The 6 speed was pretty slow and too eco focused, comparable with my ancient 1999 Proton Iswara 3 speed auto. It's really bad until you manual override it using paddle shifters.

Mazda 3 was very slightly better on both fully automatic and manual shift speeds. But not by much and most certainly pale with Civic FE CVT.
The same exact story and experiences between CX5 and CRV.

NVH yes, definitely Mazda is better.
But I think, could be a double edge sword where being too quiet results any storage objects rattling or brushing against interior surfaces becomes very pronounced. You end up needing to be very deliberate and thoughtful of your storage management. (Not a bad thing especially if you're generally a very organized person, I'm not as you may have guessed.)

I think both the Civic and CRV, in a way, due to its globalised platform benefits, having modern suspensions, really improved the handling a LOT that it's very matchable against the Mazda, if not even better. Because you get to have your low speed compression (and rebound) adjusted to have more damping and not sacrifice high speed compression, and that's also why the ride (comfort) is so much better compared between both the SUV and Sedan lineup.

In terms of CRV alone, I think the only downside maybe the stock Ori Toyo tires. I've not known what tires are originally fitted to the CX5, nor have I really pushed the CRV hard enough to really know what's the performance and handling of both the car and stock original Toyo tires.
Similarly can be said for the CX5, mainly because it wasn't my car.
So honestly the discussion of its handling and performance is a bit of a waste of time (at least from my end lol)

Based on my experience, turning on the sports mode actually made a difference to how the skyactiv 6 speed behave, it's eager to hold revs and downshifts as well. But it's still not perfect and I also tend to use the paddle shifters if I wanted a quick boost to overtake

iinm Mazda is the first amongst the Japanese automakers to come out with a globalised platform with their Skyactiv, before Honda came out with Earthdreams and Toyota with TNGA. This move and it's benefits is still apparent today when Mazda can still consistently score well in safety test especially when chassis rigidity is concerned. Just check IIHS evaluation on Mazda models. Their powertrain might be outdated, but the chassis is still very much relevant (in the context of ICE here not EVs)

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe there's no huge difference in terms of the type and technology used in the suspension between mass market Honda and Mazda models at least, unless Honda comes equipped with variable frequency dampers for their latest models. I think in the end it boils down to how both brands decided the dampers should be tuned.

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 7 2025, 07:23 PM

I'm not into that marketing fluff la. I highly doubt Mazda can survive in EU Countries with the current suspensions lol.
This is what I meant by globalised platform.
Interestingly, Honda did absolutely zero marketing about it ROFL (engineering company, lol.)

And, bold is exactly what I meant.
Honda current gen Civic and CRV is using absorbers with bypass valve or multi valving tech. It's working principle is similar to Ohlins DFV (dual flow valve)
Simply put, Honda absorbers got 2 profiles

Mazda both Mazda 3 and CX5 are still using basic absorbers with single valving. Meaning, can only be stiff or soft.

To give a better example, the first gen HRV Vs the current gen HRV.
First gen too soft, second gen too stiff.
Basic cost cutting, or just lazy engineering lol.
Old Honda Civic FC (I've test driven too) were on basic absorbers. Basic suspensions.

No need variable frequency, just old tech being made more affordable over time, and eventually trickle down to mass market.

Owner of 2021 cx5 with 6 year warranty done 90k km

The car is pretty much reliable to be honest. No major problem but I can list down stuff
1) battery replacement done 1nce. Normal price 7++ but Mazda give 50 percent for first battery change
2) side mirror unable to rotate. Replace under warranty
3) change tires once.


Other than that pretty much standard service foc

The only thing I hate about Mazda is how they die die do not want to change gearbox oil. I have change it outside at 60k mark and will do at 120k mark

I do not believe the gearbox will last the lifetime of car unless car is meant to only be 6 years

Well that's what they are trying to change with the RWD models ie: CX-60 and above. iinm the new CX5 also comes with variable frequency dampers, so gonna see how that performs. But I can't find any written source for this other than a statement from this video @ 4:26



to be fair to Mazda though when comparing with Civic and CRV, the Mazda 3 and CX5 was released on 2019 and 2016, while latest FE Civic and CRV was released on 2021 and 2022. Quite a huge gap I would say, the CX5 itself basically almost had a 10 years run, and the Mazda 3 is overdue for a replacement if following the typical 5 - 6 years lifecycle of a mass market model

Also not sure if I'm being misunderstood when I mention "variable frequency dampers" here because I'm not referring to active suspension. Reading your description about Ohlins DFV it seems we might be talking about the same thing (not an expert when it comes to suspension / dampers technicalities here lol). But the reference for my case is Koni's Special Active - https://www.koni.com/special-active and the dampers used on the new Tesla Model 3 - https://electrek.co/2024/02/15/tesla-model-...-in-your-belly/



This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 7 2025, 09:30 PM

For my car with normal automatic, the regular workshop asked me to change the ATF at 30k km interval, which I did and now my mileage is hitting near 250k km. No issues whatsoever. I bought Shopee Mall ATF and best value for money. Hate for some manufacturer selling this as Seal for Life gb, but capped the warranty to 100k km only.

oh, from your video, they seriously only just updated the dampers to be modern ones.
and i am really surprised they managed to survive for so long

you're correct, the CX5 being almost 10 years does show its age especially if one looks deeper beyond aesthetics and design.

perhaps, yes, i've misunderstood you thinking you may be referring to active suspensions ("variable" keyword) from the video and your further clarification, yes, it is pretty much the same as a more commonly referred term of "bypass valve" or multi flow valving or multi path valving. or in Ohlins - DFV.
Koni's website provides better clarification on this term (which i'll highlight)
https://group.koni.com/products/car/fsd
Frequency Selective Damping
the FSD valve is added to control a parallel oil flow next to the flow going through the piston.
This parallel oil flow is closed by a feature in the FSD valve, causing a rise in damping forces almost linear to the time that the piston is moving in one direction.
think Ohlins DFV, and if high speed (or high frequency) damping occurs, a bypass or separate oil path (or circuit) opens up to allow the absorber to compress quickly absorbing (but not damping out the compression force) the sudden high speed shock. think of a speed bump
quoting Koni:


i guess we can both thank both Koni and tesla for using the keywords "active", "Variable", and "frequency" to confuse everyone. They are not wrong, just, confusing. (and marketing nonsense.)

