Mazda CX-5 test drive since 2012 crossover

Mazda CX-5 and Georgia

Can you drink alcohol before you get behind the wheel? I ask the head of the road police department.
No, it’s impossible at all. Complete zero.
Generally? That is, not a gram?
Yes, in general ... well, you can only a glass of wine. Or two.
Wait. You just said that alcohol is prohibited.
Yes. Alcohol is prohibited. But this is wine!

Strange logic? In no case. After all, we are in Georgia, where we not only know how to eat ties, but also engage in more interesting things. For example, they do not steal budget money. And in Georgia, in early March, a test drive of the new Mazda CX-5 crossover was held. Frankly, the most interesting car of this brand for me since the appearance of Mazda3. But the desire to get acquainted with CX-5 arose not only because this is the first compact crossover of the company (frankly, Mazda blinked the growth of this market segment even conservative Volkswagen, and he used to be with his Tiguan). It is in the CX-5 that new technologies were first fully implemented, which were called Skyactiv.

We have already talked in detail about Skyactiv in the material Sky is the Limit. But if in a nutshell, then its meaning is as follows: the Japanese made everything easier and more compact, they re -created gearboxes and engines. Moreover, the motors have a fantastic degree of compression of the gasoline has 14: 1. For comparison, engines in all other companies rarely boast more than 10: 1 or 11: 1. I will not load you with technical terms now, I will say only one new engine with a volume of 2.0 liters received by 15% more torque in the low and medium-speed zone compared to the old 2.0-liter unit, and most importantly, about the same The most 15% decreased average fuel consumption. And these are not empty words. For example, on the roads of Georgia in our car, the consumption was less than 10 liters, and with a quiet ride, the on -board computer generally showed 7.7 liters! For test drives, where no one usually spares cars, this is a very good indicator, many competitors without a twinge of conscience spend 11-13 liters per hundred in the city.


All Mazda CX-5, without exception, are equipped with an i-Stop system, which turns off the engine when stopping. Surprisingly, I-Stop did not annoy! Firstly, the motor stopped working not immediately after stopping the car (and suddenly I immediately want to move), and secondly, the engine started very quickly (it takes only 0.35 s)

I remember that last year during the presentation of the Mazda CX-5 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, it was clearly said that the gasoline unit produces 165 hp. But under the hood of our car there were only 150 horses. What's the matter? Are the Japanese so afraid of Russian fuel? It turned out not. According to the official version, the engine capacity was artificially reduced due to our tax legislation. And now we are not talking about transport tax (here the difference is actually insignificant). Customs excise taxes were forced to reduce the power, which, in the presence of the car, have more than 150 hp, become too large. And if Mazda retained a capacity of 165 hp, then cars would have turned out almost 50,000 rubles more! But the CX-5 is one of the most expensive in the classroom. But about the unpleasant later. In addition, the torque (and it, in most cases, more important than power), there are the same 210 N ∙ m for front -wheel drive models and 208 for all -wheel drive. Not bad for the atmospheric engine, although modern turbocharged units can give out more (for example, a 1.4 -liter Volkswagen engine develops up to 250 N ∙ m).


At the moment, Mazda has managed to collect more than 5,000 orders for CX-5. A good result is for a beginner, especially if you recall that living cars only began to appear at dealers (for comparison, last year Nissan Qashqai was dispersed by a circulation of more than 35 thousand pieces, but do not forget for the Mazda CX-5 year only began). Most buyers of 60-70% choose a car with all-wheel drive (such CX-5 are sold only with a machine gun)

I liked the motor. For his volume, he is decently lucky (and this is despite the loss of 15 horses). But most of all, not a power unit was pleased, but a gearbox of a six-speed machine, recall, it was also developed from scratch (put on CX-5 and mechanics, but it is on the automatic transmission that will have a lion's share of sales). The transmission almost instantly reacts to the pressing of the gas pedal, jumps in time to low gears and allows the machine to accelerate quickly even when rising into the hill. Well, if you want to slowly flance on the boulevard, then the CX-5 is also suitable for the box in just a couple of minutes is adjusted to the mood of the driver and begins to work in economically mode, trying to switch the gears early. Yes, with such an automaton, the mechanic is not needed, especially if you recall that the automatic transmission here has an honest manual mode until the driver himself pulls, the speed will not switch. Positive impressions of the machine are confirmed by numbers: the acceleration time is 0-100 km/h for front-wheel drive machines the same, regardless of the gearbox (9.3 s each).

