It’s been a while since we’ve heard
something exciting from Mazda. The brand of ‘zoom-zoom’ has been quiet, not
being able to launch a significant vehicle since the CX-7 several years ago.
But you know what they say: patience is a virtue. And over the weekend’s Mazda Revolution event, Mazda has
unveiled two promising all-new vehicles for the local market: the CX-5
crossover and the all-new Mazda3.
Why
are they Significant?
Aside from the fact that they’re the first
all-new Mazda vehicles in the country for quite some time, the CX-5 and 3 are
mainstream vehicles fighting in the two most competitive segments: the compact
crossover and compact car categories, respectively.
More than that, both the CX-5 and 3 are
replacing two of the best-selling vehicles in the local Mazda line-up. The CX-5
is replacing the CX-7 while the all-new Mazda3 is of course, replacing the
first-generation 3. Now you can understand the tremendous weight placed on the
shoulder of these two cars.
How
are the Looks?
Both the CX-5 and the Mazda3 are both
dynamically bold and look fast even when standing still. In terms of looks, the
all-new Mazda3 is an evolution of the first-generation 3 but with a more athletic
appearance. Upfront, the 3’s new face is clearly expressive with a large air
opening that makes the car look almost smiling. And then, you have the
swept-up, exaggerated headlamps and the bulging front “cycle fenders”. At the
back, the new Mazda3’s tush makes the car visually wider and much more solid
than before. And like before, the all-new Mazda3 is available in both 4-door
sedan and 5-door hatchback guise with two wheel configurations: 16’s or 17’s.
Meanwhile, the CX-5 represents a
significant jump for Mazda as it represents the company’s new styling
generation. Designed with KODO – Soul of
Motion, the CX-5 embodies a strong sense of vitality and agility. In the
front, it’s the first Mazda to feature ‘signature wings’—a line that runs
across the bottom of the grille extending to the headlamps. The prominent
fenders, a Mazda traditional design theme, have been reworked with highly
sculpted body lines. All in all, this is one compact crossover that’s managed
to look really driver-centric. Mazda has likened the CX-5’s stance to that of a
cheetah, primarily the way these cats have great agility and use their whole
body as a spring to accelerate rapidly and change direction instantly. Indeed,
the CX-5 looks like a cheetah readying for the killing pounce.
What’s
Under the Hood?
The common misconception is that the
all-new Mazda3 and CX-5 are platform mates. No, they’re two independent
vehicles with their own set of drivetrains. On the 3, Mazda aims to realize Toitsukan—a consistent and linear feel
to driving performance. In that regard, they didn’t want to mess a proven
formula too much. The Mazda3 is powered by a choice between two engines, both
of which should be familiar with current 3 owners: a 1.6-liter MZR 4-cylinder
engine with 103 horsepower and a 2.0-liter MZR 4-cylinder engine with 145
horsepower. Indeed, these engines are carryover from the previous-generation
Mazda3 but at least the 2.0-liter now benefits from a new 5-speed automatic
with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. A new Electro-Hydraulic Power
Assist Steering (EPHAS) together with all-around independent suspension assures
responsive and consistent linear feel to every driver input. What’s more,
engineers have also improved the riding comfort for passengers with new dampers
without sacrificing the nimbleness of the 3.
On the other hand, the CX-5 is Mazda’s new technological showpiece which is headlined by SKYACTIV which encompasses the engine, transmission, chassis, and body. On the engine front, the CX-5 is powered by a new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter direct-injection engine with 162 horsepower. The CX-5 isn’t short on ponies, yet it promises class-leading fuel economy (up to 11 km/L city, 16.8 km/L highway) thanks to diesel-engine like high-compression ratios (up to 14:1 when running premium fuel) and being solely a front-wheel drive model. This compact crossover is available in either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic options, with the latter promising to combine the characteristics of a traditional automatic with the responsiveness of a dual-clutch system. Even the chassis and body is made of highly-rigid super high-tensile steel allowing for excellent driving dynamics with less weight improving agility and fuel economy.
Has it Got Creature Features?
Both the Mazda3 and CX-5 are imported as
Completely Built-Up (CBU) units from Japan, and a premium priced
compared to before. Don’t fret. Mazda has thrown in almost every conceivable
option as standard equipment making sure these two cars are luxurious as they
are sporty. The Mazda3 1.6 V sedan comes standard with 205/55 R-16 alloys and
tires, audio switches on the steering wheel, a six-speaker system, cruise
control, and the usual full list of safety features. Upping to the 1.6 V
hatchback adds 205/50 R-17 alloys and tires, and rain-sensing wipers. At the
top of the food chain is the 2.0 R sedan and it nets you HID headlamps,
automatic climate control, stainless steel scuff plates, sun roof, leather
upholstery and Smart Key keyless engine start/stop.
Positioned as a premium compact crossover,
the CX-5 comes with a full compliment of airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist DSC,
and traction control. Plus, it’s even got leather upholstery, automatic climate
control, a push button engine start/stop, a full-featured audio system with a
USB input and a touch screen interface. Adding to its cargo convenience, it’s
even got a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. Plus, it’s also the first Mazda
to have Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with voice command. It even rolls on
225/65 R-17 tires as standard.
What’s
the Entrance Fee?
Both the all-new Mazda3 and CX-5 are now
available at all nine Mazda dealerships nationwide. There are six colors (Black
Mica, Crystal White Pearl, Aluminum Metallic, Graphite Gray, Velocity Red, and
Sky Blue) and three variants available for the Mazda3: 1.6V sedan P 999,000;
1.6V hatchback P 1,099,000; and 2.0R sedan P 1,299,000. Meanwhile, the CX-5 is
available in five shades (Black Mica, Crystal White Pearl, Aluminum Metallic,
Velocity Red, and Sky Blue) and two variants: 2.0 FWDi M/T is P 1,392,000 and
the 2.0 FWDi A/T is P 1,452,000.
CX5 doesnt have leather seats
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