If you want to avoid new platform, the latest is the CX-X0 (30,50,60,80) series. CX-5 mostly still using the old chassis platform, but just redesign the exterior & interior. Engine wise i believe they will maintain the same old 2.0 & 2.5 engine with the add-in of new hybrid engine.

nah there's more to it than that like the longer wheelbase which should make it competitive with CRV this time when it comes to practicality, and the more modern (hate it or love it) interior

powertrain remains a weak point though, but they are promising a new in house 2.5 hybrid for 2027

anyway Mazda has and always been a niche brand (like Subaru), so no point comparing sales volume with Toyota or Honda. They will survive just like how Honda survived in Australia if you see their sales number lmao

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 8 2025, 11:44 AM

Oh I was referring to my experience that it was on basic suspensions, and it only just got updated in this new gen CX5
And therefore my post regarding my CX5 experience Vs CRV, was still very valid and relevent.

I just personally don't buy into the hype and marketing. And very bluntly and very straightforward to call out things for what they are. And was very disappointed with the Mazda 3 after my test drive session considering the crazy hype that it had especially with the disgruntled Civic owners moving over hahaha

well like I said the CX5 was very outdated as a whole so not surprising that it remains on basic suspension compared to the new CRV, a more valid comparison would be against the previous gen CRV that was released on 2016 which puts it more in line with the current CX5. Mazda was slow to come out with a new gen, perhaps they are focusing on going upmarket with the RWD platforms model which ultimately ended not up to expectations. If they would've stick to their usual strategy, we should've expected a new CX5 by 2021 or 2022 instead of a facelift, which is the same period the new CRV was released

in the end though (you may already realised this by now) most Mazda owners are emotional purchasers rather than practical / rational (including me lol). I would've gone for the Civic eHEV (love the powertrain) if not because of the uncomfortable seats and steering rack issues, the HRV if only it comes with the 2.0 eHEV powertrain (probably would've been too heavy for it), and the CRV was ultimately too big and out of my budget

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 8 2025, 12:33 PM

Quazacolt to end this off and while we're at it, I did some reading into the CX5 facelift and apparently -



this applies to the global model but not sure if Bermaz cheap out on the CKD model considering they did exclude the larger screen of the facelift will be interested to hear your take on it if you got the chance to test drive one

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 8 2025, 12:52 PM

Actually, perfectly understandable as the steering rack was, and still is an issue.

To an extent the CRV may be impacted, but from experience and ongoing current events show, the VGR version of Honda steering racks have minimal to no issues
The current gen CRV is on VGR steering rack.

I'm also currently co owning the latest HRV EHEV hybrid, and I think the 1.5 port injection Atkinson cycle NA was "OK". If anything, better than the 2.0 NA CX5 in majority of situations, with only perhaps highway high speed (>170kph) travels.
Yes, I've finally tested the top speed very recently and it exceeded Honda Malaysia spec sheet in both on meter and GPS measurement.

The drive train overall is ok, as the meme goes for Honda - buy engine, free car.
But if you were to compare with the current gen CX5, then a b segment is still a b segment and it's ride comfort on torsion beam and stiffer suspensions leaves a lot to be desired for. Though, the joke is that if you're looking for handling, the HRV EHEV may give the CX5 a run for its money. Uphill Gohtong may struggle with that 1.5NA (lol battery depleted in just the first corner), but I think downhill it can be faster than the much heavier 2.0NA CX5 (1.4 tons only)

I think, larger items, like suspensions, generally it makes more economical sense to just follow the same thing that's used globally.

Honda Malaysia is no different, instead of Bermaz Screens, or UMW Toyota head unit/overall infotainment, I just need to say Lane watch.

Don't hold your breath on a test drive, I was really eager to test drive the X50 when it first came to Malaysia, now a new gen (or was it considered a facelift? Brand new 4 pot engine though) released and I still haven't managed to test the previous X50 And needless to say current brand new X50

I believe the CX-50/60 actual plan is to replace those old models, but since the old model sales still good they decides to just continue facelift it.

CX-50 is a bit weird since it looks like a CX-5 replacement on paper but it's based on the Mazda 3 / CX-30 chassis so it brings over the torsion beam suspension as well, making it somewhat a downgrade over the CX-5. Basically it's a larger and fancier CX-30

CX-60 is too expensive to be a CX-5 replacement and I think Mazda realised this isn't gonna work if they wanted a volume seller

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 8 2025, 01:46 PM

No wonder many choose 2.0 due to reliability

Now got rm20k discount for CX-8, rm10k discount for CX-5 & rm5k discount for CX-30.

at last Bermaz joins the rebates game, even though not much for CX-30, when others give 5-figure rebates as well.

Anything good for the consumers, are welcomed.

Good rebates ❤️👍