It is hideous to buy an family SUV and having to pay for brake upgrade unless you are a performance oriented SUV owner, which I think, most buyers are not. Still appreciated the suggestion on Hawk. There is a good forum, in case our readers is interested, unfortunately in English, which I think, judging from the reply so far, most reader should have no problems, it kind of bring a different perspective (Yes, they did talk about Hawk somewhere!!)
I had the opportunity to test drive the 2WD version of CX5. Overall, very positive experience.
1. Acceleration - what an improvement! The 2WD engine and drivetrain reacts to acceleration input totally different than 4WD. The acceleration hesitation of 4WD is totally gone! It is amazing how different this 2WD is.
2. Braking - surprising to say, the brakes are responsive and seems to be better than 4WD?! I will double check this again as I will test drive the 4WD on Friday for my second test drive. Maybe, my previous experience is an isolated case - which should not as braking system should be exactly the same, maybe the 19inch wheel effect - not too sure, dare not comment too much.
3. Overall feeling - I have to say I was skeptic at first. But during the entire test drive, if there is one word to describe it, that would be nimble and sharp. The 2WD feels lighter and responsive. The 17in wheel and the excellent suspension bring a feeling of ride quality that is in a class of its own. More than one time, I try to step up the petal to pull strong acceleration, the car really delivers. Cabin noise was excellent - well insulated. HiFi is the same, while OK for low and mid frequency, the high is not there and Fujihara san is right, add the treble speaker on the center should suffice. The only disappoint is the i-start. Oh Yes, the i-start. The 2WD petrol version when i-start re-engage, demonstrate severe vibration and is totally different than the smooth operation in the diesel. (Petrol engine and Diesel engine difference?? Perhaps) It was very obvious to notice the jerk and vibration. Not a big deal but just noticeable.
I think I shot myself on the foot now, given I have ordered the diesel but I am thinking twice now. For someone like me who really don't care about sunroof, the 2WD is a stealer! It handles well, sufficient power, quiet and feels very nimble (cheaper tire to buy in future!) Mazda has put in all the good stuff in this entry level - AFS HID, keyless entry etc. Unless you really need 4WD - which in my very honest opinion, you really cannot feel it in normal driving. Perhaps on hill climbing, it will make you more sure-footed but question is, do you really need it - it is not full time and therefore its existence is questionable, in my humble opinion.
Mazda has done a wonderful job at offering this seemingly and yet very well equipped entry level CX5 that I think will appeal to a lot of people. Like I said, when I test drive the diesel, I feel power and torque but I am not that convince of NHV (Noise and Vibration and quietness) but on the 2WD, the magical moment of quality is coming back! As to make myself fully convinced, I opted to test drive the diesel again in this coming Friday.
As a last suggestion to Mazda (of course we all now no one in Mazda Taiwan will give a damn about this! Ha Ha)
Upgrade CX5 2WD to include sunroof - increase the price from 1.06M to 1.09M Deleted the CX5 4WD Petrol version - that will make people like dearest Fujihara san more relieved - keep this version as a boutique product. Continue the CX5 2.2D 4WD as it is. Add CX5 2.2D 2WD and price it between the 4WD and the petrol 2WD.
May my dreams come true! Never had I been driving a SUV that the subject actually seems to perform better than its stated specification. (2WD Petrol version) Never had I been driving a SUV where the subject fall short of its stated specification (4WD Diesel version) Is this truly a transmission issue? 2WD vs 4WD Who knows?
seriously, I think CX-5 is a great car. I am quite curious about its mileage on the highway though, since I haven’t seen anyone tested that yet.
However, seeing so many detailed, thorough user test feedback, the test drive event seems pretty successful. I bet this will raise the standard for test drivers later on.
Looks 2wd while driving on the handling, the power output of the reaction seems to have a good performance, although with relatively little spring, but for the love of CX-5 also because of the budget of friends, really is a pretty good choice
In fact, most people in the general driving environment, in fact, have few opportunities to actually use 4WD, mostly on roads or in general based, so 2WD is a more practical choice,The 4WD is mainly due to temporary conditions that happen to be able to successfully turnaround
Thank you for sharing , I do not think a car is perfect, but the formulation of marketing strategies, although I am more difficult to let go,But eventually look away because it had many favorite CX-5 with a friend, an ability to share experience and fun, This is Now compare fun thing.
When I look at a car, I seek balance and well composure. A car/SUV has to deliver that kind of balance to driver - Taiwan Mazda like to call it "Ma and Man in One" I kind of find it funny to say so.
Again, I will reserve my opinion till Friday. I was honored to be invited to the New Mazda 6 Official Release but before that, I have a chance to test drive the diesel again. You know, wise man made decision/comment based on more than one time testing. I will be glad to share my finding again. Not sure if I can send it out before the weekend because I have to be in USA/CANADA for a week of business travel - bummer, 15 hours in an aluminum tube! Not counting jet-lag