Japanese joint venture models have always had a high residual value, especially Mazda. The brand emphasizes balanced product strength to leverage the market. We know that Mazda has three characteristics: the KODO design philosophy, the unified chassis support and handling, and the SKYACTIV power system. Now, in the era of hybrid and electric power, is the HEV-equipped Mazda CX-50 still a “hexagonal” warrior?
With such questions in mind, the author participated in the “Changan Mazda 2023 Super Driving Fun Academy” event held in Beijing, which focused on the MAZDA CX-50 HEV. The activities included Gold Card Nana, straight-line acceleration, and pulley group, all using the 2.5L four-wheel drive HEV model. This model, with its dynamic exterior design and aggressive body lines, is well known and understood by everyone.
The MAZDA CX-50 HEV AWD version has a maximum horsepower of 131 kW and a maximum torque of 221 Nm. The combined power of the front and rear electric motors reaches 128 kW, and both motors are permanent magnet synchronous motors. The two-wheel drive version only retains an 88 kW motor.
All HEV models are equipped with E-CVT electronic continuously variable transmission system, using accordion-style throttle pedal, can be refueled with 92 unleaded gasoline, the official claimed fuel consumption is 5.1-5.56L per 100 kilometers, but the actual test fuel consumption has been reduced to 4.6L per 100 kilometers.
The MAZDA CX-50 is built on the SKYACTIV-VEHICLE ARCHITECTURE technology platform, with a body, suspension, steering, and brakes that are all based on this technology. The body features a multi-directional continuous ring-closed body structure, with front and rear 1,800MPa hot-formed steel anti-collision beams, 1,180MPa reinforced components for the front anti-collision beam, and 1,500MPa hot-formed steel anti-collision beams for the front and rear doors, as well as Mazda’s damping shock absorption technology.
In terms of suspension, the front suspension uses a MacPherson independent structure, and the rear suspension uses a butterfly biomimetic structure, using a Japanese imported SEB main beam, an integrated butterfly variable cross-section structure, and laser seamless welding technology.
The first experience is the straight-line acceleration project, with the support of dual motors, the MAZDA CX-50 HEV will not hesitate at all, and there is even a special launch mode for faster acceleration. At the start, it can be clearly felt that the front and rear motors start to power up before the engine, and then the engine smoothly enters the power-up process.
Mazda has always focused on the intelligent improvement of performance, with features such as the forced shift switch. When the driver fully depresses the accelerator pedal, the switch is triggered, forcing the gearbox to shift and outputting greater driving force. This results in a full power process in the middle to late stages of linear acceleration, with the car effectively suppressing lift and maintaining a very stable body posture.
With the support of the e-AWD electronic four-wheel drive system, there is no wheel slip when accelerating in a straight line at full throttle. The four-wheel drive system is able to control power overflow and provide the most efficient acceleration. The system also provides excellent stability control in corners. Additionally, the Mi-Drive intelligent driving mode allows for the change of driving modes, with the four-wheel drive version offering three modes: daily, sport, and off-road.
It is also worth mentioning that the pure fuel version of the CX-50 is equipped with the SkyActiv 2.5L engine, which has a highlight, the “intelligent cylinder deactivation” technology, which can achieve cylinder deactivation without reducing speed, achieving both performance and fuel economy, and providing fuel consumption guarantee for long-distance endurance. Of course, this engine does not require a particle trap, it solves the problems of incomplete combustion of traditional internal combustion engines, engine wear resistance, and internal pump wheel loss, achieves the maximum improvement of combustion efficiency, and balances strong power output and efficient combustion.
In addition, for the CX-50, the hybrid system not only brings significant performance improvements, but also maintains power output in the high-efficiency range, starting work in the wide speed range of 1,000-3,000 rpm. This means that whether it’s city expressways, national highways, county roads, or even holiday highways, the CX-50 can provide users with the most efficient power output solution.
In the Golden Cardana project, it is obvious that the e-AWD electronic four-wheel drive system provides noticeable stability in corners, with strong support from the chassis and minimal body roll during high-speed lane changes.
The chassis provides support for the body posture, but for the high-speed corners of the Jin Kana, the steering direction of this model is also good. The details of the road surface transmitted to the steering wheel by the wheels and shock absorbers are very clear, which is friendly for high-speed control. In addition, its steering mechanism has a 13.4:1 steering gear ratio, which can increase the steering speed of the steering wheel, making it easy to operate. The steering dead zone is only about 1.2 turns.
In the experience of emergency braking, the braking system shows excellent balance, with stable and linear braking at high speed, using large diameter and high-strength materials for the four brake discs, including 17-inch ventilated brake discs at the front and 17-inch solid brake discs at the rear.
