The Mazda CX5 Maxx Sport Diesel is middle of the range in Mazda’s new CX5 model line-up. The shape of the CX5 is very similar to the Mazda 3 with long flowing lines and a rounded nose.
When you first sit inside the Maxx Sport you notice that it is a very comfortable place to be. The height and reach adjustable thick rimmed leather steering wheel has multi-function controls handy. The dash has three dials with the right hand dial a multi function display.
The centre console stack houses the sat nav system and it’s a TomTom system which I particularly like because it gives you a lot of information in terms of local speed limits, what speed you are doing, upcoming turns etc. The stereo is good. The centre console houses the air conditioning with dual zone climate control, which by the way works brilliantly.
There is plenty of storage in the front particularly through the centre. There is a handy little storage area in front of the gear stick and a large centre storage bin along with a large glove box. One disappointing feature is the fact that the door bins do not hold anything larger than the bottles so there is no room to put in a book etc.
The rear passengers are very comfortable particularly for two people with the centre seat back folding down to give an arm rest. There is plenty of knee room and again plenty of headroom, you don’t feel crowded at all. There are two cup holders in the centre fold down arm rest and two bottle holders in the doors for the rear passengers. However there is no rear air conditioning vents.
In the boot area the very generous storage area holds quite large and wide items particularly long items with the rear seats folding flat. It gives an enormous area for a vehicle of this size.
The 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D common-rail diesel is a beauty and produces 129kW @ 4,500 rpm of power and 420Nm at 2,000 rpm of torque and matched to the 6 Speed Tiptronic auto produces economical driving with i-stop.
The Mazda CX5 fully loaded cruised to Melbourne and back on 114km/hour in cruise control and did not flinch at all, uphill, downhill it pretty much sat smack bang on 114km/hour all the way.
In typical Mazda style the CX5 has a sporty dynamic and with the power characteristics of the diesel engine it does encourage a sporty feel to the driving. This is more so with the diesel than the petrol.
Off-road the Mazda performs well on dirt roads and easy fire trails and also is a good sand performer, although the front spoiler and lots of plastic around the front will make it difficult in anything more than the simplest of circumstances off road. While it does perform effortlessly on the sand, you do have to watch that you don’t bury the front into the sand .
What is good?
• Diesel Engine Transmission combination
• Handling dynamics
• Spacious open feel
What’s not so good?
• No rear seat air-conditioning vents
• Thick ‘A’ pillar
• Small door storage bins
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Model Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport AWD Diesel
Model Price $43,916 RDAP
Engine 2.2L Sky Active 4 Cyl Diesel
Drivetrain AWD 6 Speed Auto
Power 129 kW @ 4,5000 rpm
Torque 420 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Safety: 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 148g/km: nil
Green Vehicle rating: 3 1/2 Star
Economy (ADR comb): 5.7 L/100km
Tow Capacity: 1800Kg
Tow Ball Rating: 150Kg
Servicing TBA
Warranty 3yr/ with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 83/100
Behind the Wheel 8
Comfort 9
Equipment 8
Performance 8
Ride & Handling 8
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 10
Towing Ability 7
Off Road Ability 7
Value for Money 9