Do I want to have more power? Of course! Moreover, the chassis CX-5 can calmly cope with a herd of 200 and even more horsepower. For the chassis is configured in the best traditions of Mazda: CX-5 steam perfectly at high speed, there are practically no rolls, and the steering wheel gives enough feedback. Class! Comfort is also at an acceptable level, but on the bad roads that are enough in Georgia, the car is noticeably shaking. Moreover, the rear passengers suffer strongly when driving on broken asphalt. Although, the word is probably not entirely correct. They just get a little more than a driver than a driver. It is possible that such rigidity of the suspension is explained by the fact that 19-inch wheels are put on the most expensive CX-5 in the Sport configuration. And simpler machines with disks R17 should be more comfortable.


Many colleagues compared the Mazda CX-5 with a larger CX-7, especially in the most popular version with a 2.5-liter unit (163 hp). But they did this in vain according to our data, after a few months the release of the CX-7 will stop

There is enough space on the second row, because the Mazda CX-5 is larger than many competitors! She is more than models such as Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota Rav4, Kia Sportage, not to mention Nissan Qashqai. Yes, and by the size of the wheelbase CX-5, the leader in the class of 2700 mm. For comparison, the same Rafik has 2560 mm, and Tiguan has 2604 mm. But it is the wheelbase that is, first of all, for the space in the cabin. The trunk of 1560 liters is good (the main opponents have less). But there is a drawback of Mazda engineers could make the rear seats adjustable. And there are questions to sound insulation. Now the situation with her, of course, is much better than 5-10 years ago, but at speed, aerodynamic noises still break into the salon, is perfectly audible and how the sand with dirt is hit on the bottom (but the engine sound begins to put pressure on the ears only if the motor Spin to the red zone).


The seats in the Mazda CX-5 are located high, but at the same time the driver has a lot of place above his head

Well, sitting down on a driver's seat, you might think that you were in some ... BMW. Look, is it really that only the front panel design with a long monochrome screen resembles Bavarian cars? And then on the central tunnel there was a round puck of all kinds of settings (by the way, it is convenient to use it). As for the materials of the decoration and the quality of the assembly, everything is at the level: the plastic is soft and pleasant to the touch, all the elements are clearly adjusted to each other. The driver’s chair that has good lateral support and a wide range of adjustments was also pleased (cars were provided for the test in maximum configuration with leather chairs, the rear view camera and other pleasant trifles).


It is not clear why, but in the block of windows control on the driver's door, only one button is highlighted. But it does not seem that Mazda saved every penny when creating a model. Apparently, this drawback will be corrected during modernization

There is a Mazda CX-5 and a navigation system. But the situation with her is very interesting. Only in the configuration of Sport on cars they put standard navigation, and other options in the form of bixenon or security systems are already inaccessible. But on the other hand, the CX-5 in the most popular Touring configuration has the so-called preparation for navigation under the wheel, there is a special connector where you can insert a navigation unit (Tom-Tom system with television cards). The image in this case is displayed on a large touch screen in the center of the front panel (well, finally, it appeared!), And the cards themselves can be safely updated over the Internet through a home computer (4 GB memory card). True, such navigation will not show traffic jams, at least at the first stage, although technically there is nothing complicated in this, because the phone is connected to the system via Bluetooth. But the price of such navigation unpleasantly surprised. Mazda itself recommends selling it for 31,000 rubles, plus 2,000 rubles. Take for installation, but dealers ask for about 40,000 rubles! Frankly, there are a lot. Especially if you recall that this money is taken only for the navigation block itself, because you have already paid for a beautiful screen when buying a car (for comparison, the factory navigation system costs 23,000 rubles).


Finally, Mazda began to equip its cars with modern safety systems: the company system of stabilization, ABS and safety pillows compile a system of warning outside the lane, a system for monitoring dead zones, an automatic control system of high-beam headlights (all three are put for surcharge). But the emergency braking system is included in the basic equipment of all machines, with the exception of the basic configuration of Direct. Thanks to her, the accident at a speed of 4 to 15 km/h is completely excluded, and at a speed of up to 30 km/h the consequences of the accident are minimized.
Plus, Mazda has developed a system for absorption of a blow at small frontal clashes. In this case, the energy of the blow is diverted into three zones: the upper beam of the casing, a bumper with a deformable element and a transverse suspension beam with a deformable element. All these details are attached with bolts, and replacing them is not difficult (and damage to the front subframe and motor compartment are minimized or excluded)

The conclusion is Mazda CX-5 has almost the most clockwork character in the class. And at the same time, the CX-5 is not a stool of comfort at a sufficient level, especially if you take a car with 17-inch discs, and not with 19-inch rinks. I liked the automatic gearbox. It was not possible to check the capabilities of all -wheel drive in Georgia, so we will not talk about off -road characteristics of the car, but if you look at passport data, then the road clearance is a worthy of 210 mm (again, this is more than most competitors).


As for the gasoline engine with a volume of 2.0 liters, it must be praised, first of all, for efficiency. But 150 horses may not be enough for some customers, especially if you remember that the chassis settings are provoked by fast riding (for reference the same Volkswagen Tiguan can be equipped with a 170- and even 200-horsepower engine, and Ford Kuga has 200 liters .With.). But it seems that the situation will soon be corrected by a diesel engine, which Vadim Gagarin had already experienced. He, with a volume of 2.2 l, gives 175 hp. And, attention, 420 N ∙ m. And this will be a real Mazda!


Well, now about prices. Mazda CX-5 with mechanics and front-wheel drive costs 929,000 rubles in Russia. For the version of Direct with a simple air conditioner and steel disks (at the end of last year it was 911,000 rubles). Machines with a machine gun in good configuration Touring 1,120,000 rubles. Well, the all-wheel drive CX-5 will cost at least 1,210,000 rubles. It is on her that the main demand will have to. And it will be her that we will compare with competitors. The most expensive CX-5 with bixenon, a system control system, automatic adjustment of high beam, hatch, leather interior, rear view camera, 19-inch discs and others cost 1,419,000 rubles.


The main rival CX-5 will be Volkswagen Tiguan. The German crossover with all -wheel drive and automatic in a good configuration of Sport & Style costs 1,241,000 rubles, which is 31 thousand rubles. more expensive similarly to equipped CX-5. But there is one important nuance of such a Tiguan has a motor with a capacity of 170 hp. and a moment of 240 N ∙ m. Toyota RAV4 with 150 horses, all -wheel drive and variator can be bought for 1,104,000 rubles, but a decent Rafik complexion is 1,231,000 rubles. (21 thousand rubles more expensive than CX-5).

Another Japanese Nissan Qashqai crossover is noticeably cheaper than CX-5. Especially if you look at the basic configuration (from 730 thousand rubles). Although even cars with a 2.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive will cost 980,000 rubles. Well, the coolest Qashqai with navigation, skin and others cost 1,160,000 rubles. And here Mazda has nothing to cover, because the price of all-wheel drive CX-5 only starts from the mark of 1,210,000. Although, let's not forget that Qashqai is already familiar for us and you can even say boring, plus to this, it is noticeably less. And the CX-5 is a novelty.

Kia Sportage with front -wheel drive in a simple configuration can be bought for 869 900 rubles. (The motor here is also 2.0 liters, 150 hp). But all -wheel drive cars with automatic in good Luxe configuration are 1.1 million rubles. A car with xenon, skin, automatic parking player and navigation 1,279,900 rubles. (Mazda CX-5 for 1 210,000 rubles. None of this).
 

Well, how is it in Georgia?
When I returned from Georgia, everyone was interested in one question, and it did not touch the CX-5. People worry about how in Georgia they are now related to the Russians, because the war between the two states was recently. And it turned out that the Georgians do not show any aggressiveness in relation to the Russians, at least we did not feel this on ourselves (although, it is immediately worth saying if your passport has notes about visiting Abkhazia or South Ossetia, then you will not be allowed to go to Georgia and you will not be allowed and Even ... can be imprisoned for up to four years).


Wine is the main business card of Georgia. If you were born in the USSR, then the names of such small villages as Mukuzani, Vasisubani, Kinmarauli or Khvanchkara, for you not just points on a geographical map. As you know, now our officials unexpectedly decided that these drinks are poor -quality to Russia to Russia. But the Georgians themselves say that the ban on export to Russia, which was the main market for wine, forced Georgian enterprises to seriously improve the quality of their products (now the wine is sent to many European countries). And we confirm this in Georgia really a lot of excellent wine with its special taste.

