SnidelyWhiplash
Member
- :
- 2016 Mazda CX-5
I've been driving a 2016 Grand Touring CX-5 AWD w/Tech Package for about a month now. In the last 4 years I've driven the following vehicles extensively: 2007 VW Eos; 20011 Audi A4; 2013 VW Tiguan & 2013 Dodge Journey (work vehicle). Here are my pro's & cons on the CX-5:
Pro//Con
-Love the exterior appearance// A few cheap pieces on the exterior (around spoiler)
-Headlights (tech pack) are the brightest I've ever had on a vehicle with clear cut-off point// The auto headlights turn on and off a bit more due to low light in daytime than other auto lights I've had.
- Interior styling is quite nice// The stalks and controls on the stalks (lights/wiper-washer) feel a bit cheap compared to the German brands. Also, the controls are not very intuitive for the wipers.
- The regular cruise control is rock solid & I love it. I dont even miss the adaptive because each click on the - button reduces speed by 1 mph.
- Handling is great for an suv-cuv// Its still an suv-cuv
- Transmission adapts and feel strong and the manual shifting option is quick and close to the audi & vw for the main 'floor' shifter. Ive driven a few CVT & I'll never buy or willingly drive a vehicle with a CVT again // It doesnt quite match the DSG & I'd love this vehicle with paddle shifters. Oh, and the sport mode holds a little too long, but then again I havent given it an opportunity to adapt.
- Engine is strong and adequate for even sporty driving & fun // This vehicle would really really shine with an extra 15 - 25 HP & LB Torque. The 2.0 A4 or Tiguan engine in this vehicle would be fantastic. Even with a turbo. (but still prefer the CX-5 to the Tiguan)
- I dont usually like a lot of electronics interfering and nagging me but I do like the blind-spot monitoring. If you get it - dont stop looking but it helps if you miss something or to let you know when you can safely get back in the lane after passing. // The rain sensing wipers really do a poor job of sensing when the windshield needs cleared or changing speeds.
- Nice flat floor when the seats are down and reasonably good space // Wish there was a way to flip down headrests so they didnt have to be removed to put the seats down
- I like the light colored headliner // it looks/feels kind of cheap and for me, looking out the rear quarter the light color makes me think there is a vehicle in my blind spot.
Update: The longer I use the auto-rain sensing wipers the more I dislike it and wish for a normal intermittent. Ive had much better rain sensing wipers on other cars. The voice recognition is much better than other vehicles systems Ive experienced. Rear camera picture is not great quality but the sensors have a much wider range of warning than other vehicles I've experienced.
Overall I really like the vehicle & the driving experience. And Ive never been a big fan of most Japanese cars (Ive had a 1999 Accord and a 1979 & 2002 Mazda 626 & 1984 RX-7) and I've had a few.
Pro//Con
-Love the exterior appearance// A few cheap pieces on the exterior (around spoiler)
-Headlights (tech pack) are the brightest I've ever had on a vehicle with clear cut-off point// The auto headlights turn on and off a bit more due to low light in daytime than other auto lights I've had.
- Interior styling is quite nice// The stalks and controls on the stalks (lights/wiper-washer) feel a bit cheap compared to the German brands. Also, the controls are not very intuitive for the wipers.
- The regular cruise control is rock solid & I love it. I dont even miss the adaptive because each click on the - button reduces speed by 1 mph.
- Handling is great for an suv-cuv// Its still an suv-cuv
- Transmission adapts and feel strong and the manual shifting option is quick and close to the audi & vw for the main 'floor' shifter. Ive driven a few CVT & I'll never buy or willingly drive a vehicle with a CVT again // It doesnt quite match the DSG & I'd love this vehicle with paddle shifters. Oh, and the sport mode holds a little too long, but then again I havent given it an opportunity to adapt.
- Engine is strong and adequate for even sporty driving & fun // This vehicle would really really shine with an extra 15 - 25 HP & LB Torque. The 2.0 A4 or Tiguan engine in this vehicle would be fantastic. Even with a turbo. (but still prefer the CX-5 to the Tiguan)
- I dont usually like a lot of electronics interfering and nagging me but I do like the blind-spot monitoring. If you get it - dont stop looking but it helps if you miss something or to let you know when you can safely get back in the lane after passing. // The rain sensing wipers really do a poor job of sensing when the windshield needs cleared or changing speeds.
- Nice flat floor when the seats are down and reasonably good space // Wish there was a way to flip down headrests so they didnt have to be removed to put the seats down
- I like the light colored headliner // it looks/feels kind of cheap and for me, looking out the rear quarter the light color makes me think there is a vehicle in my blind spot.
Update: The longer I use the auto-rain sensing wipers the more I dislike it and wish for a normal intermittent. Ive had much better rain sensing wipers on other cars. The voice recognition is much better than other vehicles systems Ive experienced. Rear camera picture is not great quality but the sensors have a much wider range of warning than other vehicles I've experienced.
Overall I really like the vehicle & the driving experience. And Ive never been a big fan of most Japanese cars (Ive had a 1999 Accord and a 1979 & 2002 Mazda 626 & 1984 RX-7) and I've had a few.
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