Business Class Motoring James Stinson

from Ambition Issue 52 (May/June 2022)

by NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Aoife McDowell

Fresh Tweaks for Popular Mazda CX-5

Evolution, not revolution, is the name of the game for

Mazda’s latest CX-5, writes James Stinson.

The CX-5 has been one of Mazda’s best-selling cars since it was launched a decade ago, accounting for around 25% of sales. Buyers like the CX-5’s classy styling, upmarket feel and solid engineering.

Still, the SUV market is a crowded one so you rest on your laurels at your peril. This latest 2022 model variant features a host of little tweaks, ironing out some of the few imperfections of the previous car.

There are more stand-out styling options designed to broaden the car’s appeal. The ride is more comfortable, with improved suspension and new, more supportive seats that are claimed to “reduce fatigue”. The cabin too is even more pleasant with road noise greatly reduced.

The CX-5 line-up features fi ve trim levels: SE-L, Newground, Sport, Sport Black and GT Sport. The rather unusually named Newground is the one that really catches the eye.

It features a more rugged look with front and rear silver underguard trims matched to silver lower body side skirts, black door mirrors and 19-inch black diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Subtle lime green accents in the grille are replicated inside with lime green air vent louver trims, while the Newground’s black half-leatherette seats have matching green piping. The boot even features a reversible waterproof fl oor, while the Newground can be specifi ed in a highly distinctive new Zircon Sand metallic paint colour (pictured).

This new focus on colourful individual styling touches is a departure but it works and is hopefully a sign of things to come with other models from Mazda.

Depending on trim, customers can choose from either 2.0 litre (163bhp) or 2.5 litre (191bhp) petrol engines. There are a couple of diesels too. These aren’t terribly on trend at the minute but shouldn’t be discounted, especially if you plan to do some serious towing and/or mileage. Economy is decent with the petrols delivering claimed mpg in the low 40s while the diesels deliver high 40s mpg.

Predicted to be the biggest seller in the UK, the Sport model is offered with a choice of 163bhp Skyactiv-G petrol or 148bhp and 181bhp Skyactiv-D diesels. The higher-output diesel is offered with a choice of front or all-wheel drive. Matched exclusively to an automatic gearbox, this 181bhp Skyactiv-D AWD Sport is the entry point of Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system.

Inside, the cabin is the usual Mazda fare. The seating position is excellent with good all-round visibility. There’s loads of space in the rear and a sizeable 512-litre boot. The controls are easy to navigate and the interior solid, high-end and comforting. The ride on the old car could be a little harsh and is now more accommodating and better matched for everyday driving.

It’s not a cheap car but does come with plenty of kit. The aforementioned Sport version features 19-inch alloys, a reversing camera, an electric sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats and a powered tailgate as standard.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range as is wireless phone charging and a new safety feature – Cruise and Traffi c Support (CTS) – that helps reduce driver fatigue by assisting with accelerator, brake pedal and steering operations when stuck in traffi c jams.

Entry level prices begin at £28,175 with the Sport trim starting at £30,795. The range tops out close to £40k for the all-wheel drive GT Sport with the more powerful diesel motor.

CAR PERKS

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Not All Heroes Wear Capes

The Isuzu D-Max is more than just a workhorse, writes James Stinson.

You might have wondered why there are so many pickups on our roads. Builders, decorators, farmers and landscape gardeners are all pulling up in these trusty workhorses. They’ve traditionally been bought because they’re built like tanks, can pull and carry a lot and will traverse almost any terrain.

But pick-ups have developed a lot in recent years. They’re now pretty comfortable and have much better road manners than previous versions. They come laden with goodies like heated seats, reversing cameras and infotainment systems which means you could, and many people do, use them outside of work too.

The market has thinned out considerably in recent years with many manufacturers – Mercedes, VW and Nissan among them – deciding to exit the pick-up market to comply with EU emissions regulations that aim to reduce these across manufacturer ranges.

That leaves Ford, with its Ranger, Toyota, with the Hilux, and Isuzu, with its multi award-winning D-Max dominating the market. Isuzu has recently expanded the D-Max range from 11 to 17 models, introducing many features normally associated with high-end cars and luxury 4x4s.

The range consists of single-cab, extended-cab and double-cab variants. The double-cab variants are popular because they give you proper fi ve-seat carrying capacity to go with the load-carrying credentials. The range is divided into ‘business’, from £21,999, ‘allpurpose’ and ‘adventure’. The further up the range, the more dignifi ed and luxurious the experience is.

For example, the range-topping ‘adventure’ V-Cross variant, from £32,349 plus VAT, comes with neat styling touches including ‘gun metal’ trim on the grille and door mirrors, as well as 18-inch alloys, side steps and a 9-inch touchscreen with an eight-speaker sound system. There are things like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Isofi x points in the rear so you can use it as a proper family car.

On the road it feels plenty quick and surprisingly planted for such a high-riding, lumpy vehicle. The cabin is pretty refi ned and comfortable with big, supportive seats and a commanding view. With a mighty towing capacity of 3,500kg and a load bed that can carry more than a tonne, it will also do the hard stuff when called upon.

The D-Max has genuine off-road credentials too, with a ‘shift on the fl y’ transmission that allows you to switch between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive with the twist of a dial. Another setting is ‘4L’, which puts the transmission into a lower ratio.

If your work involves a lot of off-roading the ‘all-purpose’ versions all come with a locking rear differential for improved off-road ability. Even these cheaper versions, from £26,990 excl VAT, come with niceties including alloy wheels and heated front seats.

‘All-purpose’ versions can also be had with leather trim, LED headlamps, parking sensors, a reversing camera, automatic gearbox and a load of safety equipment. There’s a fi ve-year/125,000-mile warranty as well.

Isuzu, which only sells pick-ups, is a complete novelty and proof that there’s merit in sticking to what you are good at.

CAR PERKS

Give your employees the opportunity of owning a new car through our exclusive Affinity leasing scheme.

Recruit. Reward. Retain.

028 9038 6600

agnewleasing.com/affinity-scheme/

Linwoods appoints Patrick Woods to Managing Director

Linwoods, one of Ireland’s leading health food brands has announced the appointment of Patrick Woods to Managing Director. Patrick takes over the role from his father John Woods who led the company for the past 60 years. John will continue to have a key strategic role in the company.

Patrick who has worked in the business since a teenager has a background in food and nutrition having qualifi ed with a degree in Food Nutrition and Health from CAFRE. He has two younger siblings Joseph and Ellen, both of whom are also involved in the business. Patrick is particularly keen to improve on the sustainability side of the Linwoods business through manufacturing and packaging. Started over 50 years ago with a small local shop owned by the Woods family in Co. Armagh, Linwoods is today one of Ireland’s leading health food brands having experienced an increase in turnover of 17% in 2020-2021. The company aims to enhance people’s health and wellbeing, helping them feel great everyday by providing sustainable and healthy food.