Malaysia Motoring News - new article for today

Mazda CX-5 driven - the SUV that stirs emotion

Posted: 02 Jun 2012 10:00 AM PDT


Mazda CX-5 has been introduced to Malaysian market late last month. Two version are offered, albeit with similar equipment level, differentiated only the driven wheel option. The front-wheel-drive CX-5 will set you back RM155,219 while the AWD version is priced at RM165,219 excluding insurance, but including 3 years warranty and maintenance. 

CX-5 is a very important model for Mazda. For the company that is very persistent last year in introducing its Skyactiv principle in powertrain technology, as well chassis innovation, Mazda CX-5 is showcasing both of these fronts. Skyactiv technology mainly branched into two fronts; namely advanced lightweight body structure and advanced powertrain. For the body structure, the design is optimized for lightness and rigidity via iterations of multi-load path concept. This eliminate the redundancy in body stiffening, as single reinforcement can resist loading from multi-direction. The use of high strength steel has assist in achieving this, while still maintaining top-class safety standard. 

Skyactiv powertrain meanwhile concentrates on improving the thermal efficiency. For the gasoline version, Skyactiv-G, it means an increased in compression ratio, in case of Malaysian spec, it is 13:1. To achieve this level of compression ratio is no small feat. To combat the knocking issue associated with the high compression ratio, a series of innovation has been devised. One of them is the 4-2-1exhaust system which improve the removal of residual gas in the combustion chamber. The leftover of combusted gas at 750 degC (turbocharged car can easily achieve 950 degC FYI) can induced knocking due to the higher TDC gas temperature. The optimized piston crown shape also assists to certain extent.

For more details on the dimensions, engine line-up and chassis hardware please refer to MMN launch posting HERE.
In terms of styling, Mazda CX-5 debuted Mazda new design language, termed KODO. Inspired by nature's soul of motion, Mazda CX-5 aesthetic can be described as distinctive, something rare in this mundane market segment. The front end is dominated by huge radiator grille opening, which posses the unique chrome surround that continues to run into the headlight internal graphic. The lower part of the bumper is clad in black plastic panel to add muscularity. 
The rear end is similarly gorgeous. The wrap-around rear light is very deliberate in its silhouette, unbounded by typical formality that is usually found in this crowded SUV sector. Having a huge 19" alloy also help to mask the visual mass of this Mazda, as it looks lithe like the Mitsubishi ASX, while in truth it rivals Honda CR-V in terms of dimension. So, kudos to Mazda designer to mixing some emotion for the RM150k SUV segment.
The interior is similarly stylish. Free from the necessity to vacant-out the space in the floor console, CX-5 adopts a high floor console layout, effectively introducing a somewhat cosy ambiance. Cosy, yet not cramped. Spacious is not its forte. The dashboard is ergonomically sound, with the high-mounted audio system, clear audio and climate display and a very sporty steering wheel that is thickly rimmed and small in diameter. The gearknob is stubby to hold and pleasing to look at. The movement is short and the grasp is palm-full. The upper portion of the dashboard is made of soft padded material, lending to slight premium outlook. The rest of the cabin material is nicely textured. Pedals are nicely placed and it it nice to note that the accelerator is the floor-hinged item.
In terms of space, as mentioned earlier, spaciousness is not the CX-5 main forte. But occupants of averaged sized won't run out allocation in whichever direction they move at. Unlike Mazda3 with its sweeping lower portion of dashboard, the front passenger won't have to cut their right leg in the CX-5. The seats are upholstered in black leather with red stitching. For the author, all seats are comfortable, the front items are well bolstered while the rear one is very accommodating. If Mazda somehow added the rear aircond duct, it would be a perfect vehicle for me!

The interior design is a fresh departure from the likes on Honda CR-V. While Honda majors on utilitarian, CX-5 borders on sellfishness. There is simply no intention to carve out maximum storage space, or maximum elbow room for example. While Honda cabin has some premium touch to it (a combination of plush fabric, upmarket silver garnish and a simply right-looking overall cabin), it is the CX-5 cabin that stirs emotion. It encourage you to come in and take a ride. Honda is a car that you hoop in because you have to go somewhere. It is that different.
How does it drive? I would summarized it as agile, spirited, muted and definitely comfy. The initial bit of acceleration is a bit not there, but once on the go it is reasonably punchy. According to Mazda people, this AWD version feels a bit sluggish of the line, but the FWD is just fine. I guess we would just take his word for this. 

