Mazda Reviews

Kia Sportage Platinum and Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport go head-to-head in this comparative review.

All good things come to he (or she) who waits, so they say. And no more was that borne out than in our relationship with the Mazda CX-5. Having initially been disappointed with the performance of the petrol powered medium-size SUV, colleagues had consistently been telling us to wait for the arrival of the diesel version.Well, the wait is finally over. We’ve just driven the all-wheel drive oil burner and it is a red-blooded road warrior compared to its pale performing petrol counterpart.The entire CX-5 range is replete with standard features, which include air-conditioning, Bluetooth, cruise control, MP3/WMA compatible CD player with four speakers and steering wheel mounted audio controls, plus USB input. Mazda satellite navigation comes with a 5.8-inch colour touch-screen on the dash.Added convenience comes from power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, push-button start, tilt-and-reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and a tyre pressure monitoring system for the first time in this segment.Only the best to test, I had the range topping Grand Touring spec model with unique features such as xenon headlamps with adaptive front lighting, daytime running lamps and an emergency stop signal flashing the rear lights under intense braking to warn following drivers.Okay, the diesel is 2.2 litres and turbocharged, as opposed to the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol. Maximum power is 129 kW diesel to 113 kW petrol, most telling is the difference in peak torque, 420 Nm to 198 Nm. Say no more.An engine stop-start system, called i-stop in Mazdas, cuts the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill with the driver’s foot on the brake. It is restarted automatically when the foot brake is released.For those with an aversion to this technology, the system can be cut off by the push of a dash-mounted button. But keep in mind you’re increasing emissions by doing so.On test, fuel consumption came out at 7.2 litres/100 kilometres on town trips, the i-stop weighing in with economy here; on mainly highway running this was bettered by up to 2 litres per 100 kilometres.ABS anti-locking brakes, dynamic stability control, traction control, emergency brake assist, emergency brake-force distribution, hill-start assist, front, side and curtain airbags all conspire to keep CX-5 occupants safe.The Grand Touring also has the option of features new to this vehicle segment. Lane Departure Warning warns the driver of unintentional lane changes; Blind Spot Monitoring keeps an eye out for other vehicles out of the driver’s vision by means of a flashing icon incorporated in either exterior mirror; and High Beam Control automatically switches between high a low beam of the headlights for optimal night vision.Front and back sensors, plus rear-view camera aided parking, while a premium Bose 231 Watt amplifier with nine speakers helped entertain travellers. The whole thing was topped off by a slide-and-tilt glass sunroof letting in welcome rays of winter warmth.The Mazda CX-5 is the first production model to feature Mazda’s new Kodo – Soul of Motion – design theme, in this case the cheetah, the fastest land animal. The body is supposed to represent a forward-leaning sprinter ready to come out of the blocks; the rear positioned cabin representing a predator preparing to pounce. Frankly, that eludes me. It’s an SUV, for god’s sake, admittedly a sharp looking one at that.With keyless entry, inside the cabin were luxury leather seats, the front pair heated and designed to minimise whiplash in the event of an accident, the driver’s spot with eight-way power adjustment and lumbar support, plus rear-view mirror with auto dimming.A rear cabin area is capable of carrying 403 litres of cargo up to the tonneau cover that opens and shuts with the tailgate, expandable to 1560 litres of flat space with the rear 40:20:40 seat backs folded, this operation taking place automatically at the flick of a couple of levers set into the side walls.No tentative take-off, or the problem of running out of legs on steep climbs a la petrol version. Pressing the accelerator pedal, the diesel test car instantly put its best feet forward.Braking was purposeful, the ride firm and choppy on uneven surfaces – not to the liking of all on board. The speed sensitive steering was well weighted and provided just the right feedback to the driver.

Graham Smith reviews the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Mazda 6 as a used buy.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers.

