I'd agree with you on the variant, if not choose the one below it. And in general I like these variant reviews, would be nice to see more for other popular cars.
I have been driving a Mazda CX5 GT since 2013 and I would buy the same again or even the Akera. I do mostly country driving - on road & off road - and this vehicle is sensational. I have looked at other makes eg. Porsche, Range Rover, Audi, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Volvo and the Mazda CX 5 is excellent value for money. Of course, it is a matter of choice.
When you're on the highway (or any speed over 80km/h), the diesel makes a MASSIVE difference. It has max torque available from 2000 rpm (which is just above where you're sitting at 80km/h), which allows for a 80-120 at less than half the time (and significant ease) compared with the 2.5L. Around town, the fuel economy in practice is about the same as what the 2.5L is on the highway. It's not as slow off the mark as you suggest either. From 0-100 it's about a second quicker than the 2.5L. It's a bonus that post government investigations into car emissions done in Japan and Germany (post VW emission lying), that the Mazda diesel was the only one to match the emissions they had on paper.
Radar cruise and the full spec AEB are a must for me and only the Akera has them. I agree it is disappointing that only the top spec model has these 2 important safety features. Mazda need to do better in this area!
That heads up display graphic in this video surprises me -as it has the plastic fold up piece and appears to be an older generation type of technology than these CX-5s have in the States - as our heads up display graphics are in color and appear right on the windshield. (No plastic)
Don't need the tech, so don't need anything more then the base 2.0L It isn't a type of car you do off-road for a city and cruising on the highway it is enough even for overtaking.
There's a substantial difference in price in these models versus the models in the US. The grand touring is the top spec model in the US plus has the features of the Akera model and sells for $34,000 in the AWD version. Wow!
6:56 7:07 You're comparing theoretical figures, not real world consumption. That makes a huge difference because the difference in actual fuel consumption between the diesel and gasoline options is closer to 2,5-3 litres per 100km. In that case price difference will even out in much shorter distance. More - diesel also has higher residual value, it's the quickest and the best while overtaking. 7:23 Diesel is actually as quick as 2.5l petrol engine even though it makes less power. How? It produces much more torque and it makes a huuge difference. Pentrol engine is naturally aspirated, it has much less torque at much higher revs. What does it mean? If you want to drive more spiritedly, carry more people/luggage with you, go up the hill or overtake someone on the highway - 2,5l engine will keep revving up, it will be lound and whiny while using well over 10l/100km. At the same time diesel will stay at about 2000-2500 rpm (that's when it produces the most torque) while being reasonably silent and still using about 7l of fuel per 100km.
sic22l no matter at what revs, these diesels are much louder than petrols. If you are talking about acceleration, diesels are just not match for petrols, not because it has led power. The problem of Diesel engine is that its torque can hardly be transferred to the wheels as horsepower as good as a petrol.
@Sun Jia Incorrect. Diesels may be louder at similar revs but they use much lower revs to accelerate. Mazda's 2.2 diesels will give you the same acceleration between 2000 and 2500 rpm as 2.5 gasoline at 4500-5000 rpm. That's what makes a dofference.
You forgot to mention towing. I have the Akera diesel only because I tow a 1.6 ton boat and neither of the petrol models are suitable or capable. The diesel tows it better than my previous 6litre SS VE Commodore. Incredible torque and incredible fuel economy. 4 adults in the car, air con and a fully laden boat, no problem. Maybe you should do a review on towing which all car reviewers seem to neglect and which is a major part of many buyers requirements
The one strange thing I see is that they all have the same front end there is no change between models Like you look at the rav it has changes to bumper between models they could have slightly changed the bumper a bit
Do the all wheel drive models have any sort of differential or torque vectoring system? Awd with open differentials is still only 2wd.... Also, 50k for a NON turbo??? Just slap the engine from the cx9 in there and people would be FLOODING In the doors to get one!
Hey guys great review but do you think the 19 inch rims would make a huge difference in the ride quality? I am from the Caribbean and our roads aren't the best either.
Only if people at Mazda were not such cheapskate... seriously how hard is it to give their best Engine 2.5 L Turbo from CX9 as an option in the CX5, say in the flagship Akera. That would have even prompted enthusiast to buy top of the line.
You say the CX5 KF auto maxx (entry level model) is about AUD$30,000 brand-new (not demo), but on online car listing websites the same car is shown for minimal about AUD$34,500 driveaway brand-new (not demo). So, what is the extra $4,500 for? Is the extra $4,500 including 1 year registration & 1 year CTP greenslip & state-stamp-duty, or excluding?
This is bull. If i am going to buy a vehicle i like. I will be sure to buy the top spec... why would anyone save that few extra money to buy a lower spec car they like.
I am led to believe that the drive trains are identical to the previous model. That being the case the previous model was no rocket ship and I would say that all varients were either underpowered or not refined - noisy or both. Thw new CX5 to me is nothing more than a face lift. Mazda will introduce new power plants 12 months in as they did when the model was first introduced as just a 2.0 litre which was an underpowered boring drive.
