[Keter]

I have a 2016 iTouring 5-Door.

Recently have been provided a courtesy car from Mazda, a 2017 iTouring 4-door. Let me say that I am grateful to have a 2016 instead.

The GOOD

• There are things I like about the 2017 model, such as the appearance of the center console is an improvement visually, although I do not like the feel of the armrest compared to the 2016 model.

• G Vectoring is noticeable, quite a bit less body roll in cornering over my 2016 although it comes at the expense of reduced torque, it does make the car as a whole feel way more compliant.

• The new screen design looks better and the screen is much more vibrant.

The BAD

• Electric parking brake, I love having a manual parking brake.

• The steering wheel is thinner on 2017, even with leather wrapping on it, the thickness is less and the steering column shroud looks odd as the center airbag/horn is much smaller now. It just looks odd to me. Not only does it feel thinner the wheel is much stiffer when gripped, overall a less premium feel.

• New facelift looks weak, the CX-5 and CX-9 look so aggressive I love the massive grille on them, but this new face they design looks weak and the front wheel arches appear subdued.

Neutral thoughts: My 2016 has Bose audio and I have to say the non-Bose 6 speaker of 2017 is almost comparable to 2016 Bose audio. I did notice the 2017 stock 6-speaker lacks the bottom end the Bose is able to reproduce but the two are very rather similar.

 

[sc489]

I have the UK model and the pluses for me over the 2016 model are:

• Claimed better sound insulation
• G Vectroring control
• Colour HUD
• Reversing camera standard
• Auto fold door mirrors
• New colours including Sonic Silver - I bought this since it's a lighter tone than the previous silver
• More internal storage space

 

[arathol]

I have the UK model and the pluses for me over the 2016 model are:

• Claimed better sound insulation
• G Vectroring control
• Colour HUD
• Reversing camera standard
• Auto fold door mirrors
• New colours including Sonic Silver - I bought this since it's a lighter tone than the previous silver
• More internal storage space

Sound insulation, maybe.
G vectoring, no big deal, you can do the same thing in any car by lightly applying the brake with your left foot while cornering.
Needs a real HUD, not the Brave Little Toaster :laugh2:
Reversing camera already standard here.
More colors ? True red or mariner blue or any of the traditional older Mazda colors would have been a better choice than replacing silver with ........silver.:dunno:

 

[mil]

Well, the 2017 iTouring is overall better equipped from what I remember (e.g., auto dual-zone AC, heated seats, 18" rims) but... I opted instead for one of the last new 2016 iTourings that my dealer still had in stock. My main reason was a lack of the sunroof option on the 2017 iTouring -- you need to go for the 2.5L engine to get one, no way around it. 2016 may not have heated seats but I find that with its cloth seats that's not necessary anyway, and I actually prefer cloth seats (they don't get as hot in the sun). So while I understand that many may prefer the 2017 model, I was happier with the 2016 one.

 

[Bishamon]

A friend of mine picked up a 2017 and I drove it for a little over an hour last night. The speedometer had a slightly different look; not better or worse, just a little different. The steering wheel is thinner, but not by much. The automatic shift stick also felt a little different, unless it was my imagination. The cabin is quieter. Not that I had an issue with my 2015, but the 2017 is definitely quieter, though there was a wind whistle at 100+ kph. The piano black trim is now a more practical matte silver. I can't say that I noticed the dynamic driving assist (or whatever it is called), but I wasn't doing much aggressive cornering.