Mazda CX-5 2.0 Carbon Edition (2023) Review

Jinbai Ittai – the relationship between horse and rider, essential to the art of Yabusame (Japanese mounted archery) is beautiful, which is why Mazda hails it as their design philosophy. This results in vehicles with a timeless and elegant design such as the CX-5. Even with release editions with silly names, the CX-5 remains a truly special vehicle.

Interior & Space

Carbon Copy

Despite having carbon in its naming convention, there is no carbon on or in this CX-5. Replacing the 2.0. Individual model, the Carbon strikes an intimidating pose amongst the gaggle of crossover SUVs for sale in SA. Keeping with Mazda’s design philosophy of “Jinbai Ittai” the CX-5 Carbon maintains engineering excellence and beautiful design but dials up the presence with some interesting tweaks.

The CX-5 has been around for almost a decade and the overall design has not changed much and has not really dated, a testament to the futuristic design of the time. Mazda dropped the mid-range 2.0 Individual and replaced it with a similar vehicle with its intimidation factor increased. We spent a week with the familiar favourite and remembered why this is such an amazing familiar family friend.

Styling 

This unique presence begins with a stand-alone paint colour called Poly Metal Grey which enhances the stunning body lines with all the chrome elements blacked out in a gloss black finish. Matt black silhouette lines around the wheel arches, door bottoms, and bumper flares front and rear finish off the look perfectly. To finalise the package, a set of 19″ black wheels fill the wheel arches.

The uncluttered and purposeful design draws the eye, there’s no faux fitment here. Some may say that the design is sterile and lacks imagination but that is what the Japanese automaker’s design philosophy entails, all the things you need and none that you don’t, with elements that draw a person into the drive.

With this Mazda continues to hit the nail on the head with its timeless design, only spicing it up for a new model year. With automakers trying to outdo each other with more and more outlandish exterior designs, the CX-5 Carbon is a rock in a stormy sea full of impressionist compositions.

Space & Interior 

The familiar exterior design extends into the interior, where you will find a driver-focused cockpit, draped in a leather-suede composition on the seats. The door cards, dashboard, and centre console are all a mixture of piano blacks, high-quality plastics, and fine-grain leather.

Mazda has the amazing ability to make all their cars no matter the size seem massive on the inside with clever use of space-saving, personal space is kept at a maximum with passengers maintaining swathes of real estate for arms and legs.

Comfort & Convenience 

One would be forgiven for thinking that the CX-5 was devoid of technology, as Mazda has purposefully forgone large TFT touchscreens and haptic switch gear in favour of a more traditional layout of knobs, switches, and tactile functionality. This is in line with the design philosophy of keeping extra “noise” which detracts from the driving experience, out of the cabin.

The Bose sound system is still driven by Mazda’s MZD infotainment that is controlled with the central dial and users will still have Bluetooth connectivity as well as tethered Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Occupants will benefit from the standard array of charging options and climate control to keep one chilled or heated as and when needed.

Performance 

The CX-5 Carbon is equipped with Mazda’s SkyActiv G 2.0 naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission that is stunningly quiet and shift seamlessly. The combo will deliver 121kW and 213Nm and will drive the Carbon from 0-100 in just over 10 seconds and will do so without drama.

The party trick here is the steering feedback from teh drive train, dynamic handling sends feedback through teh steering wheel, straight up your arms and into your brain making you feel as if you are one with the vehicle as you pilot around corners.

Fuel Economy 

Mazda claims a healthy 6.9l/100km of consumption but our combined cycle testing returned figures all over the place. Hovering just above 7.0l and rocketing to just under 10l depending on our loads, location and chosen driving style, the CX-5 is still cheaper to drive than some of its segment competitors.

Safety 

It’s safe to say that the CX-5 is very safe, scoring a maximum 5 stars on Euro NCAP with 95% adult occupancy, 80% child occupancy and 78% for pedestrians. Equipped with ABS, TSC, EBD, ISOFix, TPMS, 6 airbags and a host of driver assist features such as Lane Keeping Assist, Blinds Spot Monitoring and Fatigue detection, makes the CX-5 perfect for those seeking a proper safety rating.

Price 

Vehicle prices in this segment have ballooned but unlike so many of its segment competitors, the Mazda CX-5 is still very affordable versus comparatively equipped vehicles.

Top 3 Mazda CX-5 trims head to head: here’s our winner

Competitors 

As mentioned before, the D SUV segment is a busy one with close to 30 models competing for your cash. The segment stalwarts such as the Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 are the top contenders but it is the invasion from the Chinese automakers such as Chery Tiggo and Haval’s Jolion that one should keep an eye on.

Verdict 

We have loved the CX-5 since we first drove it almost 10 years ago and its timeless beauty has etched itself in our hearts, the CX-5 is one of those designs that will just last like a coke bottle Dodge Charger, ’67 Ford Mustang or Hilux. You simply cannot go wrong with a CX-5 much less the Carbon model, its simply sublime.

Keyword: Mazda CX-5 2.0 Carbon Edition (2023) Review