Second-Generation Mazda CX-5

Since 2012, the Mazda CX-5 changed the midsize crossover market forever with its groundbreaking performance and efficiency that makes it a clear win for customers worldwide. Through the years, Mazda couldn't manage to perfect the already perfect attributes of the CX-5 crossover especially when it gave numerous updates to see how propagating this crossover is but now, just before this crossover reaches its fifth year in 2017, Mazda finally done it and introduced the second-generation Mazda CX-5 at a crowd in Los Angeles and it's destined to hit stores in Japan this February.

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5 interior

The all-new Mazda CX-5, by the looks of it, looks pretty much the same as the outgoing model, as well as the choice of engines, but what's underneath it is worth of a change of heart for Mazda's strong-selling crossover. Although the design looks pretty much the same, it's now wider than the outgoing model, and the new Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint for this new model really adds some vivid look to the new model.

Step inside the new CX-5 and you are greeted by Mazda's now trademark interior look commonly seen in most models like the Axela, Demio, CX-3, and the Roadster. While the signature Mazda design interior is mainly driver focused, there are brand new stuff you can check on its inside such as the brand new Active Driving Display on the windscreen. Once more, the dashboard is all talk and no show, and while basically a five-seater, it's now slightly spacious than the outgoing model by about two liters. All the more reasons why someone would want to save some cash on the crossover with a driver focused interior and practicality fit enough for work and weekend nightlife with mates.

2017 Mazda CX-5

While this is new, the engine choices remained the same, meaning you still have a choice of either a 2.2L SKYACTIV-D, 2.0L SKYACTIV-G, and the more powerful 2.5L SKYACTIV-G with 184PS of power output, all mated to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic gearbox and that's it. No questions and further explanations asked, although fuel efficiency by JC08 Mode standards can be ranged from 14.6 to 18km/L, depending on the variant.

Now, what's new on the CX-5 is i-ACTIV AWD and G-VECTORING CONTROL, features that remained unknown to those who haven't taste it on the road. The i-ACTIV AWD system adapts control of the driving force distribution between the front and rear wheels while the new G-VECTORING CONTROL  varies engine torque in response to steering inputs, subtly controlling lateral and longitudinal acceleration forces, which works like a traction control but it modulates the throttle to optimise vertical control on each wheel. The updated Mazda models had that kind of stuff, well except for the Roadster per se, and this CX-5 really knows how to take it very easy and very seriously for the driver who understands its hidden potential.

2017 Mazda CX-5

To keep it civilized on the city streets, the new Mazda CX-5 is offered with Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety systems such as Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, Hi-Beam Control System, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring. With these features, you'll be sure that you're in safe hands unless you got some explaining to the insurers about how safe is your driving record. Worse, you could getting too much of those safe driving bonus checks from the insurers because of the car's safety tech armed on the new CX-5. How are you going to explain that?

Prices for the new CX-5 starts at 2,462,400 Japanese Yen for the 2.0L petrol variant while the 2.0L clean diesel variant starts at 2,775,600 Japanese Yen. Of course, while the clean diesel promises to be the fuel-efficient variant for this new model, recent woes over diesel engines would add worry to those who are willing to buy this because there could be the sudden case of cheating its fuel efficiency just like what any Volkswagen did in its time before it was uncovered to the public. Still, while the inevitable is imminent, let's take time to assume that the new CX-5 is an overall improvement to the last model, although the looks and the performance are stale if I'm honest. With all the tech and the G-Vectoring Control explored, there's one major reason why the CX-5 is a great crossover in this category and because...it's a Mazda and this is what makes you "be a driver."

Available colors: Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Premium Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Eternal Blue Mica, and Snowflake White Pearl Mica.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation