The Off-Road Capability of the Mazda Cx5

Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have enjoyed a big swell in popularity over the last decade or so. Early models were often seen as little more than oversized hatchbacks that lacked any real off road capabilities. But things have changed. Many SUVs are now loaded with much of the same technologies that were previously only available in big 4WDs, making this new breed of SUV a true ‘go anywhere’ vehicle.

Why an SUV?

SUVs now offer the best of both worlds. City driving combined with real off-road ability means we no longer have to choose between a big thirsty hard to park 4WD with noisy tyres, or a standard family car that will easily bog. These days, a modern SUV literally gives you all the good stuff from both worlds of motoring without any of the shortcomings previously mentioned. For many, there is a strong appeal to having a day-to-day car that is also ready to take the family on an adventure into the great outdoors. And it’s fair to say that appeal has grown even more over the last couple of years with such limited travel options, particularly here in Western Australia.

There are plenty of vehicles to choose from in this market, but we’re going to take a closer look at a recently updated Mazda CX-5 and see why it should be at the top of your SUV shopping list.

Features

Going off road no longer means having to put up with sitting in an austere driving environment with little more than the bare necessities. The CX-5 comes with all the creature comforts you would expect from a feature-rich modern car. It includes:

• MZD Connect, for full integration between the car and your mobile phone and its apps.
• Active Driving Display, which puts speed, traffic and navigation information on a head-up display for better access.
• Power Tailgate, for hands-free access to the boot space.
• 10 speaker Bose sound system.
• Ultra-comfy leather seats.

It also boasts an impressive range of safety features, including Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist and Smart City Brake Support. This advanced autonomous emergency braking function helps with night-time pedestrian protection, keeping those outside the car as safe as its occupants.

These features add up to create unrivalled safety and comfort, no matter what surface you’re driving on.

Let’s Go Off-Roading!

The Mazda CX-5’s off-road capability is the best in its class. Underneath all the lovely interior features lies a robust chassis and differential that is designed to handle all conditions.

The CX-5’s off-road party piece is probably its electronic rear differential and the intelligent software controlling it. The big test of a vehicle’s road capability is how it manages the power distribution to all four wheels. There are many situations in which the car needs to shunt the torque to one or two corners for maximum traction, but a standard road car generally isn’t equipped to do this.

Meanwhile, the CX-5’s i-ACTIV AWD system gathers data on surface conditions so that it can predict, in real-time, when a wheel is likely to experience tyre spin. In concert with the car’s traction control system and electronic rear differential, the CX-5 underbody is capable of handling all kinds of off-road conditions, allowing total driver control on even the most slippery surfaces.

The CX-5’s Little Brother

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the top midsize SUVs, but there is a smaller option available in the form of the Mazda CX-30. It is loaded with many of the same features, and the same underbody technology that makes the CX-5 formidable on rough terrain, only in a more compact package.

Engine

When off the beaten path, it’s not uncommon to find yourself in a situation that requires a bit of grunt to get out of. And with all the off road equipment that the CX-5 has, of course, it needs a powerful engine.

There are three engine options across the CX-5 AWD range. They include:

• 2.5L petrol engine with 140kW at 6,000rpm and 252Nm torque at 4,000rpm
• 2.5L turbo petrol engine with 170kW at 5,000 rpm and 420Nm torque at 2,000rpm
• 2.2L turbo diesel engine with 140kW at 4,500 rpm and 450Nm torque at 2,000rpm

These options offer plenty of versatility across all models of the CX-5, from the Maxx and Maxx Sport, right through to the Mazda CX- Akera. They all offer exceptional fuel economy along with excellent power figures, meaning there is a perfect option for every style of driving.

The Mazda CX-5 is truly at the top of its class when it comes to mid-sized SUVs. It outperforms its rivals in every respect, but particularly in its ability to hit the open road, and indeed, go off it. Get in touch with the experts at Mandurah Mazda and book a test drive to see for yourself.