IT'S not unusual to find yourself feeling lost when picking out a car that's right for you.
Everything feels like a blur when you have to consider budget, wants, needs and dealing with model names that sometimes sound like codes.
In the end, if you can't decide which to get, then the middle ground is the best compromise.
And this is one of the reasons why the CX-5 compact crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV), being an attractive all-rounder, is Mazda's best-selling model globally since its introduction in 2012.
MID-WAY MACHINE
Similar to the CX-30 and CX-8, the CX-5 is assembled locally at the Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.
The model has a length of 4,540mm, width of 1,840mm and height of 1,670mm with a wheelbase of 2,700mm.
Though not immediately obvious at initial glance, the CX-5 does get minor updates for 2024.
These come in the form of an updated new styling, technologies and features all aimed at improving the SUV's drive performance, comfort and safety across the five available variants: 2.0L 2WD Mid, 2.0L 2WD High, 2.5L 2WD High, 2.2D 2WD High and 2.5T AWD High.
All the two-litre variants come with the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine that delivers 162hp and 213Nm of maximum torque.
The single 2.5-litre model features a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 192hp and 258Nm of maximum torque.
The turbodiesel variant houses a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 188hp and 450Nm of torque.
The top spec 2.5T High AWD is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine that delivers 228hp and 420Nm of maximum torque.
Only the top 2.5T High variant comes with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. All variants are paired with a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior has a redesigned front that features three-dimensional elements and a redesigned lower bumper with a smaller centre intake.
The trademark signature wing that extends outwards from the grille has been restyled with surface forms rather than lines.
Its new front and rear LED Signature headlamps have also been redesigned with four oblong LED lamps (two on each side). Additionally, the 17-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels have also been updated with new styling.
The Body, suspension and seats are further evolved through the applied Skyactiv Vehicle Architecture technologies to provide a more natural and comfortable driving experience.
The characteristics of the springs and dampers have been improved for ride comfort and driving quality.
The seats have also been redesigned to reduce the occupants' body sway.
New features that come as standard across all variants include autofold outer rearview mirrors, Qi wireless charger, Wireless Apple Carplay that is accessible through an eight-inch infotainment display, and LED interior lighting.
Other enhancements will depend on the variant. The 2.0L Mid variant, for example, gets Mazda's advanced keyless entry.
CX-5 variants starting from the 2.0L High onwards now come with paddle shifters and new LED Signature headlamps.
The 2.5L variant and those above it also get front driver and passenger ventilation seats.
As the only AWD variant, the 2.5T variant has the Mi-Drive system that takes advantage of the drivetrain. The system offers three driving modes tailored for different driving conditions: Normal, Sport and Off-Road.
The exterior colour options are Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Machine Gray, Deep Crystal Blue, Soul Red Crystal and newly added Polymetal Gray and Platinum Quartz.
The 2.0L 2WD Mid, 2.0L 2WD High, 2.5L 2WD High, 2.2D 2WD High and 2.5T AWD High variants are priced at RM 144,469.20, RM161,469.20, RM174,960.40, RM180,322.80 and RM 188,760.40, respectively.
All registered Mazda vehicles except the BT-50 come with a five-year manufacturer warranty plus five years free maintenance according to the manufacturer's standards, including labour, parts and lubricants.
Both manufacturer's warranty and free maintenance have a coverage period of five years or a 100,000km mileage limit.
ALL THINGS BALANCED
If you've been shopping around for a Mazda or a SUV, then it's not unusual for the CX-5 to come up on your radar.
Owners swear by how they're in love with it and it is no exaggeration to say it fits nicely into almost anyone's checklist.
By Mazda's standards at least, that's what the all-rounder vehicle represents — better space than the CX-3 and CX-30 and not as big as the seven-seater CX-8.
Paired with the right engine, it is easily the more powerful model given its output-to-weight ratio.
The CX-5 performs decently in passenger comfort and performance but it is neither a sports machine or the ultimate family carrier if you're looking at more than five passengers.
For this writer, diesel is the way to go if you have the option. With the fuel subsidy still in place, owners will get the most out of a single refuel.
The one downside is finding Euro 5 fuel to ensure performance is maintained, although this is less of an issue now than from a few years back.
While testing the SUV, this writer registered a maximum range at around 800km with a consumption anywhere between 7.5 litres and nine litres per 100km. So, even with the fuel subsidies lifted, you won't be spending much time at the petrol station either.
Another advantage of the diesel variant is the performance power.
While it doesn't have as much horsepower as the two 2.5L models, it has the most torque out of the crowd. This leads to one of the better drive performances among the five variants.
VERDICT
As a model, the CX-5 has been a safe option, with everything working well, especially if you're familiar with the Mazda-Kodo philosophy.
It makes for the easiest choice when you can't decide which variant to pick
Nothing much has changed with the latest update and so it remains the perfect entry point if the CX-3 and CX-30 are small for your taste and the others too large for your needs.
If you are already an owner of previous CX-5 models, then you can rest easy knowing it remains just as appealing.
Similarly, going diesel is the optimal choice because of how well-balanced it performs compared to the other variants.
Whichever way you go, the CX-5 2.2L 2WD can do no wrong.