The fact is that the traditional way of production of wine in Georgia is somewhat different from the European one. In Georgia, the wine wort was stored in huge clay vessels, which were coated with honey from the inside. In addition, the wine itself was kept not in oak barrels, but insisted on the so -called Mesge, and sometimes on the crests of the grape clly. By the way, this explains the fact that Georgian wine is very good for health (of course, in small quantities). Indeed, thanks to the skin and bones of grapes, the content of antioxidant substances in such a drink is huge. Although, of course, not all Georgian wine is done according to such an old recipe. But even ordinary wines created according to classical European methods are very good

In Russia, central media usually write about Georgia either bad or nothing. However, in this country there are a lot of positive points, and we have something to learn from Saakashvili. It is worth starting at least with the fact that many in Georgia really support their president and his reforms. There is no point in listing all changes now, besides, the main thing in another Saakashvili managed to turn the consciousness of people. They began to trust the authorities and the police. The latter is now the hallmark of Georgia!

The reform began with the fact that Saakashvili fired 75 out of 85 thousand police officers, and the abbreviations affected all managers without exception. Moreover, the traffic inspectorate was completely dissolved, and for three months no one controlled the situation on the roads at all. They were planted in jail or simply killed under unknown circumstances all thieves in the law and other authorities (many fled to Russia, but lost the levers of influence). Formally, the fight against thieves was, of course, not entirely legal (for that they are thieves in law), but the result was available in Georgia to defeat organized crime.

And they did this not in number, but to reduce (and desire) now less than 30 thousand people work in the Georgian police. Which have a decent salary by local standards. For example, the head of the police department receives about $ 1,000 (with an average salary in the country at 350-400 dollars). I understand that Russian traffic cops will make such numbers laugh. But in Georgia, people are interested not only in the money of new police officers respect. They are not afraid, do not despise, namely respect. Currently, Georgian trust in police officers is 87%! More only in Iceland. For comparison, under the President Shevardnadze was 10%.

Of course, one salary could not win the problem of bribery on the road. The tightening of punishment for receiving a bribe helped greatly. For example, if a policeman accepts 50 dollars as a gift from the driver, then he can be planted for 10 years. No, not right, they are planted for 10 years! And still in Georgia, cars with provocateurs who are trying to bribe the ministers of the law are driving in Georgia. Moreover, the police are obliged to knock on their partners, who are constantly changing (and suddenly he is also a decoy duck), in case of concealment of an unseemly act of his colleague, they can also put a policeman. Threw those who offered a bribe behind bars, and the deadlines were quite serious.

Of course, we can say that the reform was inhuman (especially in relation to the dismissed people), but it worked! According to the inhabitants of Georgia themselves, now they feel much calmer than before. If you believe statistics, then since 2006 the number of especially serious crimes has decreased by 37%, the premium murders by 40%, and the armed robberies have become less by 78%. As for the theft of cars, they disappeared at all say that in the cold season, people, arriving at the shop for shopping, sometimes do not even turn off the engine and leave the doors open (supposedly the last car was stolen in Tbilisi three years ago). And they also began to steal less from the budget. By the way, the authorities allow residents to see what their money went to specifically. And on the website of the tax inspectorate, not some abstract road funds are indicated, but specifically: your taxes were spent on salaries to teachers of secondary school No. 1 of the city of Mtskheta. It seems to be a trifle, but for many taxpayers this has great psychological significance.

It turns out some paradise? Of course not. There are still a huge number of problems in Georgia. It is not for nothing that the opposition calls the current Georgia a police state: if about 5,000 people were sitting in prisons earlier, now about 25,000, and the police have almost unlimited powers. In addition, the opponents of Saakashvili say that the crimes in the police were left, they just went to a higher level. According to the opposition, now the police can capture the businessman who was not atonons, keep in prison for several months, and then release a huge fine after paying (though there is a nuance this fine does not go to the pocket of prosecutors or investigators, but to the budget). And, they say, all beautiful words about successful reforms and transparent police sections are only a screen.

And the economic situation leaves much to be desired even in Tbilisi full of collapsing buildings. And most provincial towns generally make an oppressive impression: there are constantly abandoned buildings without windows, even the old penny is considered a decent car, houses are heated with wood, people receive a minimum salary, and only natural economies save many.

P.S. By the way, Georgia has recently unilaterally canceled visas for Russian citizens. Now you can enter this country freely

Denis Smolyanov
Photo by Denis Smolyanov and Sergey Krestov
 

Source: Auto.mail.ru