The steering feels is nicely weighed. Not too light, but not that heavy until it renders the car cumbersome. It steers with good precision. The test route include a sprint on a straight road and CX-5 does not fails me. It has enough reserve to blend in with quicker traffic quickly. On the move, the noise level is good, while overall NVH is similarly kept in check. 

The 2.0L Skyactiv-G feels gutsy. It feels free spinning and ready to be rev hard. I can't quite recall how the CR-V drives, but if I remember correctly, that SUV has a good drivetrain, but the overall dynamic movement is a bit not well communicated. Mazda CX-5 on the other hand feels involved and definitely more agile when attacking the corner. 

The conclusion? CX-5 is stylish, sufficiently fast, nicely equipped and really good to drive. It delivers a more emotional ride instead of formal drive. Sporty can even be considered to be description to it. How does it fare against opposition. Current stalwart Honda CR-V is already old to be listed as competitor, but it is not that long in the tooth as far as capability is concern. While the new generation CR-V has taken a dive in interior quality, we can't wait to see how they fare up. There's also some other SUV on the market such as Nissan X-trail (even more road biased with its FWD setup and CVT), Chevrolet Captive, slightly more expensive and older Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, but all of these are what I termed earlier as "formal" competitor in the segment. It is your choice. For me I feel young. I take CX-5.

Enjoy the gallery after the jump.
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Syed Zainal last email to Proton staff

Posted: 02 Jun 2012 07:04 AM PDT


Following up the official confirmation from Proton about the resignation of Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin from Proton, the parting email from his has found its way to the internet. True to his calibre, the email content is similarly impact-full and charismatic-sound. One unique thing about Syed Zainal is his aural charisma during the product launch. MD of any company usually talks about the policy, philosophy and Milky Way galaxy, but Syed Zainal talks about the car and he can walk through it seamlessly. That's the quality that is hard to find. Anyway, please find the parting email below.


