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23rd
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There's no denying it, the Mazda CX-5 is a great little crossover. From the way it drives to the way it looks on the outside, its appeal is apparent. As our long-term tester made the rounds in the office, we've had some good feedback in terms of driveability and fuel economy, but this time we wanted to take a look at the inside only.
So, here it is: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Good
Comfortable: Yup, this is one comfortable CUV. Up front, the driver's seat is both supportive and comfy. While we pointed out the fact that the passenger doesn't have the luxury of multiple seat settings in our first update, the driver does. That means, no matter what your size or driving style, the CX-5 will be a perfect fit.
Traversing bumpy country roads behind the wheel of the 2015 Mazda CX-5 proved not only that the suspension was quite good, but also that the seats are, as well.
Rear-seat space: With a large Britax child seat installed, the back of the Mazda CX-5 is still quite spacious. While I wouldn't recommend two adults sitting back there with my son, one will be just fine. And installation of the baby seat was a breeze thanks to the height of the vehicle (no need to bend over to click LATCH system in or to get my son into his seat).
Rear-seat armrest: I really appreciate cars that offer a fold-down armrest with cup holders in the bench seat in the back. That means my son has a place to put his drink, snacks, and toys. His car seat doesn't have a built-in cup holder, so having a car that has its own is mint. And the CX-5's is at just the right height for him and his seat. Perfect.
The Bad
Sticky stalk: Maybe it was just me, but I found myself getting so annoyed with the turn-signal stalk. It was so sticky and tough to click quickly. I couldn't just use one finger to push it up or down and hold it for a few seconds to do a Euro three-flash turn signal. I had to actually grip the stalk with my left hand and place it up or down -- same to disengage. Something like that will make people not want to use it, and we definitely don't need that!
The Ugly
Surviving Mommy-brain: I considered not bringing this up, but since the CX-5 faired so well, why the hell not? This is only “ugly” because it could have been so much more. Upon returning from a week-long trip, I drove the Mazda CX-5 home with all windows open, including the sunroof, but only tilted up, not entirely open (thankfully). That night it rained, and heavily. I left the sunroof tilted open.
Upon entering the car it was clear that something was a bit off. However, the car was by no means soaked. In fact, the rain had only dowsed the seats, and only on the sides. A bit of paper towel later and all the water was gone. I was impressed with the CX-5's ability to overcome my lack of smarts and keep the little CUV from drowning.
It's a shame cars don't come with sunroof sensors to remind you that one has been left open, just as they would a door or hatchback. Just a thought...
Continuing its winning streak
There's a really good reason we chose the Mazda CX-5 as our long-term vehicle: because we know how good it can be. And as we encroach on the 8,000km mark of distance travelled behind the wheel, we can't help but continue to find primarily only good things to say about it.
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So, here it is: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Good
Comfortable: Yup, this is one comfortable CUV. Up front, the driver's seat is both supportive and comfy. While we pointed out the fact that the passenger doesn't have the luxury of multiple seat settings in our first update, the driver does. That means, no matter what your size or driving style, the CX-5 will be a perfect fit.
Traversing bumpy country roads behind the wheel of the 2015 Mazda CX-5 proved not only that the suspension was quite good, but also that the seats are, as well.
Rear-seat space: With a large Britax child seat installed, the back of the Mazda CX-5 is still quite spacious. While I wouldn't recommend two adults sitting back there with my son, one will be just fine. And installation of the baby seat was a breeze thanks to the height of the vehicle (no need to bend over to click LATCH system in or to get my son into his seat).
Rear-seat armrest: I really appreciate cars that offer a fold-down armrest with cup holders in the bench seat in the back. That means my son has a place to put his drink, snacks, and toys. His car seat doesn't have a built-in cup holder, so having a car that has its own is mint. And the CX-5's is at just the right height for him and his seat. Perfect.
The Bad
Sticky stalk: Maybe it was just me, but I found myself getting so annoyed with the turn-signal stalk. It was so sticky and tough to click quickly. I couldn't just use one finger to push it up or down and hold it for a few seconds to do a Euro three-flash turn signal. I had to actually grip the stalk with my left hand and place it up or down -- same to disengage. Something like that will make people not want to use it, and we definitely don't need that!
The Ugly
Surviving Mommy-brain: I considered not bringing this up, but since the CX-5 faired so well, why the hell not? This is only “ugly” because it could have been so much more. Upon returning from a week-long trip, I drove the Mazda CX-5 home with all windows open, including the sunroof, but only tilted up, not entirely open (thankfully). That night it rained, and heavily. I left the sunroof tilted open.
Upon entering the car it was clear that something was a bit off. However, the car was by no means soaked. In fact, the rain had only dowsed the seats, and only on the sides. A bit of paper towel later and all the water was gone. I was impressed with the CX-5's ability to overcome my lack of smarts and keep the little CUV from drowning.
It's a shame cars don't come with sunroof sensors to remind you that one has been left open, just as they would a door or hatchback. Just a thought...
Continuing its winning streak
There's a really good reason we chose the Mazda CX-5 as our long-term vehicle: because we know how good it can be. And as we encroach on the 8,000km mark of distance travelled behind the wheel, we can't help but continue to find primarily only good things to say about it.