Saving cash is more important than saving the planet for buyers of Australia's most popular car. The Mazda3 Neo and Maxx Sport both run a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that officially uses 7.9 litres/100km. In this class that's a long way off bragging rights, yet those models account for around 83 per cent of Mazda3

There anyone left in Australia who is not in love with some sort of SUV?Macho looking wagons are the family cars of the 21st century and nothing proves it more than the continuing boom in compact SUV sales. Every month the numbers go up, not just deliveries from dealerships but also the selection of showroom starters. When we decided to rate the runners, as we did last month with small cars, there were far more hopefuls than heroes.The Hyundai ix35 is under-done on styling and suspension, the Mitsubishi ASX is too much like a truck, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is best for the bush, and theToyota RAV4 is flat-out too old. They might be nice, but nice is not enough.So we came down to a four finalists as usual and they tick all the boxes. The Mazda CX-5 and Subaru XV are new and funky, the Kia Sportage still rules for value and local tweaking, and the Volkswagen Tiguan has the right badge for brand snobs.I have driven them all before so the comparison run is more like revision than starting from scratch, although there are still some surprises and lots to consider before final judgement.VALUEThis time we left the final four to you. We want to consider what customers are choosing,, not a set of dream machines, even if that means a disparate group that is something of a mis-match on price and equipment.Surprisingly, the Mazda is the cheapest in our field at $33,540 for the front-drive Maxx Sport, then comes the Subaru at $34,490 for the  2.0i-L, followed by the Tiguan 132 TSI Pacific at $35,990 and then Sportage Titanium at $39,720.But it's not just about price, as the Kia ticks all the equipment boxes and also gets a diesel engine, while the Volkswagen runs up short on some stuff - including a rear-view camera - that should be standard in 2012. As always - at least until the BRZ sports car - the Subaru only comes with all-wheel drive and the CX-5 choices reflect its place as Mazda's new SUV hero and the replacement for the larger CX-7.To put things into sharper focus, the CX-5 range runs from $27,800 right up to $48,190, you can buy an XV priced from $28,490 to $34,490, Tiguan stickers span from $24,490 to $42,990 and the cheapest Sportage is the front-drive petrol car at $26,730.Of course, the Kia scores with its five-year warranty , but running costs also favour the CX-5 with Skyactiv technology that gives it fuel economy of 6.4 litres/100km.TECHNOLOGYThe latest Sportage Platinum finally picks up the satnav promised from day one in Australia, complete with traffic warnings. But there are now two clocks and no temperature display, while the Bluetooth audio streaming as not as good as it was. Hmmm.It's diesel engine means top torque, but surprisingly - perhaps it's down to size and weight - it trails the leaders on fuel efficiency. Dig deeper than the trinkets and it's all about the Skyactiv stuff in the CX-5, which brings a very efficient 2-litre petrol engine and six-speed auto complete with stop-start. That's good because the Mazda is a little drab compared with the Hyundai, and some of the costlier cars in the range.The Subaru looks newest and is well equipped, but its engine - despite stop-start - is lacklustre. It is missing any real verve and the manual gearbox can be a little difficult. It's a good thing it has cushy, lovely suspension.The Volkswagen has a great reputation but there is no reversing camera and no satnav, not even a big display screen in the dash. People who expect to be impressed when they first slide into a Tiguan will be disappointed. They will also be disappointed by the worst economy in the group, although this is partly offset by maximum power.DESIGNThe Tiguan looks old and boxy. There is not getting away from it. And, inside, it's black and drab and proof that the substance-over-style approach of the original Beetle still lurks in Germany. The Volkswagen might do the job, and the boot is easy to load, but efficiency comes well ahead of kerb appeal. The CX-5 is a modern update of the Tiguan look, still built around a basic box but with some nice tweaking and trimming. It's the car the women in the Carsguide crew rated tops, although they could have been influenced by the badge and a classy cabin that is nicely styled and well finished.The Kia has a different shape and that's both good and bad. It steps it away from its Hyundai clone and helps it make an impact in traffic. The cabin reflects some smart thinking but the finishing is not as good as the Mazda, despite all the nice bells and baubles.Which brings us to the Subaru. It's a genuinely youthful shape, looks great in the XV's Subaru orange, and turns more heads than the other three combines. But the XV is a bit plain inside and the design work leaves it short of