Further on Mazda’s long standing CX-5 SUV but still highly competitive with ten
models in a mix of petrol and diesel and front or all-wheel drive, I’m driving the
second tier 2.5-litre six-speed automatic CX-5 Maxx Sport front wheel drive at
$43,184 drive-away with optional metallic paint. I covered nearly 900km with a lot
of highway cruising at the open road limit. The naturally aspirated four-cylinder
with 140kW and 252Nm of torque did a workmanlike job but what surprised was
the economy, averaging 7.4L/100km on 91 grade petrol with four passengers.
This is simply a great allrounder, well shod 17-inch alloy wheels provide a very
comfortable ride while the electric power assistance offers good feel whilst
parking and on the run. Comfort and convenience items include dual zone climate
control, satellite navigation, a head-up instrument display, well bolstered cloth
seats, a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a good level of
active safety elements. Thankfully the warning elements are not intrusive like
many of the new breed of Chinese SUV’s. Disappointments – no wireless phone
charger and the lack of a power rear door. However, the Mazda CX-5 is still up
there as one of our best mid-size SUV’s.

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