SYDNEY: We first drove the Mazda CX-5 back in 2012, and were left impressed by the overall package, even if we felt that the 2.0-litre petrol engine didn’t quite get along with the somewhat stubborn automatic transmission.
But Mazda — after its local split from ex-spouse Ford — has now made a few changes to the CX-5 range, adding a splash of equipment and doubling the number of derivatives from three to six.
And what a difference these alterations make. Yes, the stylish compact crossover is now available in a syrupy diesel flavour (a new 2.5-litre petrol mill is also on offer), with the option of all-wheel drive on the range-topping oil-burner we tested.
The 129kW 2.2-litre turbo-diesel is an absolute gem, delivering a whopping 420Nm from just 2000rpm to all four wheels via a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Of course, even with the “Active Torque” all-wheel drive system, which transfers power to the wheels with most traction, the CX-5 is clearly a road-biased compact SUV (interestingly, in the front-wheel drive Active derivative, this engine is detuned to deliver 110kW and 380Nm).
The two-stage turbocharger does a fine job of providing almost immediate throttle response, while all of that low-down grunt makes for impressive in-gear acceleration (this engine and gearbox, it turns out, suit each other rather well). The flagship Akera model gallops from standstill to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds, before topping out at a largely irrelevant 204km/h. More impressive, though, is this 2191cc mill’s refinement: very little of the typical diesel clatter makes its way into the well-insulated cabin, even under full throttle.
Claimed fuel consumption is pleasing, too (a stop-start system comes standard), although our final figure of 7.6 litres per 100km was well over the quoted 5.9. It’s surprisingly fun-to-drive as well, belying its considerable height through the bends thanks in part to a firm-yet-comfortable suspension setup. The steering, meanwhile, is light but sharp enough to keep enthusiastic drivers interested.
The CX-5’s cabin is fairly roomy — at 4555mm long with a wheelbase of 2700mm, it’s a deceptively large vehicle — with rear leg- and head-room a particular highlight. Luggage capacity, meanwhile, comes in at a smidgen over 400 litres, which is a little light when compared to the boot space of competitors such as the Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and even the smaller Nissan Qashqai.
The 40:20:40 split folding rear bench, however, is easily dropped using a couple of simple levers, which frees up more flat-surfaced space. Handily, the tonneau cover moves up with the tailgate, allowing easy access to the boot’s contents. The boot floor, meanwhile, conceals a temporary spare wheel.
Perceived quality in the cockpit is relatively high, and most controls are both well positioned and well crafted. And the range-topping 2.2 DE Akera AWD is crammed full of standard equipment, including climate control, a lane departure warning system, the rear vehicle monitoring function we first experienced in the Mazda6, cruise control, a Bose surround sound system, Bluetooth and a somewhat ageing 5.8-inch colour touchscreen.
But that’s not all. Keyless entry and starting, automatic Xenon headlights (with adaptive function and high-beam assist), rain-sensing wipers, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, a sunroof, parking sensors front and rear, a reversing camera, a tyre-pressure monitor, and 19-inch alloys complete the lengthy list of standard features. Safety, meanwhile, is further covered thanks to ABS with EBD, brake assist, hill start assist, traction/stability control, six airbags and IsoFix child-seat mounting points.
Thing is, all of that spiffy kit doesn’t come cheap. In fact, the flagship’s R456 100 price-tag will make many an eye water, even if it isn’t all that out-of-step with the range-topping, all-wheel drive diesel models in competitor line-ups. Of course, there are cheaper petrol derivatives on the CX-5 roster, but the 2.2-litre oil-burner is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch.
So, overall, the CX-5 2.2 DE Akera AWD is another convincing package from a revitalised Mazda Southern Africa. It’s dynamically gifted for a compact crossover, yet more than quiet, frugal and comfortable enough for everyday family motoring.
