7 Ways the Mazda CX-50's Design is Built for Life Beyond Regina's Pavement

Living in Saskatchewan means your daily drive extends far beyond city limits. Whether you're heading to the lake on weekends, visiting family on rural properties, or simply navigating the grid roads that connect our communities, your vehicle needs to handle more than just smooth pavement. The Mazda CX-50 was engineered with this reality in mind, and its design elements work together to provide the confidence and capability that Saskatchewan drivers need.

From the wider stance that keeps you stable on loose gravel to the intelligent drive systems that adapt to changing road conditions, the CX-50's engineering tells a story of thoughtful design. Let's explore seven specific ways this compact SUV's design makes it particularly well-suited for life beyond Regina's city streets.

Wider Track Width for Enhanced Stability

The CX-50 features a track width of 1,658 millimetres in the front and 1,662 millimetres in the rear when equipped with 17-inch wheels. This wider stance compared to typical compact SUVs provides a lower centre of gravity and improved stability when driving on uneven surfaces. When you're navigating loose gravel or dealing with ruts on grid roads, this wider footprint helps maintain control and reduces the feeling of being pushed around by the road surface.

Ground Clearance That Matters

With 210 millimetres of ground clearance on 17-inch wheels (and up to 219 millimetres on 20-inch wheels), the CX-50 provides the clearance needed to handle rough terrain without scraping the undercarriage. This height allows you to confidently traverse rutted farm access roads, clear small rocks and debris, and navigate through deeper snow during Saskatchewan winters without worrying about damage to vital components underneath.

Mi-Drive Off-Road Mode Intelligence

The CX-50's Mi-Drive system includes a dedicated Off-Road mode that automatically adjusts various vehicle systems for improved traction and control on unpaved surfaces. When activated, this mode modifies throttle response, transmission shift points, and the all-wheel drive system's behaviour to optimize performance on gravel, dirt, and other loose surfaces commonly found on Saskatchewan's rural roads.

i-Activ All-Wheel Drive System

Standard on all CX-50 models, the i-Activ all-wheel drive system continuously monitors road conditions and driver inputs to predict when additional traction might be needed. Rather than waiting for wheel slip to occur, this proactive system can send power to the wheels that need it most before traction is lost. This predictive approach is particularly valuable when transitioning between different road surfaces or dealing with sudden changes in grip.

Robust Suspension Design

The CX-50 employs an independent MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and a stabilizer bar, paired with a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance between ride comfort on highways and the durability needed for rougher terrain. The suspension geometry is designed to maintain wheel contact with uneven surfaces while filtering out harsh impacts that could otherwise be transmitted to the cabin.

Approach and Departure Angles

With an approach angle of 17.8 degrees and a departure angle of 24.1 degrees on 17-inch wheels, the CX-50 can handle steeper inclines and declines without the front or rear bumpers making contact with the ground. These angles become important when navigating into driveways with steep grades, crossing ditches, or dealing with the varied terrain you might encounter on rural Saskatchewan properties.

Protective Design Elements

The CX-50 incorporates several design features that help protect the vehicle during off-pavement driving. Body-coloured wheel arch moldings help shield the paint from gravel and debris, while the higher ride height keeps vital components away from potential damage. The robust underbody design includes protective elements to guard against rocks and other road hazards commonly encountered on unpaved surfaces.

Key Takeaways

Experience the CX-50 at Regina Mazda

The Mazda CX-50's thoughtful engineering makes it an ideal companion for Saskatchewan's diverse driving conditions. Whether you're commuting within Regina or exploring the rural roads that connect our communities, these design elements work together to provide confidence and capability when you need it most. Visit our team right here in Regina to learn more about how the CX-50 can enhance your driving experience both in the city and beyond.