Since its production began a few years ago, the Mazda CX-5 has been one of the most popular cars among consumers. The popularity of this small SUV has been primarily due to its stylish exterior and functional features, which make it suitable for daily transportation and longer drives. Besides, it offers a spacious interior cabin. All of this is available at average price points, which are quite competitive in their class.

1. Exterior
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact vehicle with a modern and elegant design that resembles a high-end car. Well-sculpted lines on the hood and a bold front grille enhance its sleek design, giving the car a sense of soft aggressiveness. Not only that, but the addition of chrome accents elevates the car’s aesthetic appeal. Besides, LED daytime running lights and angular headlights make the car look quite classy. The car incorporates all these design aspects not only from an aesthetic perspective but also from a functional one. This is evident in the slanting bonnet design, which allows all occupants to have good visibility of the road in front of them. Furthermore, this helps the driver have a better command of driving the vehicle against oncoming traffic.

Aside from this, there are neatly positioned side skirts to protect the car’s body along the wheelbase while driving through tougher terrain. Plus, the alloy wheels add to the distinct and elegant design of the car. Overall, the Mazda CX-5 is stylish and a breeze to drive within city limits or on the highway.

2. Under the hood
Across all the Mazda CX-5 variants, the standard engine is a 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine. An option for a more potent turbocharged engine is also available. Both are powerful enough to offer an impressive throttle response. As a result, the driving experience feels quite pleasant, particularly when driving within the city and in stop-and-go situations. Plus, the diesel versions have ample torque to make the car capable of climbing on hilly roads.

Besides this, the Mazda CX-5 features electrically assisted steering. This enables precise handling, which feels agile and responsive across different terrains. Additionally, the brake pedal design aims for increased efficiency to provide a suitable level of control. This means a driver does not experience any observable delayed or sensitive response whenever the brakes are applied.

This compact SUV has good ground clearance, so no bumps or dips in the road have any significant impact on the driving experience. The Mazda CX-5 is equipped with a rigid suspension system that is easily capable of cushioning the occupants from any jerky movements.

3. Fuel efficiency
The fuel economy stands out as the most important feature of the Mazda CX-5. Both engines offer fairly good mileage, which enables the CX5 to take on longer drives with only a few stops at the gas station. This means less stress about refueling and saving enough on fuel costs. The standard 2.5-liter engine can deliver a fuel efficiency of 12 km per liter on city roads. The more powerful turbocharged engine has an average fuel efficiency of around 10 km per liter on city roads and about 14 km per liter on highways.

4. Interior
In all the Mazda CX-5 variants, the interior sports meticulous design. For example, the accelerator pedal features a floor-hinged design, a departure from the traditional design that hovers just above the floor. Additionally, the steering wheel aligns perfectly with the driver’s line of sight, eliminating any slight angle offset. Additionally, the cabin’s construction effectively shields all occupants from external noises, such as the engine and traffic.

Besides, top-of-the-line materials have been used for components and seats in the cabin. This lends a touch of luxury to the cabin. Additionally, the seat design ensures maximum comfort. For instance, the armrests on the front seats provide proper ergonomic support. Plus, there is sufficient legroom and headroom for all occupants.

5. Cabin storage and boot space
The Mazda CX-5 is quite generous with space within the cabin; several storage compartments are located all over to enhance the occupants’ traveling experience. There is storage space to hold everything from beverages to paperwork, key fobs, and other things. The first row has the standard glove box compartment, door panel storage, a center console, and two cup holders. For passengers seated in the second row, there is access to jacket pockets, door pockets, and two cup holders on the seats’ armrests.

In addition, there is significant boot space that can easily carry several small to medium-sized pieces of luggage. The rear seat can be retracted to make more space for additional luggage or bigger boxes.

6. Price
The current price of the latest Mazda CX-5, i.e., in 2024, is around KSh 4.4 million. The price may vary depending on the variant, dealership, and location. This means that in some areas, the Mazda CX-5 may be available at a lower retail price than in other areas nearby. Aside from that, older models and pre-owned Mazda CX5s will be available at much lower prices. It is recommended that one go to the nearest local dealership and enquire to learn about the latest prices and deals on the Mazda CX-5 .