Mazda CX-5 GT SKYACTIV-D 2017 Review

Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport SKYACTIV-G AWD and GT SKYACTIV-D AWD
Quick Spin

What’s it all about?
Central to Mazda’s astonishing success in the Australian new-car market, and due to be significantly updated in 2017, the CX-5 SUV has been bubbling along at the top of the mid-size SUV wave since its launch in February 2012.

Updated in January 2015, and subjected to a broadening of its new-generation safety tech across the range in 2016, the CX-5 straddles front-drive, all-wheel drive and petrol or diesel engine choices.

Here, we look at two AWD variants: the mid-range 2.5-litre petrol-powered Maxx Sport and the high-ranking diesel-engined GT.

How much will it cost?
The Maxx Sport comes in front-drive 2.0-litre form or as an all-wheel drive, offering the choice between a 138kW/250Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine as tested here, or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.

The AWD-only CX-5 GT version offers a choice between the 2.5-litre petrol or the variant also tested here, the 129kW/420Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.

Mazda’s latest-generation safety tech is represented in both, with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a reversing camera standard – though the GT jumps ahead in terms of (low-speed) autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with both forward and reverse actuation. The Maxx Sport‘s system is forward-only.

Warranty covers a three-year/unlimited-kilometre period with servicing pricing outlined on-line. Roadside assistance attracts an additional annual cost.

Why should I buy it?
The CX-5 may no longer outshine the best of its rivals dynamically, but it remains an especially well-balanced drive. Gutsy mid-range torque in petrol and diesel form, as well as a pleasingly intuitive SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed auto transmission suits the SUV’s application, though the lack of paddle shifters is disappointing.

Unlike some competitors, the CX-5 does not provide an AWD lock for limited off-road travel, and with its bigger 19-inch wheels, the GT rides a bit firmer than the Maxx Sport (with 17-inch wheels) and responds a bit faster to the quick-ish and well-weighted steering – but it’s all incremental.

Our test Maxx Sport returned 8.5L/100km against the official claim of 7.4L/100km while the diesel GT managed 7.0L/100km against the official 5.7L/100km.

When is it available in Australia?
The CX-5’s 2015 upgrade and facelift were followed by the adoption in September 2016 of previously-optional safety items such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support- Forward autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system and an auto dimming rearview mirror as standard across the range.

The CX-5 lineup begins with the base, manual-transmission 2.0-litre Maxx ($27,890 before on-road costs), extending to the top-shelf Akera diesel ($50,410 before on-road costs) via the Maxx Sport and GT diesel and petrol models.

Who will it appeal to?
The CX-5 continues to shine with its spacious cabin offering plenty of room front and rear for 180cm passengers and a 403-litre boot that might not sound too impressive at first, but redeems itself with a total seats-folded load capacity of 1560 litres that rates it highly in its class.

On top of this there’s Mazda’s simple, single-action seat-fold triggered by in-boot levers and the clever parcel shelf that lifts well out of the way when the tailgate is opened.

Towing capabilities are not best-in-class, but it will pull a braked trailer weighing as much as 1800kg which isn’t too bad.

The GT’s leather trim, powered front seats, BOSE audio and sunroof imbue an extra touch of class, but the Maxx Sport doesn’t fare badly with standard sat-nav, climate-control and keyless ignition.

Where does it fit?
Mazda has played a role in lifting expectations of a mid-size SUV to the current high levels and the latest crop, including the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan X-TRAIL, Honda CR-V and, significantly, Volkswagen’s second-generation Tiguan, are applying a constant squeeze leaving little room for complacency.

The CX-5 remains an exceptional SUV, but exceptional today is barely enough. However, when the original ingredients are so right, as they were in the CX-5, it is so much easier to keep a grip on the market.

Provided you’re not seeking seven-seat accommodation, there’s nothing the CX-5 leaves uncovered; and, courtesy of the broad adoption of Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE systems, it does safety better than a lot of others.

So, what do we think?
The Mazda CX-5 has always been a mid-size SUV to respect, and despite the ongoing emergence of worthy competition and a looming replacement, that continues to be the case.

For its quality, style, dollar-value and impressive all-round functionality, the Mazda remains a premium choice for buyers in a bewilderingly profuse segment of the new-car market.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport SKYACTIV-G AWD pricing and specifications:
Price: $36,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 138kW/250Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: N/A g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

2017 Mazda CX-5 AWD GT SKYACTIV-D AWD pricing and specifications:
Price: $47,090 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 129kW/420Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: N/A g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Hyundai Tucson (from $28,590 plus ORCs)
>> Honda CR-V (from $27,490 plus ORCs) http://www.motoring.com.au
>> Volkswagen Tiguan (from $31,990 plus ORCs) http://www.motoring.com.au

Related reading:
>> Mazda CX-5 2016 Review
>> Mazda CX-5 2016 Video Review
>> Medium SUV Comparison