Auto review By Veeno Dewan
For 2023 the very popular Mazda CX-5 CUV will be replaced by the new Mazda CX-50, although will be sold together for now.
The new CX-50 is longer, lower, and wider than the CX-5. with a design departure notable in appearance, the sleek, fastback design is enhanced by an aggressive broad-shouldered look complete with chunky black fender cladding, big fender flares, and an urgent square front-end. The CX-50 looks more aggressive, with its wide grille and chunky presence. The side pillars are also thicker pillars and especially strengthened to hold roof-top tents.
The CX-50 is aimed at the outdoorsy set and will handle mild trails, but don’t expect big chunky tires, factory lifted suspension, and under body skid plates, but the reinforced roof can handle heavy loads and people sleeping in a tent up there. AWD is standard issue on the CX-50 that it arrives with a choice of two engines. The base engine is a 2.5L I4 making 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 9.7 L/100 km City and 7.9 L/100 km on the highway.
The more powerful 2.5L turbocharged Four-cylinder unit makes 256 hp and 320 lb-ft. on 93-octane grade fuel and 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gasoline. Fuel economy figures for the Turbo unit are rated at 10.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.1 on the highway. The transmission is a six-speed auto unit with selectable drive modes and AWD as standard,
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 will be available in Canada in three trim levels. The base trim is the GS-L at $37,900 and includes as standard equipment across the range: panoramic sunroof, heated seats and steering wheel, dual zone climate zones, 10.25″ touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Every CX-50 comes with all-wheel drive, a drive mode selector with sport and off-road settings, roof rails, and a height-programmable power tailgate.
The mid-level $42,850 GT trim, adds leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 12-speaker stereo, built-in navigation, satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and a head-up display. On the safety front, there’s a surround-view monitoring system, traffic sign recognition, low-speed reverse automatic emergency braking, and front and rear parking sensors, along with a few other features. The GT version also adds: LED headlights and taillights, leather seating, and a 360-view camera.
The top range GT Turbo as tested is $45,350 and also adds features such as: paddle shifters, larger exhaust tips, a selectable tow-mode, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.
Safety is high with advanced safety and driver-assist items like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control are also standard.
The interior of the CX-50 offers space for five passengers in two rows of seats. Inside, is a tastefully upscale interior with a visually interesting mix of colors and materials throughout. Some great detail such as the raised stitching detail on the dash look super cool, along with the truck-like vertical HVAC vents. There are comfortable seats front and rear and excellent room in all quarters. Cargo space is increased with flat folding seats with 889 L of cargo room with the rear seats upright and 1,595 L with them folded. Standard roof rails, and a height-programmable power tailgate also add to the versatility..
The CX-50 rides very well on the highway with decent acceleration and smooth gear changes. There is also a sport mode which changes the transmission shift points for better response and enhances the G-vectoring control performance for sharper steering response and optimizes traction control when accelerating. The turbo engine has plenty of power and is the option to get if you can stretch to it – especially as it allows for more towing ability. The CX-50 has an off-road mode which holds the transmission in lower gears, optimizes the traction control for increased grip on loose surfaces, and gives the front and rear axles a nearly equal torque split. Off road mode is tailored for use in low or high-speed situations. Overall, the CX-50 is fun, relaxed, and easy to drive. Negatives are few, the infotainment system could be easier and less distracting to use, but that’s about it.
To sum up, Mazda have taken the correct step in providing an on-trend compact crossover with a rugged appeal and light trail duty ability. I predict this will be very successful vehicle for this sporty brand. Positives include attractive styling, driving dynamics, safety, and as standard features. Highly recommended and good value for money. More fun to drive, easier on the ryes than its competitors!
2023 Mazda CX-50. Priced from: $37,900 – $45.350.
Turbo model as tested – $45,350
More info at: www mazda.ca