back-seat room and luggage space, especially compared with the Kia and Mazda. The boot is more like a Mini and nowhere good enough for pram people.SAFETYFive-star safety is what you expect and what you get here. Ok, we're still waiting for the official ANCAP rating on the CX-5 but the Mazda has been chosen as a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the USA. There are three child seat anchors in all four, they each have ABS brakes and stability control, with six airbags on three and the Subaru going to seven with knee protection in the XV.Mazda adds a tyre-pressure warning for the CX-5, and has lane departure warning available on some models, while Kia shows an off-road bias with downhill brake control in addition to hill-start assist. The VW has a rollover protection system but the lack of a rear camera is a glaring shortcoming in this field. The Subaru and Kia also score with full-sized spares, not space savers, although this decision really hurts boot space in the XV.DRIVINGIt's hard to make direct comparisons, but here I go. The Kia has the biggest cabin and the most equipment, which makes driving nice. It also rides well, is relatively quiet, and has a really punchy engine.The Volkswagen is nothing special, and that's a surprise with some many impressive models in the family. It just feels old, from the drab cabin to the response from the DSG gearbox, although it does everything I ask without complaining.The Subaru wins me with its looks and supportive seats, but the cabin is too small against these rivals and the engine and gearbox are less than impressive. Fair but not good. Then again, I love the suspension, with the plush ride and quietness it brings.The Mazda? Very nice, but. It gets along pretty well, the driving position is good, and I just know that it's making the most of every litre in the tank. But I remember the arrival of the CX-7, and how it felt as more like a sports car than an SUV. And this time the CX-5 has not moved forward enough when everything new is expected to bounce out ahead of the pack.When we head out for some gravel road and dirt-track kilometres, just to check if the SUVs will survive out of the city, we quickly discover a lack of front-end clearance in the Mazda. The torque of the Sportage is great for hills and the Subaru has wonderful suspension that reflects quality engineering.But then we get to loading, and the boot is the XV is a fail. The Tiguan is good, the Mazda is really good, and the Sportage does all we ask despite a full-sized spare beneath the floor. When it comes to parking, the Tiguan suffers without a camera and the rear corners of the Sportage create nasty blind spots.The Mazda is noisier than I expect on coarse bitumen roads, I worry about the economy in the Kia, and the Volkswagen leaves me cold.But driving is not everything, and I also have to consider the badge appeal of the Tiguan, the rock-solid quality and dealer support of the CX-5, the all-wheel drive security and long-term Subaru reputation of the XV, and the equipment and warranty of the Sportage.VERDICTThe winner? It has to be the Kia. The Sportage is still as impressive as when it finished runner-up in our 2010 Car of the Year contest and comes fully loaded, just the way Aussies like it. It has a huge cabin, drives nicely, gets lots of kilometres between stops with that diesel engine, and has that five-year warranty to provide security for shoppers.The cabin quality trails the newer Japanese SUVs, and the steering still feels a bit wonky for the first 10 minutes, but it is truly the one you would be happiest driving home to the family. The CX-5 is a very close second and would probably have been first with more equipment and an engine swap. I drove an all-wheel drive CX-5 diesel auto straight after the comparison closed and it got me thinking.But you cannot judge what you do not have and, just as a CX-5 with the lot would have been punchier and more appealing, the Sportage would still finish on top if we slapped the badge on a Porsche Cayenne for the same money.I like the quietness and comfort of the CX-5, as well as the cabin quality, but it's not the great leap forward I expected from Mazda. It's doing a lot with Skyactiv but, just like BMW with its overdone emphasis on EfficientDynamics, the mechanical stuff only counts at the pumps and for dinner party bragging.The XV is a coulda, woulda, shoulda sort of car. And third. It's more youthful and has a lovely ride, but it falls short on space and performance. Some people also find the cabin is too drab and underdone, particularly compared with the Sportage.And the Tiguan? I expected more, but wasn't really surprised.Fourth place is a reflection of its ageing design, and the focus on SUVs that has made Japanese and Korean cars so popular, and on reflection perhaps we would have done better with a RAV4 in the field. But you cannot judge what you don't have. So the Sportage gets across the line by a short-half-head in what is really only a three-SUV contest, proving that the Korean carmaker is more than just a dollar dealer in 2012.

