The Mazda CX-50 was conceived as an ideological successor to the popular CX-5, but in the Russian market, it has become a model of a completely different class. Due to supply restrictions, deliveries come from China, and the crossover with "mass" roots suddenly found itself in a price range closer to premium - starting from approximately 4.5 million rubles. Autonews journalists were among the first to evaluate the model and understand whether it meets the expectations of those who value Mazda traditions: signature handling, clear response, honest ergonomics, and the character of a car created for the driver.
The exterior of the CX-50 instantly reveals its connection to the brand: elongated hood, signature grille, aggressive optics. The body has become noticeably wider and lower than the CX-5, and the widened arches and rough plastic body kit add muscularity to the car. However, despite the visual hint of off-road spirit, the CX-50 is front-wheel drive, and the ground clearance of 214 mm should be perceived as the maximum capability, not an invitation to heavy off-roading. Nevertheless, the crossover looks sturdy and mature - the very "biceps" compared to the usual "five".
The interior is a separate story. Mazda has remained true to the old school: analog gauges, physical buttons, classic architecture without tablets across the entire dashboard. There is a multimedia screen, but it is small and oriented towards control via a rotary knob - a signature Japanese approach that some may find outdated. However, the ergonomics are in perfect order: comfortable seating, clear controls, a gear selector with pleasant effort. The materials are generally of high quality, although savings are felt in the second row - the hard plastic on the doors reveals the model's origin.
In terms of driving feel, the CX-50 remains "that same" Mazda. The crossover tenaciously holds the trajectory, willingly follows the steering wheel, and pleases with stability at any speed. But the engine is the main source of controversy. The naturally aspirated two-liter Skyactiv-G with 155 hp is reliable and honest, but it lacks dynamics: there are no quick responses, and the engine has to be revved up for brisk acceleration. To help, there is a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission, time-tested, with clear shifts. However, paddle shifters are not provided, and fuel consumption is noticeably higher than claimed and easily approaches ten liters.
The comfort of the CX-50 has character: the suspension is stiff, the body shakes noticeably on joints and bumps, but handling wins - body roll is minimal, reactions are precise. The brakes are reliable, with a classic vacuum booster, although I would like a little less effort on the pedal. You can drive off the asphalt, but carefully: front-wheel drive and the nature of the suspension clearly hint that the CX-50's element is the city and the highway.
Practicality is a strong point of the model. Rear passengers have been allocated plenty of space, and convenient handles on the pillars facilitate boarding. The trunk is one of the best in its class: a volume of almost 900 liters, plenty of lighting, hooks and niches, and a spare tire is neatly placed in the underfloor. The hard trim of the trunk is a plus: easy to wash. The sills remain clean thanks to the wide covers, which is especially useful in winter. The equipment includes a panoramic roof, climate control, assistants, adaptive cruise control, lane change and hazard detection systems - here the CX-50 meets all modern requirements.
The Mazda CX-50 is not a revolution, but an honest evolutionary step from a brand that does not seek to adapt to trends of excessive digitalization. This is a crossover with character: slightly rough, sometimes outdated, but reliable, understandable and, in its own way, sincere. For those who want Japanese philosophy in a modern body and are not afraid of compromises, the CX-50 will be a worthy option in the new reality of the Russian market.