The fourth and latest iteration to the Mazda CX-5, the 2016 edition offers only minor but meaningful modifications from its previous model.
Except for some outward alterations, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 still maintained the uncluttered exterior styling that the brand has been known to exude when its first generation was introduced in the market in 2012 as a 2013 model.
Among these exterior modifications include the new grille and horizontal strips as well as the addition of the rear LED light signatures to mirror those of the optional headlights out in the front, notes Car and Driver.
Mazda has maintained its groundbreaking Skyactive engine and chassis technologies ensuring that the 2016 CX-5 remains an agile crossover utility vehicle just like its predecessor variants.
The Car Connection sees the 2016 Mazda CX-5 as a pleasingly versatile crossover that has the sufficient power under the hood to enable it to stand toe-to-toe in its highly competitive segment of the market that has the refreshed Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, the Ford Escape, the Nissan Rogue, and the Subaru Forester in it.
Interior refinements
Much of the modifications on the 2016 Mazda CX-5 are made on its interiors, making its cabin comparable to those of very expensive crossovers and SUVs from luxury carmakers. Mazda, after all, is regarded in the motoring industry, as the BMW among mid-range car manufacturers of the world.
Featuring an expressive design highlighted by big wheel arches and rising window line, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 has struck a good balance between its sports sedans and the real world dimensions of a crossover utility vehicle.
It also features bolstered front seats that cannot be found in any other vehicle in its class. There is also enough seating space in the back and Mazda has added cushion length to the back seats for the better comfort of passengers.
Overall, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 offers a quiet and luxuriously refined interior, amplified by some noise-reduction work, some nicer trim and materials, including a new Parchment leather option, and additional storage bins.
For its console, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 sports the latest infotainment and connectivity system featuring a center-console-mounted control knob normally found only in German luxury cars.
The good news is that the infotainment system is so easy to use and will not require the driver to figure it out for quite some time before getting the hang of it. The system is also able to quickly respond to inputs too, making it a joy to use.
A difference-maker
Since being launched in 2013, the Mazda CX-5 has able to stand on its own in the highly competitive crossover market. All iterations from the original model bring forth new features and remedies to the flaws and shortcomings of its predecessors. The same holds true for the 2016 Mazda CX-5.
While the 2016 Mazda CX-5 came with some new features and enhancements both in its exterior and interiors, it has nonetheless maintained the balance of utility, the efficiency, and the pleasant driving experience that the brand has been known for since it broke ground in the motoring retail markets in 2012.
This year’s model came only with a few enhancements and features because the Japanese car manufacturer, based in Hiroshima, believes that it will not fix something that are not broke or broken.
So with the addition of new LED headlight, taillight, and fog lamps on its high-end variants, and a revised five-bar shield grille, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 exudes the same stylish design and poise as its predecessors.
Although it’s not as monstrous or as roomy as the SUVs of today, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 may still get the preference of buyers on the lookout for smaller SUVs or CUVs.