Mazda recently introduced a new 2.5-litre turbo variant for the 2019 Mazda CX-5. On paper, it packs the most firepower of any C-segment SUV but we want to see if this is true in the real world. 

The Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD sold in Malaysia is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection 4-cylinder petrol engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The SkyActiv-G turbo engine pushes out 230 PS and 420 Nm of torque. Power is channelled to all four wheels via the permanent all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

With this amount of output, the CX-5 Turbo is by far the most powerful car in the segment with a power-to-weight ratio of 130.8 PS/tonne. Accelerating from a standstill, it takes a blistering 7.8 seconds to hit 100 km/h. Remember, this is a family SUV.

In gear acceleration is strong with healthy low- to mid-range torque. Power delivery was surprisingly linear, almost like a naturally aspirated engine. The automatic transmission is not as snappy as a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) but the gear change is smooth.

Braking performance is a common weak point in all modern Mazda vehicles and the CX-5 is no exception. Braking from 100 km/h to 0 km/h takes 40.1 metres which is the segment average but only just.

Mazda CX-5s are widely known to have highly accomplished handling prowess and the AWD system in this 2.5 Turbo makes it even sharper and planted on the road. Nothing else in the segment handles as well as the CX-5 2.5 Turbo.

The ride is on the firm side due to the stiff suspension set up and large 19-inch alloys wrapped in 225/55 R19 profile Toyo Proxes R36 tyres. It’s not crashy by along stretch but you will notice more undulation being transmitted into the cabin.

NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) have improved significantly compared to the previous generation CX-5. The use of generous sound insulation materials, thick door panels and double-glazed window glass on all four windows give it a very well-insulated cabin. Although the Proton X70 is still the quietest car in the segment that we’ve tested on WapCar.

2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Ratings:

2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Driving Performance and Comfort

2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Full Review