It's been over 20 years since Mazda released the first MX-5 and it's still going strong. Now in its 4th generation, the designers have remained true to the car's original DNA.Sadly though it has suffered from price creep over the years, with the entry level model now $44,265 before on-roads. Our test vehicle, the hard topped sports coupe, is $49,805 putting it perilously close to the $50K mark.Of course Mazda would argue and we would agree that you get a lot more for your dollar these days. But it's still a heck of a long, long way from the $29,550 that the car kicked off at in 1989.These days you get a high revving 2.0-litre DOHC petrol engine that produces 118kW of power and 188Nm of torque, together with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with paddle shifts. That's not much power you might say and you'd be right, but it's not all about power  it's the power to weight ratio and tidy dynamics of the car that are most important.The manual is rated at 8.1 litres/100km, same as the auto.MX-5 gets four out of five stars in crash tests. That's not bad considering its size but it could be better (suffice to say we feel a lot safer in one these days). The roadster is fitted with driver and passenger front and side airbags, dynamic stability and traction control systems, as well as anti-lock brakes. The manual also scores a limited slip rear diff.The coupe allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, with an electric folding hardtop that opens or closes at the touch of a button in just 12 seconds. The hard shell makes it more secure and also a lot quieter inside the cabin.The current model dates back to 2009, but you may still find a few special editions kicking around with Bilstein suspension (200 were released priced from $47,200). The sports coupe adds Recaro seats and a set of great looking 17 inch BBS alloys over the standard model. Quality 200 watt Bose audio system is fitted, with an AUX input for iPods  but the six-stacker CD is overkill these days.Bluetooth for one thing and there's no trip computer to help you keep track of fuel consumption.Great fun. The drive is engaging and will have you searching for winding roads where the car can stretch its legs. The steering is direct, the clutch action light and the short shifting close ratio box is child's play to use.Keep it revving to get the best out of it. Unfortunately the Recaros are a bit narrow for mature backsides (we're working on that) because the side bolsters press into your thighs and tend to become uncomfortable after a while. Not a great range of seat or wheel adjustment either (tilt only).

‘Zoom-Zoom’ goes the Mazda brand hook - but in the case of the new CX-5, the Japanese automaker’s latest addition to the SUV jungle, maybe it should be just ‘Zoom’. Our recent experience with the petrol-powered version of the new CX-5 performance-wise was underwhelming, to say the least. On the other hand, if perky performance is not near the top of the shopping list, the petrol CX-5 has much to offer.The CX-5 is also the first of Mazda’s new-generation products here to fully adopt its SkyActiv technology to powertrains, body structure and chassis.The body is based on an entirely new structure, uses new materials and is assembled in new processes. It is the first to use 1800MP, a high-tensile steel, the highest grade used in a mass produced vehicle for front and rear bumper beams. The body uses 61 per cent high-tensile steel.The CX-5 is the first production model to feature Mazda’s new Kodo – Soul of Motion design theme – based on the movements of animals, in this case the cheetah.There’s no denying the CX-5 sets the standard for good looks in the medium SUV market as positive comments from interested onlookers proved during our time with the vehicle.The CX-5, from top to bottom, is stacked with standard features, which include air-conditioning, Bluetooth, cruise control, CX-5MP3/WMA compatible CD player with four speakers and steering wheel mounted audio controls, plus USB input. Mazda satellite navigation is based on the TomTom system.Added convenience comes from power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, smart keyless push-button start, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and a tyre pressure monitoring system for the first time in this segment.The Maxx Sport spoils its owners with auto headlamps on/off, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, two extra audio speakers, leather wrapped gear shift knob, handbrake and steering wheel, wipers with rain sensing function, front fog lamps, satellite navigation, rear seats with 40/20/40 split fold back and centre fold-down armrest.Mazda CX-5 is powered by either a 2.0-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel, with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive