Mazda CX-5 Akera petrol 2018 review

The exterior of the CX-5 is sleek and stylish, this new model hasn't changed much since the last and the shape is still very current, very right now. It wouldn't be hard to mistake a Mazda for a more expensive car, because of the current range's fabulous looks with curved lines and a sedate grille giving a polished finish.

Inside is just as swish, but do bear in mind I was in the top of the range Akera which is different to a bottom of the range Maxx. In the Akera you'll get leather seats that are very comfortable to sit on, and can also be heated, plus a leather steering wheel that feels great to touch. I can't wait for Mazda to jump on the flat-bottomed steering-wheel train as I think they lend a sportier feel to driving.

The dash is faux leather which gives a stylish finish that is soft to touch, I love that tactile feel. There's just the right amount of gloss through the centre console and everything is clearly set out and within reaching distance, so it's functional, too. There's a small sunroof above the front seats to let the light in in this top of the range model.

The cabin is really nice and large, light and breezy. You don't feel cramped at all. My 185cm husband and I had plenty of leg and headspace in the front and there was lots of airflow and elbow space for two.

My two children aged five and seven had a good amount of room in the back seats, and were far enough apart not to cause unnecessary squabbles. You'll be able to get a third child seat in there, too. I tried it with two booster seats and a baby capsule, which fit. It will be tight, especially doing the seat belts up for the boosters, but it will fit.

The boot is on the smaller end for this category, at 442 litres it's smaller than a Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV-4, but there is still enough room for a family of four. I've taken this car away before and it really did fit everything we needed. So even though it's smaller, it's not in any way small and has a good amount of space.

The children were easily able to climb into the car themselves so it was a good height off the ground, and the boot is also a great height to lift groceries in and out of so you're not hoisting things through your lower back.

Parking is relatively easy as you've got front, reverse and 360-degree view cameras.

There are two cupholders in the back that will house a large keep cup, and two in the centre armrest in the back, plus a bottle holder in each door and a decent-sized centre storage bin.

The boot opens and closes with a click of a button on the key, which I find super helpful because as parents, we're often overloaded with all the bags (why don't kids carry their own schoolbags?) and it's much easier to open the boot on approach and flick the bags into the back. It feels very much like 2018 when you do that. Everything else was quite functional and I didn't have any complaints with things like blinkers or side mirrors.

It wouldn't be hard to mistake a Mazda for a more expensive car.

Turn the sound up, that's for sure, because the audio is really good and you can live a less-stressed life if you sing in the car, proven fact.

Mazda relies on its own multimedia system which is perfectly adequate and easy to control with a rotary dial in the centre console. It has a sat nav, digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available to be fitted this year which will elevate the tech to a higher level.

The Mazda CX-5 Akera lists for $46,190. Fuel consumption comes in at a claimed 7.4L/100km over a combined course, which is fairly average for a car with this sized engine.

It's covered by Mazda's three-year/unlimited km warranty which is below average these days, and servicing is required every 12 months/10,000km.