2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Preview: Hello Turbo

Our colleague and friend Louis-Philippe Dubé is on his way to Whistler, British Columbia, to drive the new Signature version of the 2019 Mazda CX-5. Already, we’ll have a lot of questions for him when he gets back. 

For starters, how the heck does the CX-5 handle a 250-horsepower turbocharged engine upgrade that also boasts 310 pound-feet of torque. I mean, this engine is quick in the larger, heavier Mazda CX-9, it must be a beast in the smaller CX-5, right?

Hopefully, he’ll have some insights on that. We’d also love it if he could ask Mazda how they managed to get the fuel economy rating of the CX-5 Signature down to 10.8 liters per 100 kilometers in the city, and 8.7 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway. Sure, it’s more than the 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine (9.8 l/100 km – 7.9 l/100 km), but it still doesn’t seem bad at all for an SUV with over 300 pound-feet of torque, no?

Now the big question. How many CX-5 Signature models does Mazda intend to sell? The number can’t be that high given that it’s priced starting at $40,590. That’s a significant chunk of change for a compact SUV even if it doesn’t quite make it more expensive than a top-of-the-line Subaru Forester. It’s still pricier than a loaded Nissan Rogue and about the same price as a range-topping Honda CR-V. 

All three of those models have equal or more cargo space than the Mazda CX-5, Signature model or not. 

Lastly, we’re sure he will tell us all about the Signature model’s exclusive Nappa leather and Abachi wood trim. The Signature also gets ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.

All 2019 Mazda CX-5 models get standard emergency braking support, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, 17-inch wheels, a rear view camera, heated front seats, and G-Vectoring Control.