and in three specification levels - Maxx, Maxx Sport and Grand Touring - all with Mazda’s i-stop fuel saving system in which the engine cuts out when not needed, most commonly when the vehicle stops at traffic lights. It starts up automatically when the brake pedal is released.The review CX-5 we have just spent a week testing was the Maxx Sport 2.0-litre petrol front-wheel drive with six-speed automatic transmission. The DOHC engine puts out 114 KW of power at 6000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 2000 revs, good for a zero-to-100 km/h time of 9.4 seconds.As befitting its ‘Sport’ moniker, this Maxx rolls on 17-inch steel wheels shod with 225/65 tyres. A rear spoiler completes the picture as well as adding to aerodynamic efficiency.A new suspension system, with front struts and rear multi-link layout, is lighter yet stiffer and a new steering system adjusts feedback according to speed and conditions.There’s a full suite of safety systems including ABS with emergency brake assist and brake-force distribution; dynamic stability control; traction control; an emergency stop rear lamp signal, front, side and curtain airbags, whiplash minimising front seats and a reversing camera.The test car, in automatic, suffered from sluggish take-off and the problem of running out of legs on steep climbs. This could be overcome by flicking into manual mode and giving the powertrain a hand.Sluggish performance apart, fuel economy is outstanding, the SkyActiv engine. Mazda claims 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined city / highway cycle. In the CX-5 Maxx Sport FWD automatic we managed 5.8 litres per 100km in similar circumstances.Inside, new seats deliver good lateral and vertical grip and improved thigh and lumbar support. Using two different kinds of black fabric and a new structure, they also weigh less.Quality is carried through to the surroundings, with soft-touch dashboard surfaces and door trim offset by a central panel featuring the glossy piano black treatment pioneered in the RX-8.As for carrying capacity, a tonneau cover that opens and closes with the tailgate crowns a rear cargo area capable of carrying 403 litres of cargo up to the tonneau. That expands to 1560 litres of flat cargo space with the rear seat backs folded.A low loading lip, large rear opening and an automatic seat folding system lift cargo carrying convenience to a new level.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers.But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?The CX-5 is a replacement for the sporty CX-7 SUV. It's a softroader that seats five, available in two and all-wheel drive with either a petrol or turbodiesel engine. It's also the first Mazda to get the full gammut of Mazda's Skyactiv fuel saving technology.Prices range from $27,800 to $48,190. This particular one is $45,190 which includes an auto and all-wheel drive, plus the optional $1990 tech pack fitted. A diesel will cost you $3000 more than the equivalent petrol model.Take your pick. There's plenty of competition in the medium off road segment inlcuding the new Ford Kuga, Jeep's new Compass, the Subaru Forester  to name a few.This one gets a 2.0-litre petrol engine that in all wheel drive guise puts out 113kW of power and 198Nm of torque at 4000 revs. It's mated to a six-speed auto with manual shift capability.Not as well as the diesel, that's for sure. The petrol model has been roundly criticised for its lack of performance, especially its slow throttle response. You have to really thrash it to get it moving and that of course is going to eat into your fuel economy.Mazda is claiming best in class economy with a figure of 6.9 litres/100km. We chalked up just over 500km at a rate of 7.9 litres/100km, most of them freeway kilometres.Gets four out of five stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius is the benchmark with five stars).Hasn't been crash tested yet but every model across the range comes standard with the highest level of safety features including six airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution plus a reversing camera.Boxy design provides plenty of head and legroom, with comfortable accommodation for four adults. Quiet inside apart from the intrusion of tyre noise on coarse bitumen.Easy peasy. Big computer screen. Highish driving position provides good vision. Steering feels direct and responsive. Auto has annoying kick down. Optional blind spot awareness system worth a look.Finish good. Offers plenty of utility and you get plenty of kit for your money. Bluetooth standard, with steering wheel phone and audio controls.A well equipped car for the money but we'd recommend driving both the diesel and petrol models before making a decision.

