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Thread about our beloved Mazda CX5?
Might write that up when I'm free later
Might write that up when I'm free later
Alright, let's start the thread after postponing it for nearly three days.
Will try explain in both factual and opinion-based. Facts will be supported with links for reference. Also, if there are errors that needs to be corrected, feel free to mention it.
Will try explain in both factual and opinion-based. Facts will be supported with links for reference. Also, if there are errors that needs to be corrected, feel free to mention it.
This thread will solely cover our variant of the CX5, which is the 2.0 SkyActiv-G 2WD High Spec. Hence, accessories and features might differ to other CX5 owners out there.
To begin with, our family has always been the typical conservative Malaysian car owner, where we're only confident with only two brands, namely Honda and Toyota. We had a few experience with other brands out there but were never convinced enough to actually acquire one.
For reference, this is the model that we currently have. At that moment, we were kinda inclined to go for the CRV but suddenly the fresh and odd design to this CX5 kinda caught dad's attention.
*Credits to http://Paultan.org for the image*
*Credits to http://Paultan.org for the image*
Previously, Mazdas are cars with decent quality but somehow we couldn't really bear the MZR engine era *Back when Mazda shared some of their tech and hardware with Ford*. The MZR era cars still has the Japanese look to their interior and seemed to be a bit out of place *opinion*
So now we know, the pre-SkyActiv era was known as the MZR era for Mazdas (What most people in car community refers). Why Mazda??? Well, upon test-driving the prev generation CRV, the experience of being in it was somewhat lacklustre. Yes, it was spacious without a doubt though.
Then, we went on to go for the Captiva and Tucson, both were rather odd options. Considerably a road with no hope for resale value over the upcoming years of ownership. The Tucson was decent and the Captiva was act great tbh but still with conservative thoughts, we avoided both.
Having some interest with the MZR era Mazdas, we were given the insight by a fellow Mazda salesman about the then upcoming CX5 with its signature, SkyActiv technology. I'll further explain why the SkyActiv technology has been a breakthrough for recent Mazdas.
SkyActiv tech as an overall, will provide Mazda cars with better performance, maneuverability, eco-friendly and also safety. It's divided into few key components, being the engine, the transmission, chassis and body. We'll start with its powerplant, the SkyActiv-G (Petrol)
Our unit was the 2.0 unit, which means it is powered by the SkyActiv-G engine. The special features of this engine is that it runs on a high compression ratio of 13:1, where this engine will actually perform better with RON 97 instead of RON 95 but it's still usable nonetheless..
⊠also worth mentioning the SkyActiv-G is fairly lighter and endures less mechanical resistance as compared to the MZR era engines. Combine those two perks and you'll have a smoother and more efficient engine. Power generated is fairly decent w/ 150hp and 200Nm of torque.
Here comes the good stuff, the transmission, SkyActiv-Drive. It's a 6 speed automatic gearbox that replaces the rather dated 5 speed auto in prev vehicles. The tuning for this gearbox has been one of the best in mass market cars, it up/downshifts very smoothly w/o any jerking
You can really envision how good it is when you don't actually need to use shifters (doesn't act have one in the CX5) or the manual shifter mode (more engaging ofc if used). Even a YouTuber mentioned that the SkyActiv tranny is smart enough to know when to up/downshift perfectly.
This is a Genting run by Bobby with the Mazda 6. Yes, it's not a CX5 but I'm trying to point out how good the SkyActiv-Drive tranny is. Interesting run, you clearly won't expect an enormous D-segement (camry/accord size) car to be this fun to drive.
The chassis is named as the SkyActiv-Chassis with an improved suspension system over prev models. While the body is named as SkyActiv-Body, which is formed with high-tensile steel. The improvement on this is a lighter body, better rigidity and also greater safety.
Here comes the good part for you tech lovers out there. The CX5 then comes with a touch screen head unit complemented with navigation, reverse camera and dial-up functions. Even better, this model is paired with Bose's 9-speaker surround system, yep, NINE!!!
To creature comfort features. Electric powered seat for the driver, manual for the front passenger but both front have heating functions in case y'all ever feel it's too cold. Dual zone air conditioning (2012 folks, remember that!!!), perforated leather seats for better seating .
This may not mean much but I really love the rear seat's configurability of 40:20:40 split folding and not the usual 60:40. Why?
Because this set up allows you to fold the middle seat down and slide long items through until the center console. Can't do that with a 60:40 set up.
Because this set up allows you to fold the middle seat down and slide long items through until the center console. Can't do that with a 60:40 set up.
Audio connectivity, you can either use the USB port allocated in the center console together with an AUX port. Together with Bluetooth connectivity, it's a rather well-equipped SUV tbh. Reminding, might seem nothing for now but back then that was the good stuff 
One thing that kinda took a heavy hit to us is maintaining the 19 inch tires, we haven't had a car with tires bigger than 17 inch before that. Rubber was good tho, the Toyo Proxes R36 that was equipped for the CBU unit.
What's a good car w/o good safety features, right?
The CX5 2.0 came equipped Traction Ctrl, four-wheel ABS, EBD w/ Brake Assist and most importantly Tyre Pressure Monitor, where the car alerts you if there's something off with one of the tyres. Helped us once when we were in PD.
The CX5 2.0 came equipped Traction Ctrl, four-wheel ABS, EBD w/ Brake Assist and most importantly Tyre Pressure Monitor, where the car alerts you if there's something off with one of the tyres. Helped us once when we were in PD.
From the specifications I've mentioned, you can easily tell how good it is as compared to most of its competitors back in the day. Hence, that's why Dad booked it even before the car was actually launched. He's so convinced that it's the best option at that moment 
It's actually among the first batch of 2.0 CBU CX5 in Penang, hahaha. Immediately after receiving the keys, my dad had loved it from day one. It's still going strong today without any issues AT ALL and already clocking 100+k in mileage.
Maintenance after warranty was easy to, almost similar to owning a Toyota. Typical third party service center prices charged for the usual minor service. Not only fun to drive, also a fuss-free vehicle to own. Thanks to SkyActiv technology of course!!!
I've driven the CX5 too, recently, after getting permission to drive the bigger cars that we have at home. Despite it is act the biggest that we have, it act feels a lot more nimble than the Subaru XV that we have, more direct steering input. Also thanks to SkyActiv-Chassis.
So I guess this sums up the thread about our beloved CBU unit Mazda CX5 2.0 SkyActiv-G 2WD.
Links for info is included here: https://paultan.org/2012/05/16/mazda-cx-5-launched-2-0-skyactiv-g-rm155k-to-rm165k/
Links for info is included here: https://paultan.org/2012/05/16/mazda-cx-5-launched-2-0-skyactiv-g-rm155k-to-rm165k/
