The actual ground clearance on this beast is only 6 inches, 155mm on the Mazda Australia website, the only place it's listed. Nothing on Canada, US or UK websites so far. This 155mm is identical to the regular Mazda3!
Good thing the author didn't stop when fording the water. This thing is a hatchback with styling that just makes it look usefully tall, apparently
I was considering it for snow clearance and yes, because I like the looks, but it seems a bit useless at only 6 inches off the floor. Maybe Mr Black can clear up the mystery, since the CX-5 is listed at a much more useful 215 mm.