Assalamualaikum, Salam Sejahtera dan Salam 1 Malaysia pada seluruh warga PROTON yang saya kasihi.
Semoga warkah saya ini bertemu saudara saudari dalam keadaan sihat sejahtera, ceria dan bersemangat tinggi dalam menjalankan tugas-tugas harian.
Seperti yang semua sedia maklum, saya telah pun melepaskan jawatan saya sebagai Pengarah Urusan Kumpulan PROTON berkuatkuasa 4hb Julai, 2012. Dengan mengambil kira cuti yang saya perlu habiskan, hari ini yakni Khamis 31hb Mei, 2012 adalah merupakan hari terakhir saya berada di PROTON secara fizikal.
Saudara saudari yang saya kasihi,
Terlalu berat untuk saya menulis surat ini sebagai penutup tirai kepada lebih enam (6) tahun perkhidmatan saya di PROTON. Berhari-hari saya mengadap skrin komputer yang kosong kerana ternyata tidak ada perkataan yang dapat menterjemahkan apa yang ada di lubuk hati saya. Bagaimana mungkin dapat saya melepas perginya sesuatu yang telah memberi impak yang dalam dan bermakna kepada kehidupan saya? Bagaimana mungkin dapat saya berjabat tangan dan mengucapkan selamat tinggal pada rakan-rakan yang sudah saya anggap sebagai ahli keluarga sendiri? Tiada ucapan yang dapat saya ungkapkan untuk mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih saya kepada setiap individu yang telah berusaha bersungguh-sungguh dalam membantu saya menjalankan tugas saya sekian lama. Tiada mampu dalam diri saya yang kerdil ini untuk membalas pengorbanan, kegigihan dan masa yang telah di curahkan oleh semua pihak dalam usaha merealisasikan impian PROTON tanpa mengenal lelah dan jemu.
Saudara saudari yang saya kasihi,
Apabila saya imbas kembali detik-detik perjalanan saya di PROTON, saya menganggap sayalah yang sebenarnya beruntung. Saya beruntung kerana dapat menerajui sekumpulan tenaga pekerja yang saya anggap permata-permata yang amat bernilai. Saya bersyukur kerana dipertemukan dengan sekumpulan warga Malaysia yang kental semangatnya. Tatkala masyarakat umum memberi persepsi negatif pada PROTON, saudara saudari masih bangun dinihari untuk ke kilang dengan penuh rasa bangga. Tatkala kita ditertawakan atas kesilapan lalu, saudara saudari menerima kritikan dengan sikap terbuka. Tatkala kita berada di bawah, saudara saudari bangkit dan menyahut cabaran perubahan. Semangat saudara saudari lah yang membakar semangat saya untuk terus berjuang memulihkan PROTON. Kematangan saudara saudari jualah yang telah mematangkan diri saya untuk berani mengambil pendekatan baru demi melonjakkan nama PROTON. Saya yakin berdiri di atas pentas kerana saya berdiri di atas keyakinan saudara saudari. Ternyata hari ini, saya lah yang kehilangan sesuatu yang besar nilainya. Bukan saudara saudari.
Saudara saudari yang saya kasihi,
Saya yakin saudara saudari akan meneruskan perjuangan ini dan mampu membawa nama PROTON ke tahap yang lebih tinggi. Saya percaya saudara saudari akan terus memberikan sokongan yang mampan walau dalam apa jua keadaan sekali pun. Segalanya tidak mustahil jika kita tanam keyakinan yang tinggi pada setiap sesuatu. Di mana ada kemahuan, disitu pasti ada jalan, Saya telah melihat kehebatan saudara saudari, jadi saya menyeru agar di teruskan kegigihan ini. Percayalah pada diri sendiri, kejayaan pasti memihak kepada saudara saudari dengan izinNya. Saya yakin dengan suntikan dan anjakan paradigma pengurusan baru, di bawah pimpinan YBhg Dato Sri Hj Mohd Khamil Jamil, PROTON akan terus meraih namanya di persada automotif, insyaallah.
Saudara saudari yang saya kasihi,
Sebagai manusia yang dhaif dan lemah dalam pelbagai aspek, saya menyusun sepuluh jari memohon kemaafan dari setiap warga PROTON atas segala keterlanjuran bahasa, tingkahlaku, makan minum, hak-hak saudara saudari yang tidak dapat saya sempurnakan sepanjang perkhidmatan saya di PROTON. Saya pasti terdapat banyak kekhilafan dan serba kekurangan dalam pentadbiran dan pengurusan saya, Yang baik itu datang dariNya, yang buruk itu adalah kelemahan saya sendiri. Saya mohon juga disampaikan kemaafan dan salam saya pada keluarga saudara saudari sekelian. Walaupun saya mungkin tidak berkesempatan bertemu dengan mereka, doa saya akan sentiasa mengiringi mereka.
Hukum alam menetapkan, setiap yang bermula pasti akan berakhir. Setiap pertemuan, pasti ada perpisahan. Walapun jauh dimata, PROTON akan tetap di hati saya. Saya akan sematkan ingatan dan pengalaman berharga ini jauh di lubuk hati saya. Semuga takdir mempertemukan kita semula dilain tempat, dilain masa, insyaallah.
Akhir kalam, saya memetik lirik dari nyanyian Faith Hill dari lakun layar Pearl Harbour dan kata-kata ini saya tujukan khas kepada semua warga kerja PROTON.
"There You'll Be"
When I think back
On these times
And the dreams
We left behind
I'll be glad 'cause
I was blessed to get
To have you in my life
When I look back
On these days
I'll look and see your face
You were right there for me
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all my life
I'll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
Well you showed me
How it feels
To feel the sky
Within my reach
And I always
Will remember all
The strength you
Gave to me
Your love made me
Make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me
'Cause I always saw in you
My light, my strength
And I want to thank you
Now for all the ways
You were right there for me
You were right there for me
For always
Salam hormat dari saya,
Syed Zainal
 
 
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