Mazda CX-5 Diesel 2012 Review
Mazda makes efficient mid-size move with spacious, well-equipped CX-5What we liked:
>> Powerful, responsive diesel
>> Spacious, well-equipped cabin
>> Resolved ride and handling
>> Needs more options
>> No manual option with diesel
Hot on the heels of the CX-5 petrol range release comes the diesel models. Mazda Australia has positioned the CX-5 diesel as a premium offering, and it’s priced and packaged accordingly. Unlike the petrol models, the diesel-powered CX-5 is only available with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission.
Two specifications are offered: the mid-grade Maxx Sport, for $39,040 and range-topping Grand Touring for $46,200. Mazda Australia's managing director Doug Dickson says the entry Maxx spec available for the petrol CX-5 model will not be applied to the diesel CX-5 range.
Colleague Matt Brogan covered the Mazda CX-5’s raison d’être and packaging details in our launch review of the petrol models but in short, the new offering replaces the CX-7 and introduces Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology aimed at class-leading consumption ratings. The 2.2-litre diesel four-cylinder engine is currently best in segment, rated at 5.7L/100km for the combined cycle, and has a low compression ratio of 14:1.
The 129kW diesel is powerful with loads of torque: 420Nm from 2000rpm. It incorporates a two-stage turbocharger and stop-start function, called i-stop. A discreet green dash light signifies the fuel-saving feature is active, and during the drive program it operated as expected with prompt restarts. Mazda says the only times the stop-start function won’t activate is if the air-con and fan are up full blast, or the steering wheel is at a sharp turn because the system will interpret the driver wants a quick take-off through, say, intersections.
The six-speed automatic is a new unit to complement Mazda's release of the SKYACTIV engine range. The drive route took in hills (some quite steep) but the auto was keen to shift appropriately when left to its own devices, and smooth in manual mode for overtaking. For the most part, though, we left it in ‘full’ auto to best replicate daily activities and establish real world consumption, which was 7.3L/100km after nearly 300km, incorporating highway travel.
For the record, Mazda claims the diesel model's 'range' is around 1017km, compared to the Nissan X-Trail's 873 or Volkswagen Tiguan’s 853. The CX-5 also beats competitors in the equipment stakes, having a reversing camera as-standard across the range. Mazda's new SUV is also the first in-class to offer driver assistance features including blind spot and lane departure warnings; available for an extra $1990 on Grand Touring models.
Officially, the CX-5 is a mid-size SUV. While smaller (dimensionally) than the CX-7 it replaces, the CX-5 is one of the more spacious softroaders we’ve tried, especially in headroom which is generous throughout... Children could easily grow with this wagon.
Driving the mid-spec Maxx Sport version -- the model expected to attract most sales -- we find stylish interior trim in cloth that feels good quality and hard wearing. Driver instrumentation is also well styled, and features in the centre stack and console are quick-to-hand. The plastic surrounding the infotainment display looks like it would be easy to scratch but gives the set-up a clean, contemporary appearance.
Seating up front is narrow and rather flat but didn’t become uncomfortable, helped by good support under thigh. The rear seats are also well-sized and can be folded flat for added cargo capacity. Access to the load area is helped by a low(ish) floor and wide tailgate. A nice feature would be electric open/shut, but that said the tailgate is quite light and easy to manage.
The CX-5 is also easy to manage behind the wheel. Steering is light and sharp in slow turns and through the sweeps up to Daylesford it heavied up to provide feedback more akin to that of a sedan than SUV. The CX-5 may be a high-riding wagon but it feels as though it sits serene and flat on the road, and body roll usually uncovered in an SUV is controlled to the point it’s all-but undetectable.
Mazda Australia expects the majority of CX-5 sales will be for the petrol models, at around 70 per cent. However after our drive of the diesel version we'd be inclined to recommend the oiler for its responsiveness off the line, smooth delivery of power and quiet operation. It’s definitely the premium choice among competitors.
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