The Centre-Line is the sweet spot
For the first time in nine years, there is a completely new Mazda CX-5. The SUV is off to a good start, as it is notably cheaper than its predecessor was at the end. Is that also the case in practice, or is it better to save up for a more expensive version?
Mazda CX-5 E-SkyActiv G 141 M Hybrid 6AT Prime-Line – €45,990
Before the arrival of the new CX-5, you paid at least €46,540 for a Mazda CX-5. Now it’s €45,990, and for that amount, Mazda immediately delivers a car with an automatic transmission. This makes the price difference between ‘old’ and ‘new’ even larger, as previously you would pay at least €49,640 for an automatic CX-5. The new CX-5 has less power and is initially always driven by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with mild hybrid support and 141 hp. A full hybrid will follow later, but it is not yet available. The base version is called Prime-Line and comes in simple white at no extra cost. There are also other identifying features for the cheapest version. For example, this is the only CX-5 without roof rails and privacy glass, and it sits on dark gray 17-inch wheels. That is significantly narrower than other versions, as from the second trim level (Centre-Line, €47,990), the wheel size jumps to 19 inches. Then you also get roof rails and dark side windows, but the taillights still only light up partially. The part on the tailgate only lights up if you go for the most expensive Homura at €51,990, which is a bit of a shame.
The Prime-Line is also the only CX-5 with fabric instead of (synthetic) leather, and the only one with a manually adjustable driver’s seat. Moreover, this is the only CX-5 without seat heating and the only one without a wireless phone charger and without wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 12.9-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive software—a novelty for Mazda—is standard, however, and with a cable, you can still bring Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to the screen. That’s not really necessary, as this Google system already includes Google Maps navigation by default, and a Spotify app can undoubtedly be installed as well.
And there’s more. For example, even this simplest CX-5 has rain and light sensors, a rearview camera, blind spot sensors, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, LED lighting all around, and 8 speakers. Certainly not inadequate, but not entirely complete either.
For the oh-so-nice panoramic sliding roof, you unfortunately have to save up for at least an Exclusive-Line with Mazda. That costs €51,490 with that roof, which is quite steep, especially since I would then also be paying for all sorts of luxury that I find far from necessary. So no sliding roof then. The Centre-Line, however, does seem to be worth its extra cost. This second trim level requires an additional investment of €2,000 and provides a more ‘finished’ appearance (mainly due to the wheels), a more finely finished interior, seat and steering wheel heating, an electric tailgate, and the wireless phone chargers and connections. Each one is very nice, making it the ‘sweet spot’ for those who want to keep it somewhat reasonable. There are no individual options, so all that remains is choosing a color. Unfortunately, blue is not available, and the CX-5 also has to do without Mazda’s typical champagne shades for now. So I’ll go for ‘Soul Red Crystal’. That is the most expensive option (€1,300) and a somewhat overly familiar Mazda color by now, but it does brighten up that CX-5 nicely. The result costs €49,290, and I would at most add an electrically foldable tow bar to that, although at €1,985, that is a pricey joke.