Mazda CX-5 2012 review

No wonder they held the diesel back for the launch of this car last month. The Skyactiv-D performs so much better than the petrol-powered model that frankly it's embarrassing. 

But this performance comes at a cost because its available only with the more expensive models, only with all-wheel drive and only with the automatic. No talk of a cheapie . . . not yet.

Background

The five-seat CX-5 is a replacement for the sporty CX-7 and the first of Mazda's cars to feature the full array of Skyactiv fuel saving measures. In the short time that it has been out the petrol model has been widely criticised for its lack of throttle response. 

But anyone driving the diesel for the first time is unlikely to harbour any of these feelings. With 129kW of power and 420Nm of torque, the Skyactiv engine boasts class leading torque and fuel economy and is so far ahead of the field it doesn't bare comparison.

The diesel 

It is 2.2-litres in capacity like the old MZR-CD diesel in the Mazda3 and 6, but this is a much more sophisticated engine. Puts out more power and uses less fuel than either one of them too. 

Operates at a very low compression for a diesel. This means additional precautions to avoid cold start problems, but the benefits are a cleaner, more controlled burn with a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. 

You can read all about it here: https://www.mazda.com.au/mazda-news/

Finally, an auto

Hallelujah. As well as the diesel this marks the introduction of Mazda's first automatic to be paired with a diesel engine. It's been a long time coming but it's been worth the wait. Together with the six-speed auto, the diesel accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds, with a top speed of 204km/h. 

You can change gears manually via the shifter but really with so much torque on tap there's little need. The engine responds quickly to the throttle, delivering effortless performance.

Driving

Impressive. Not as smooth or quiet as the petrol engine, but not what you'd call noisey either. The tyres are noisier if anything. Good off the mark acceleration and at lower revs coming out of corners. Doesn't suffer from the awkward kick down issues that the petrol engine does. For those interested the diesel all-wheel drive can tow up to 1.8 tonnes.

Fuel consumption 

Like the petrol engine is features start/stop technology that automatically shuts the engine down at traffic lights to save fuel. The diesel is rated at 5.7 litres/100km. 

Normally the manufactuer's claim does not translate to the cut and thrust of daily driving, but in this case we're happy to report the figure is certainly obtainable. We managed 5.6 litres/100km on one leg of the launch without too much effort. We'd expect figures in the mid 7s for daily use.

Value

It's all good until you get to the price because the diesel is going to cost you $3000 more than the equivalent petrol model. It's available with the mid spec Maxx Sport and top of the range Grand Touring models, priced from $39,040 and $46,200 respectively both before on-road costs. 

The optional tech pack which includes automatic high beam, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring is unfortunately available only with the Grand Touring for an extra $1990.