I just had the opportunity this morning at a Mazda test drive event at a local airport to test drive a CX-5 and a CRV.
The test drive was only a minute long for each one and due to torrential downpour, I really didn't get a chance to explore each vehicle. But we were instructed to try a skid pad, full throttle acceleration followed by hard braking and then a short slalom.
My impression compared to my 2013. Way more power, way quieter and a much better refined interior. I wasn't enamoured by the centre console. But it definitely feels more polished than the 2013.
The CRV is equivalent in fit and finish (both were 2017) and I'd say about the same noise wise. The CRV seemed like it had more elbow room but I wouldn't classify it as being more comfortable than the CX-5. Both are nice cars. I'd guess that the cargo room is slightly bigger in the CRV but couldn't look due to time constraints.
Driving wise, the CX5 wins hands down. It's a true drivers car. I had no hesitation putting into the hard corners and it had responsive and quick acceleration. The CRV felt like it was floating and it fishtailed in the skid pad and I could feel the front end sliding into the slalom. The suspension was definitely softer and set up for comfort more than performance. The Mazda didn't slip once and even body lean was noticeably less. Now I didn't get to see what kinds of tires were on either vehicle, but the Mazda with the new vectoring technology didn't slip or feel out of control once, the CRV didn't inspire as much confidence and I definitely drove it slower through the slalom portion.
I'd say with 2017 Mazda definitely achieved its motto of zoom zoom. I just wish I could convince my wife to upgrade as acceleration and interior noise are my two biggest pet peeves with my 2013. Mazda has definitely addressed those concerns.
Next step, visit a dealer to get a closer look!
I also got to do three laps with the MX-5 manual, soft-top. Impressive but I need a four seater at this point in my life!
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The test drive was only a minute long for each one and due to torrential downpour, I really didn't get a chance to explore each vehicle. But we were instructed to try a skid pad, full throttle acceleration followed by hard braking and then a short slalom.
My impression compared to my 2013. Way more power, way quieter and a much better refined interior. I wasn't enamoured by the centre console. But it definitely feels more polished than the 2013.
The CRV is equivalent in fit and finish (both were 2017) and I'd say about the same noise wise. The CRV seemed like it had more elbow room but I wouldn't classify it as being more comfortable than the CX-5. Both are nice cars. I'd guess that the cargo room is slightly bigger in the CRV but couldn't look due to time constraints.
Driving wise, the CX5 wins hands down. It's a true drivers car. I had no hesitation putting into the hard corners and it had responsive and quick acceleration. The CRV felt like it was floating and it fishtailed in the skid pad and I could feel the front end sliding into the slalom. The suspension was definitely softer and set up for comfort more than performance. The Mazda didn't slip once and even body lean was noticeably less. Now I didn't get to see what kinds of tires were on either vehicle, but the Mazda with the new vectoring technology didn't slip or feel out of control once, the CRV didn't inspire as much confidence and I definitely drove it slower through the slalom portion.
I'd say with 2017 Mazda definitely achieved its motto of zoom zoom. I just wish I could convince my wife to upgrade as acceleration and interior noise are my two biggest pet peeves with my 2013. Mazda has definitely addressed those concerns.
Next step, visit a dealer to get a closer look!
I also got to do three laps with the MX-5 manual, soft-top. Impressive but I need a four seater at this point in my life!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk