Ok, spent lots of time on the internet and these forums researching the CX-5 and finally made it to the dealership to do a test drive. I'm coming from a 2003.5 Protege 5 as my car and also have lots of time in my wife's 2004 Saab 9-3. Wanted to drive both the 16.5 and 17 to compare (I liked the styling and added features of the 17 better, but liked the $2000 cash back on the 16.5 better). Here's a summary of my experience, which will of course focus on those aspects of the vehicle that I place a priority on (or happened to notice):
1. Cabin noise is an important factor for us. For the 17, after reading all the information and digesting all the Mazda PR about improved sound isolation, I must say I was slightly disappointed that the interior was not quieter. There was a fair amount of engine noise, and I didn't get the sense that I was in a luxury vehicle cabin (noisier than my wife's Saab, which probably counts as a luxury car). The 17 is somewhat quieter than the 16.5, with the main difference in my opinion being the wind noise at highway speeds.
2. Vehicle handling was good and very Mazda-like -- not noticeably different for the different model years, based upon my relatively short test-drive loop. The "get-up-and-go" factor on both was not as high as I would have liked. I guess count me among those that would like to see a turbo option. In retrospect, I should have tried driving in "sport" mode, but didn't think of it at the time.
3. I tried the 17 with the HUD. Seemed like a really cool feature, and while it is very practical in terms of providing information to the driver (e.g., blind spot warning) while keeping your eyes on the road, I found the projected image distracting and almost annoying.
4. Leatherette -- didn't like it on the 17 Touring, definitely seemed cheesy compared to the genuine leather on the GT. Really disappointed that cloth isn't an option except for on the Sport. And also really disappointed that the only leather colors are black and parchment = white. Grey, tan colors would have been better IMHO.
5. Misc. 17 observations: the auto lift gate is noisy -- haven't ever had a car with one so maybe that is normal; really did not like the faux grey wood trim on the interior, preferred the brushed metal accents on the 16.5; re: the wheels, the Sport and Touring wheels on the 17 are a lot more gunmetal grey than I thought based upon previous pictures; the push-button start was in a much better place on the 17 -- who thought of the brilliant idea to put it right behind one of the steering wheel levers on the 16.5???
Ok, all I can think of (and have time to type) for now. Pics below, feel free to ask any questions.
1. Cabin noise is an important factor for us. For the 17, after reading all the information and digesting all the Mazda PR about improved sound isolation, I must say I was slightly disappointed that the interior was not quieter. There was a fair amount of engine noise, and I didn't get the sense that I was in a luxury vehicle cabin (noisier than my wife's Saab, which probably counts as a luxury car). The 17 is somewhat quieter than the 16.5, with the main difference in my opinion being the wind noise at highway speeds.
2. Vehicle handling was good and very Mazda-like -- not noticeably different for the different model years, based upon my relatively short test-drive loop. The "get-up-and-go" factor on both was not as high as I would have liked. I guess count me among those that would like to see a turbo option. In retrospect, I should have tried driving in "sport" mode, but didn't think of it at the time.
3. I tried the 17 with the HUD. Seemed like a really cool feature, and while it is very practical in terms of providing information to the driver (e.g., blind spot warning) while keeping your eyes on the road, I found the projected image distracting and almost annoying.
4. Leatherette -- didn't like it on the 17 Touring, definitely seemed cheesy compared to the genuine leather on the GT. Really disappointed that cloth isn't an option except for on the Sport. And also really disappointed that the only leather colors are black and parchment = white. Grey, tan colors would have been better IMHO.
5. Misc. 17 observations: the auto lift gate is noisy -- haven't ever had a car with one so maybe that is normal; really did not like the faux grey wood trim on the interior, preferred the brushed metal accents on the 16.5; re: the wheels, the Sport and Touring wheels on the 17 are a lot more gunmetal grey than I thought based upon previous pictures; the push-button start was in a much better place on the 17 -- who thought of the brilliant idea to put it right behind one of the steering wheel levers on the 16.5???
Ok, all I can think of (and have time to type) for now. Pics below, feel free to ask any questions.
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