blue Mica, Stormy Blue Mica, and Zeal Red Mica.

Mazda gives a sneak peak of the CX-5 before its world debut

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:13:49 +0000

Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation

In just a month's time, yet another crossover will crawl upon this world when Mazda finally takes all covers off their new CX-5 at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will be the first in Mazda's lineage to benefit from the groundbreaking Skyactiv® Technology, taking this compact SUV lightyears into the future. And speaking of what's to come from Mazda, the CX-5 takes on the company's new design theme called “Kodo - Soul of Motion,” which will shape the next line of the brand’s models. Whatever this new design philosophy means, all we know is that we like what we’re seeing.

Baked with a load-full of Skyactiv® Technology, it combines a special set of ingredients that makes it the most advanced crossover ever to roll off Mazda’s production line. First on the list is a pair of new-generation Skyactiv® gasoline and diesel engines that defies the norm by running on a compression ratio of 14:1. Exceptionally high for a petrol powerplant and relatively low for a diesel, the surprising results speak for themselves, boasting a 15% increase in fuel efficiency and torque for gasolines, and 20% efficiency improvement (plus EURO6 compliance) for diesels.

Next to find its way into the new CX-5 is Skyactiv's® cutting-edge manual and automatic transmissions. Combining the strengths of conventional AT, CVT, and dual clutch transmissions, the Skyactiv® Drive promises 4 to 7% in fuel savings and smooth instantaneous shifts. In contrast, its manual counterpart takes on a more back-to-basics approach, reducing the component's size and weight and giving it a sports car's feel.

Finally, the Skyactiv® body and chassis improves on the current technology by reducing vehicle weight, improving collision safety, and combining two contradicting characteristics - comfort and performance.

Arriving in European showrooms with a Skyactiv® 2.0L gasoline and 2.2L diesel, Mazda has yet to announce if their new baby crossover will make it to the Philippines. But judging from its banzai looks and overflowing tech, the CX-5 is sure to take the world by storm.