REVIEW: Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo in Malaysia – RM178k

Mazda Malaysia has finally introduced the much anticipated CX-5 Turbo as part of a model refresher for the year, and all five variants of the C-segment SUV are locally assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah. What’s new, you ask?

Well, the CX-5 Turbo is powered by a 2.5 litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, making 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 Nm at 2,000 rpm. It’s paired with a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission with i-Activ all-wheel drive system as standard, but oddly doesn’t come with paddle shifters. This range-topping model replaces the 2.2D AWD unit that was previously offered.

Now, for equipment, all variants get automatic LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED fog lamps, but the top two models get Adaptive LED Headlights. Not much has changed in the cabin, but there’s an updated instrument cluster with a seven-inch digital display, revised climate control layout, and 360-degree around view camera. Still no Bose sound system here, unfortunately.

Safety is pretty standard across the board, with six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Emergency Brake Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Launch Assist and Isofix child seat anchors. There’s also Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart City Brake Support Forward from the 2.0 GLS onwards, though the 2.5 GLS 2WD gains Driver Attention Alert and Smart City Brake Support Reverse, which is Mazda speak for autonomous emergency braking.

GALLERY: 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo GLS AWD in Soul Red Crystal

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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • Semi-Value (Member) on Oct 22, 2019 at 10:04 am

    in before x70 fanboys come in and say the 1.8 TGDI engine is more powar

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 3
    • Kumpul on Oct 22, 2019 at 10:23 pm

      2.5 Turbo very Easily smoke Accord 1.5 Turbo and CRV 1.5 Turbo too.

      If between SAME Honda 1.5 Turbo, pick up first will be 1) Civic, 2) Accord and 3) CRV, as body weight also a measurement of the pick up..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
  • Together on Oct 22, 2019 at 10:38 am

    2.5 Turbo can very easily smoke out Civic 1.5 Turbo..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 13
    • Tried both CX5 2.5 T and CRV 1.5 T… the X70 1.8 T smoked both surprisingly..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 27
      • fake news on Oct 22, 2019 at 2:22 pm

        The official 0-100km/h figures suggest x70 is the slowest here.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 2
        • That in gear acceleration more rapid in X70 mated to the Aisin Seiki gb.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
        • Honda Fan on Oct 22, 2019 at 9:30 pm

          Driven the X70 1.8T, it performs about the same as CX-5 2.0NA only.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
        • Semi-Value (Member) on Oct 23, 2019 at 12:11 pm

          x70 transmission is stupidly laggy also.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3
    • Halim Sardon on Oct 22, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      Super cheap car all over the world, in Malaysia it is RM180k. Few years ago, you could even buy a BMW 5 series for this price.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 6
    • Halim Sardon on Oct 22, 2019 at 12:32 pm

      Already CX5 sales for the 2.5 is like ZERO. Everybody going for the 2.0. Now with this price, who will really buy this overpriced junk?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 8
  • Does it come with oil catch can?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Matt you sound extremely nervous presenting this vehicle. Relax and enjoy your work.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
 

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