Just what the Australian new car market needs is another compact SUV .... in this case, the answer is yes.A revolution in manufacturing and next-gen developments of the internal combustion engine - that's Mazda's plan and the first incarnation of all this smarty-pants work by Mazda is the CX-5.The lighter (high-tensile steels make up 61 per cent of the CX-5) but not much smaller successor to the CX-7 - we're in the near-entry level Maxx Sport model, with the petrol engine and the six-speed automatic.The features list for the $33,450 auto-only Maxx Sport has no shortage of gear - automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system with USB and Bluetooth phone and audio link, a leather-wrapped gear shifter and steering wheel, front fog lamps and integrated TomTom satnav.The rear bench is has 40/20/40 split-fold seats and there's also cruise control, helm-mounted audio controls, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, keyless push-button start, reach-and-rake adjustable steering, a trip computer, a tyre pressure warning system and 17in wheels.The Maxx Sport is expected to account for 30 per cent of total CX-5 sales according to Mazda's forecasts, with 70 per cent of CX-5 buyers expected to opt for petrol drivetrains, but with all-wheel drive (that is expected to account for almost two-thirds of CX-5 sales).Mazda is claiming class-leading fuel economy from the clever Skyactiv-G 114kW/200Nm two-litre petrol engine, which has direct injection and a high 13:1 compression ratio - but it only needs 91RON fuel. It's spirit is willing but the flesh is a little underdone - the little petrol powerplant has similar outputs to the 3 Skyactiv but has to haul another 150kg - you can wind it up but you'll never get near the claimed 6.4l/100km.Mazda says the Skyactiv engine has better low and mid-range torque, but there seems to be less of the former and a reasonable amount of the latter. The test car is running the new Skyactiv-Drive six-speed auto, which boasts a full-range lock-up clutch torque converter set-up that Mazda says gives the auto a more direct feel, more like a manual gearbox.The CX-5 also has Mazda's clever idle-stop system that uses the combustion process for the restart, being less reliant on the electric-powered starter motor; it's also one of the quickest, re-starting within 0.35 of a second. The TomTom satellite navigation system has myriad features for traffic monitoring and route selection, with map updates available for download to the SD card, but several times it decided to flip the view and show me where I'd been. Wistful reminiscing is fine for the bar but not practical in a satnav.The CX-5 is a poster-child for the Kodo "Soul of Motion" design theme but it's not to all tastes, particularly the snout, but it's still prettier than a BT-50. It features the new-look Mazda nose and manages to hide the dimensions - it sits on a 50mm shorter wheelbase than the outgoing CX-7 and it's slightly shorter in overall length (153mm shorter), 32mm narrower, but is 65mm taller.The cabin is spacious and can take four adults and their gear in the 403 litre boot without any problem. What will present an issue is the omission of rear ventilation, something that was absent from the CX-7 - and noted by the manufacturer - but has not been rectified.The cargo area also has a clever cargo cargo that lifts with the tailgate and the 40:20:40 splitfold seats which can be quickly folded flat to expand loadspace to 1560 litres.While a CX-5 has yet to have been slung into a wall for NCAP as yet, the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded it a Top Safety Pick rating - it's got anti-lock brakes (with brakeforce distribution and emergency brake and hill-start assist), stability and traction control, dual front, side and curtain airbags.There's also a reversing camera that is standard range-wide, something the Japanese brand says is unique to its model range.Snout-heavy styling aside, there's plenty to like about this little SUV, provided you're only looking for a commuter car and not anything to get adventurous in - there's only 150mm clearance after all. It's easy to get into, the cabin is spacious, well-equipped and comfortable - the driver is well accommodated for as well, with most things falling easily to hand.The steering wheel has key controls and there's good connectivity - the touchscreen satnav infotainment screen is easy to see but it's quirky map-rotation habits were disappointing. The rear passengers will notice the lack of rear vents in summer.A rear seat 12-volt outlet wouldn't go astray either, but apart from those two issues the rear seat occupants have good leg, foot and headroom. The ride is tending towards firm but doesn't cause complaints, the payoff coming in good body control and composed road manners in the bends - the Mazda3 on stilts analogy is apt.Steady pace can be maintained by the petrol engine but it's no fireball - the genuine manual change mode of the six-speed auto makes better use of the reasonable flexibility on offer by the little four-pot. Alternatively, you can wring its neck, but that's going to take the fuel economy north of the nine litres per 100km that was returned during our stint.The little Mazda has what it takes to re-define one side of the compact SUV segment, the on-road runners. In front-wheel drive guise it's not set-up for dirt work, but the CX-5 FWD is smooth, quiet and comfortable, but it's not perfect. No rear vents is an oversight, the satnav quirk was annoying and the diesel AWD promises to be the drivetrain of choice (and worth the $5500) if you want a decent amount of grunt under your right foot.