Introduction:
SUVs have long been favored for their spaciousness and versatility, especially in urban settings. However, the recently launched Mazda CX-50 provides a unique perspective. It not only embodies the style and comfort expected of city SUVs but also exudes a touch of rugged individuality, reminiscent of off-road vehicles. Let’s delve into the strengths of this new vehicle and see if it ignites your desire for adventure.
Exterior: A Bold Statement
The Mazda CX-50 continues the brand’s signature “Kodo” design philosophy, known for its dynamic and sculptural lines. However, compared to other Mazda models, the CX-50 presents a more robust and assertive exterior. The family-familiar shield-shaped grille is elegantly blackened, seamlessly connecting to the sleek headlights. The lower fascia and side vents feature sharp and angular designs, providing a commanding presence on the road.
The side profile follows the typical SUV’s streamlined silhouette, ensuring ample headroom for occupants. The straight and flowing waistline bridges the raised wheel arches and smooth door panels seamlessly. The bold wheel arches and side skirts enhance the vehicle’s rugged appearance and protect the paintwork. The 19-inch alloy wheels with a dual-tone finish add a touch of sophistication and coordination to the overall design.
The rear design harmonizes with the front fascia. It maintains a minimalist layout with highly recognizable and sharp taillights. The wide air diffuser and single-exit exhaust on either side enhance the sporty appeal. The illuminated accents surrounding the rear lights create a sophisticated and distinctive look, surpassing traditional SUV aesthetics.
Interior: Elegance Meets Functionality
Inside, the Mazda CX-50 offers a refined and spacious cabin. The materials used exude quality, with a combination of soft-touch surfaces and piano black trim. The 7-inch TFT instrument cluster and the 10.25-inch center touchscreen provide an intuitive and organized layout.
The vehicle comes equipped with Mazda’s third-generation MZD Connect system, featuring 4G connectivity, navigation, smartphone integration, voice recognition, and remote control. It introduces an Android system and a multi-window interface, catering to the preferences of Chinese users. The system supports over-the-air updates, ensuring users enjoy the latest services and features effortlessly.
The interior design incorporates strong, straight-line elements, enhancing the dashboard’s depth. The semi-perforated air vents elevate the cabin’s ambiance, and the extensive use of soft materials ensures a comfortable touch. The air conditioning panel and center armrest retain physical buttons, offering practicality, reliability, and user-friendly operation. The center armrest houses a wireless smartphone charging pad, accompanied by two cup holders for added convenience.
Seating and Space: Comfort for All
The seats are wrapped in Cordovan dual-color leather, providing a premium feel. The winged sides offer ample support to occupants. The decorative “X” CROSS symmetrical stitching adds to the rugged charm, matching the exterior aesthetics. Both the driver and front passenger seats support multi-directional electric adjustments and heating. The driver’s seat also features memory settings for added convenience. The rear seats are spacious, with well-proportioned cushions and minimal floor hump, ensuring a comfortable ride for three passengers. The rear seats have a 4/6 split-folding feature, allowing for more extensive cargo space and versatile usage scenarios, including transforming into a makeshift bed for outdoor activities.
Dimensions and Practicality: Catering to Your Needs
The Mazda CX-50 measures 4785mm in length, 1920mm in width, and 1638mm in height, with a 2815mm wheelbase. While it falls under the compact SUV category, the CX-50 boasts increased dimensions compared to the CX-5, enhancing passenger comfort and cargo capacity. The rear seats’ 4/6 split-folding feature, combined with a flat load space, accommodates larger items and converts into a practical space for various purposes, such as outdoor adventures.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
The Mazda CX-50 offers two optimized SKYACTIV-G naturally aspirated engines. The 2.0L variant produces a maximum power of 114kW and a torque of 200N•m, while the 2.5L variant delivers 138kW of power and 250N•m of torque. Both engines feature intelligent cylinder deactivation technology, shutting down two outer cylinders during low-load conditions to enhance fuel efficiency. Both engine options come paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering a combined WLTC fuel consumption of 7.2-7.4L per 100km, with a recommended 92-octane fuel rating.
Notably, the Mazda CX-50 is developed on Mazda’s new-generation platform for combustion engine vehicles. This suggests future possibilities for more powerful and energy-efficient hybrid variants. The all-wheel-drive versions are yet to be produced in China, with an uncertain timeline for their introduction.
Safety and Assistance: A Comprehensive Approach
The CX-50 comes standard with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking, among other L2-level assistance functions. In terms of passive and active safety, all CX-50 variants feature seven airbags, ensuring a high level of protection for occupants. The vehicle’s 3D surround-view camera system offers a perspective mode, aiding drivers with a more intuitive understanding of the vehicle’s surroundings, enhancing convenience and safety.
Conclusion: A Unique SUV Experience
In conclusion, the Mazda CX-50 presents a robust and stylish urban SUV with a touch of adventure. Its blend of design, technology, and power sets it apart in the competitive compact SUV market. With increased dimensions, advanced features, and the promise of future hybrid variants, Mazda’s CX-50 aims to redefine the expectations of SUV enthusiasts in China.