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There's a reason why mid-sized SUVs outsold middleweight cars last month - and vehicles like the CX-5 have to accept responsibility.
The ride position is the only giveaway you aren't driving a sedan. And get your hands dirty, or buy gloves, but try the diesel Mazda CX-5 if you can afford the $3000 premium over a comparable petrol model.
The 2.2-litre turbodiesel's 129kW/420Nm has the 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder's 113kW/198Nm blown away at the lights and the bowser.
VALUE
The diesel Mazda starts at $39,040 for the Maxx Sport with a six-speaker Bose sound system.
Spend $46,200 for the Grand Touring version and there are powered and heated leather seats, xenon headlamps,a sunroof, auto-dimming mirror and front, a nine-speaker Bose sound system and rear parking sensors.
GT buyers can also stump up another $1990 for the Tech Pack option (see Safety).
TECHNOLOGY
The fuel-efficiency benefits of the petrol skyActiv engine comes at the cost of some performance. Only greedy buggers and diesel buyers want to have their cake and eat it too - and they can with the CX-5 turbodiesel.
A claimed diesel use of 5.7 litres/100km with the standard six-speed auto is 1.2-litres better than the equivalent petrol version and comes with double the torque and a decent lick more power.
DESIGN
Think Mazda3 on 'roids and you won't be far off the mark. The CX-5 is a deep-snouted SUV that is a huge dynamic step up on the CX-7.
Interior space is generous as long as three adults aren't in the back preparing to endure an interstate marathon and that practicality extends ito decent storage spaces, topped by a 403 litre cargo area.
SAFETY
Six airbags, ABS with ESP and traction control and a solid chassis make the CX-5 a five-star car. Grand Touring can spend another $1990 for the Tech Pack option which adds a first for this class in blind-spot monitoring, auto high beam control and a lane departure warning system.
The high beam system dips the headlights when it detects oncoming headlights at 600m or approaching brakelamps at 500m. The lane departure system operates at speeds of 65km/h up.
DRIVING
The first set of corners is enough to convince me the Mazda is just about the pick of the mid-sized diesel SUVs for handling and driving feel. There's enough play off-centre to keep things tidy on multi-lane highways but the feedback increases with wheel bias to help negotiate hairpins.
The extra weight of the AWD system doesn't help but it is the only option with the oilburner. The six-speed auto is crisp and, despite a stutter off the line, the turbodiesel engine has a great midrange and pulls until close to the 5200rpm redline.
VERDICT
There's very little to criticise with the CX-5 - it even comes with a full-sized spare and a decent 1800kg braked towing capacity.
A few exterior curves, an understated interior with a high-riding seat that doesn't compromise the sedan handling and a willing engine make the CX-5 diesel a smart choice for buyers who will rack up big miles or just want the extra grunt without the pain at the service station.
Mazda CX-5 diesel
Price: $39,040-$46,200
Warranty: Three years/unlimited km
Resale: N/A
Service intervals: Six months/10,000km
Safety: Six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, TC
Crash rating: Five stars
Engine: 129kW/420Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder
Body: Five-door wagon
Dimensions: 4540mm (L), 1840mm (W), 1710mm (H), 2700mm (WB), 1585mm/1590mm tracks front/rear
Weight: 1591kg-1687kg
Transmission: Six-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Thirst: 5.7 litres/100km, 149g/km CO2
Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
---|---|---|---|
Maxx (4x2) | 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO | $13,750 – 18,150 | 2012 Mazda CX-5 2012 Maxx (4x2) Pricing and Specs |
Maxx (4x4) | 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO | $12,760 – 16,940 | 2012 Mazda CX-5 2012 Maxx (4x4) Pricing and Specs |
Maxx Sport (4x4) | 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO | $14,410 – 18,920 | 2012 Mazda CX-5 2012 Maxx Sport (4x4) Pricing and Specs |
Maxx Sport (4x2) | 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO | $13,420 – 17,600 | 2012 Mazda CX-5 2012 Maxx Sport (4x2) Pricing and Specs |
$7,999
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