Should be. Perhaps with a little difference in tuning.

Mazda6 2.5L
138 kW @ 5,700 rpm
250 Nm @ 3,250 rpm

CX5 2.5L
138 kW @ 5,700 rpm
250 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

This has always been done for Mazda. Before SkyActive, Mazda3 BL 2.0 and 2.5 (not sold here) shares same MZR engine as Mazda6 GH. Mazda5 CR and CW also has the same 2.0 engine as Mazda3 BL and Mazda6 GH.

Santa Fe? May I ask Elegance or Executive Plus? Diesel or petrol?

Speaking of diesel, when lah is the 2.2D version of CX-5 coming? Don't understand since Mazda is already running diesel in their BT50 trucks.

Yeah, also feel strange with the question. As far as I know, all new Mazda cars have always had gated type gear shifting.

Thanks for the info. Yes forgot that it's SkyActive-D that's mated to the CX-5. With the local diesel, some retuning and taking off the DPF is necessary. Perhaps Bermaz thinks it's too much hassle? Don't mind if they didn't use the new SkyActive-D engine because the old diesel was also very good.

Anyway, it's sad that there's no diesel variant sold here. For such a size and weight, turbo powered diesel engines are the only solution which gives good mileage, good power plus low road tax. If not for the high road tax and thirsty 3.7L engine, the CX-9 would be a good seller too.

As much as I love Mazda, was looking for a 7 seater SUV like you and the Santa Fe (diesel executive) came out tops unfortunately. The CX-9 would be nice but cost wise and road tax would be too prohibitive.

Sold your Mazda3 hatch? Nice upgrade.

Cool. Not many hatch BK around.

I think if the old recommendations are still valid, the place where Federal Highway SC sends their cars for touchup is the one to go.

V & M MOTOR SDN BHD
NO. 15, JALAN 230, SECTION 51A, PETALING JAYA, 46100

There are a few around that area and most of them are official PIAM approved repairer's workshop.

http://www.piam.org.my/pars_list.asp?state=SELANGOR

It has always been like this back in the days when Mazda had keyless feature on the Mazda6 GH.

But I think what maxiscool is interested to know is how come the rear boot tailgate can open even though the car is not in P (Park)?

My understanding is that for safety feature and to prevent your belongings from being stolen say at a traffic light, the rear boot tailgate should not open (even though unlocked) unless you put the transmission in P (Park).

LOL Perhaps if get Bermaz to order 2.0L CBU like they do with the 2.5L, it will arrive faster.

I heard a friend of mine getting the 2.5L CBU. Will check out if rear boot tailgate can open even though the car is not in P.

These are the possible 18" tire sizes that you can use provided that the rim width and rim offset fits the CX5.

Tire size Rim Width Deviation
205/65/R18 6 - 7 -0.08 %
215/65/R18 6 - 8 1.71 %
215/60/R18 6 - 8 -1.26 %
225/60/R18 7 - 8 0.40 %
235/55/R18 8 - 9 -1.19 %
235/60/R18 8 - 9 2.06 %
245/55/R18 8 - 9 0.33 %
255/55/R18 8 - 9 1.85 %
255/50/R18 8 - 9 -1.67 %
265/50/R18 9 - 10 -0.29 %

The CX5 is nice. But then again, it's a little common now.

You may want to look at Mitsubishi ASX or Subaru XV.

The thing about driving SUVs is the height. You get great vantage and most people like this fact when behind the wheels.

Which blue? Sky Blue or Blue Reflex Mica?

Mazda3 is not big ! The rear seats of the CX5 may not be so big but the rear boot space is.

Mazda cars are very high on reliability when in comes to Japanese cars.

Tribos coating from Japan? Sure or not? Tribos is local and only applied locally.

That's because they are genuine parts Made In Japan.

Personally, I think 17" is also a little small for the CX5.

Great. When is it expected to arrive?

You'll always sacrifice handling when you go down in size.

Ok. Had the impression that there was a waiting list. Thanks for the info.

You can have a larger wheel and still be lighter than stock ! But I digress.

There is always a balance between better ride quality and good handling. The supposedly smaller rims with "taller" side profile tires will soak bumps better hence give better ride quality. I believe not so much making the suspension work better because of lower unsprung weight because 16 x 8J rims with AT tires are not exactly light weight to begin with compared with the stock. What you loose on the rim size you make up on the rubber. If anything should soak up the bumps, it's the taller tire profile doing most of the work.

For 16" with 8J rim width, you have the following that you can choose;

Tire size Deviation
235/65/R16 -1.67 %
255/65/R16 1.89 %
235/70/R16 1.63 %

The 255/65/R16 should be the best candidate to soak the most bump since it has the tallest side tire profile amongst the 3 candidates.

But personally when I drive over bumps, I drive very slowly over them anyways and with potholes I avoid totally. So no issues there. I always prefer tires with lower lower side profile as it gives better handling and sharper steering. On highways, you don't get that floaty feeling on straight line and the vagueness in the steering during corners.

Spotted !

If you get the more expensive forged wheels for the 19" or even 20", they can be lighter than stock and FC is not going to take a hit.

But I'm with you lah. I feel the stock 17" is a little puny for the CX5. 19" or 20" would make it more muscular.

Woow. 25k is a lot. Very interested to see the outcome. Please share when you're done.

Maybe just add a subwoofer since the 2.5L already comes with Bose. I think the Bose is the same as the one on the older Mazda6 and some friends of mine did that and it sounded good. Even though stock Bose is just above average, kinda waste to junk it away.

This post has been edited by jchue73: May 9 2014, 05:12 PM

Yes, Mazda paint may be on the thinner side. Side door panel also can kena stone chip.

How did you polish and with what?

If the scratch is deep (use finger nail to feel), then you need to repaint.

Heard about rumours of Bermaz testing the 1.5L Skyactiv-D engines on the Mazda2. Are there any chances that they will bring in the 2.2L Skyactiv-D turbo diesel CX-5 seeing that EURO 5 diesel would be coming very soon to the Klang Valley?

You are right if talking about CBU but Bermaz is already assembling turbo diesel CX-5 for export to Thailand. So not enough volume argument is somewhat moot. Perhaps it's just not the right timing with regards to EURO 5 diesel introduction. I'm just hoping the relevant people in Bermaz read this and realise that whatever conclusions with the turbo diesel Mazda2 (hopefully positive), would and could also apply the same for the turbo diesel CX-5.

Yes, I am fully aware of the pros and cons vs the CRV. I've been a Mazda fan for very long and know for whatever money we fork out for our cars, the Mazda seems to always come out at the top for me.

If the CX-9 came with a greener turbo diesel, I would have taken that instead of the Santa Fe.