First drive in the Mazda CX-5: The gentle glider
In Switzerland alone, one in four Mazda vehicles is a CX-5, which is why the launch of the latest generation of the compact SUV is so important for the Japanese brand.
Mazda is one of the few brands that has managed to position itself new and higher in the market with its new models. For example, with the two large SUVs CX-60 and CX-80, which are based on the same platform, are appealing with their high-quality workmanship and elegant Mazda design, but fulfill very different needs. However, the 74 Mazda dealers across Switzerland not only have customers in the showroom who are looking for an upgrade, but also those who are completely satisfied with their current car and the price-performance ratio.
Significantly larger now
The best example of this is the Mazda CX-5. Every fourth Mazda sold in Switzerland between 2012 and 2025 was a compact crossover. With a total of 24,364 units, the first two generations each sold magnificently; even today, 19,900 of them are still on Swiss roads. Now the completely new, third generation is arriving. The compact family companion is still immediately recognizable as a Mazda with the elegant Kodo design, but has been adapted to its larger brothers CX-60 and CX-80 with striking twin headlights and a more powerful grille design. At 4.74 meters, the crossover is now a full 11.5 centimeters longer, 1.5 centimeters wider and 3 centimeters higher. However, this does not detract from the successful proportions.
References to timber construction
On the sides, the color-contrasting wheel arches underline the robustness of the CX-5, which is available as an all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive model. The small bulges at the top of the wheel arches are a pretty detail - or let's say gimmick. They are reminiscent of the millennia-old art of wood construction in Japan and, just like this, create or demonstrate elegant and stable connections without nails. The spaciousness of the CX-5 is particularly impressive. The larger wheelbase is particularly noticeable in the rear, where the 40:20:40 folding rear seats offer an enormous amount of legroom and headroom. In addition, the luggage compartment has grown to a generous 583 liters (+61 liters). If the rear seats are folded down, there is now even 2019 liters of storage space (+381 liters); certainly enough for families, trips and various leisure activities.
Comfortable and top street location
On the first few test kilometers in the hilly hinterland of Barcelona, it quickly becomes clear that although the steering could be a little more direct, it suits the comfort-oriented handling well. The CX-5 is a gentle glider, but not a «wobbly» vehicle that bends at every bend. The crossover impresses with very good road holding, the modified dampers deliver top performance and skillfully iron out nasty bumps and annoying speed bumps. Among other things, the Japanese engineers benefit here from years of experience with the MX-5 roadster, which is hungry for corners. «Jinba Ittai» - the perfect unity and connection between horse and rider, or driver and vehicle - comes into its own, even if the horse could have a little more temperament and fire in this case.
Quiet power delivery
Whether with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, the CX-5 is available in four trim levels for the time being, but only with a single engine; a full hybrid is due to follow in 2027. The current 2.5-liter petrol engine delivers 141 hp/104 kW and 238 Nm. This is more than its predecessor in the lower and medium rev range, but there are hardly any power reserves. It is sufficient for everyday driving on Swiss roads, and the smooth six-speed automatic transmission also matches the unhurried power delivery of the four-cylinder engine. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, or 10.9 seconds in 4×4. If you want more torque, you can change gears using the steering wheel paddles. On the positive side, if you surrender to the serenity of the CX-5, you can drive even more efficiently in coasting mode thanks to automatic cylinder deactivation. The factory figures of 7.0 l/100 km (all-wheel drive: 7.5 l/100 km) are not exhilarating, but absolutely realistic.
The price of the brand-new Mazda CX-5, which is available from 37,800 Swiss francs, is absolutely fair, making the crossover even cheaper than its predecessor. In return, it also offers a lot in the beautifully finished interior: comfortable seats, good workmanship, a 10.25-inch instrument display and a large 12.9-inch touchscreen with fairly intuitive operation, even if we sometimes wished for additional buttons on the first test drive. On the other hand, the new steering wheel buttons are a good solution, as they don't pose any puzzles and enable quick menu changes if you don't want to use the voice control.