In the experience of the pulley group, for electric four-wheel drive, getting out of trouble is relatively simple. Of course, this experience is only for the passing test of the loss of some adhesion. MAZDA CX-50 HEV is not an off-road vehicle after all, but on the unpaved road sections in the far suburbs, electric four-wheel drive is definitely no problem and can give passengers a very safe passing experience.
During the on-site experience, the biggest feeling is the smoothness of the MAZDA CX-50 HEV in straight-line acceleration, which is not inferior to the acceleration of a pure electric car. The feeling of switching between gasoline and electricity is also seamless. It can be said that the performance and endurance of the car are balanced just from the on-site experience, which is not easy. The car is also equipped with 5 millimeter wave radars, 8 ultrasonic radars, and 5 cameras. The combination of radar safety solutions and visual safety solutions provides a solid foundation for the active safety system of the CX-50 HEV.
Now let’s talk about the static part. Although the MAZDA CX-50 is positioned as a compact SUV, with dimensions of 4785/1920/1638mm and a wheelbase of 2815mm, it is larger than the Mazda CX-5. The size parameters are approaching those of a midsize SUV, so space is the biggest advantage when comparing it to other SUVs for family use.
The MAZDA CX-50 HEV maintains the family’s Kodo design philosophy, with a shield-shaped front grille connected to the headlights, which feature a “wide-eyed” style.
The MAZDA CX-50 maintains Mazda’s consistent body proportions, very durable, and every muscle line is just right, especially the strong feeling of the front of the car gradually weakens on the side of the car, continuing to the rear of the car and then showing dynamism.
The front headlights use 64 LED light sources to create a 3D illumination effect when lit, and can automatically adjust during driving.
The design of the rear end of the car echoes the front end, and its powerful depiction is very intuitive. In addition, the design of the tail lights, similar to those of a Ferrari, has a high degree of recognition. Compared to the ubiquitous through-type tail lights nowadays, I still prefer the more design-oriented tail light shape. The MAZDA CX-50 and HEV models also use a high-enclosure design around the body, not only giving a sense of crossover vehicles, but also not afraid of the impact of splashing stones when driving on unpaved roads.
From the bottom of the car, you can see that there are skid plates covering the fuel tank and exhaust, which can protect the chassis of the vehicle and save the cost of installing skid plates after purchasing the car.
Although the MAZDA CX-50 HEV comes in three attractive colors for this test drive, it must be said that the soul red crystal color still embodies the spirit and heritage of Mazda. It is very classic and highly recognizable. Many people will choose this color when choosing a Mazda.
In terms of interior, the MAZDA CX-50 HEV is more like a smart car model, with asymmetrical air vents and a layered center console forming a very non-Japanese style. Among the major Japanese brands, Mazda’s interior style is not only innovative, but also more open in terms of workmanship and materials.
In terms of technology, the MAZDA CX-50 HEV is equipped with the third generation MZD Connect system, supports Tencent’s wutong interconnection, can also connect wirelessly to CarPlay/CarLife, and has functions such as vehicle-home interconnection and online OTA.
Of course, there are some online apps available, but it is worth mentioning that the central control screen of the MAZDA CX-50 HEV is indeed slightly small and requires leaning forward to operate.
I really like the three-spoke steering wheel of Mazda. It can compete with the Mercedes-Benz “dragonfly” steering wheel in terms of grip and design. The physical buttons on the steering wheel are for multimedia control and activation and adjustment of the driving assistance system.
After getting used to the full LCD instrument panel, the MAZDA CX-50 HEV actually uses a combination of LCD and mechanical pointer, which is more intuitive and accurate. Compared to pure electric models, the left side instrument panel is for HEV, the right side for water temperature and fuel, and the middle panel is for speedometer. These three panels are actually all LCD, but the sides use mechanical pointers, which is more challenging and has more personality.
The extended wheelbase of the car provides ample seating and storage space. The seats are designed to fit the curves of Asian bodies, but the rear floor is still raised, resulting in some loss of legroom for a four-wheel drive electric car model.
The trunk is very large and flat, with a length of 1034mm, it can easily fit large items. This car is perfect for camping and traveling with its spacious trunk.
In summary, the MAZDA CX-50 HEV has demonstrated a high level of integration between the HEV and Skyactiv power from low speed to full power, with the electric motor compensating for the natural aspirated engine’s acceleration force at low speed and the torque connection after high-speed steering in the performance at Jin Kana, it can be said that the dual motors have greatly improved the integration of Mazda’s power and horse, and have also given the MAZDA CX-50 HEV a new competitive edge in the market. This balanced iteration is the basis for Mazda’s product strength.