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Mazda CX-5 GT Diesel AWD (2012)
by John Ewing,reviewed October 2012
The SUV market is booming and August sales figures have the new CX-5 continuing its five month run, dominating medium SUV sales and also snatching the month’s overall top-selling SUV crown.
The market, it seems, has recognised the virtues of the new model that replaces CX-7. CX-5 features two new engines – a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre common rail turbo-diesel, both with Mazda’s Skyactiv stop/start fuel-saving technology.
Our test vehicle was the top specification diesel all-wheel drive Grand Touring with Tech Pack. The diesel proved responsive both off the line and once under way, and there’s minimal turbo lag. We reckon it’s a better performer than the petrol model.
The Skyactiv-D stop/start was mostly smooth in operation, only occasionally feeling a little bumpy on restarting. The six-speed auto was smooth and a good combination with the engine. Pleasant and accomplished road manners are the order of the day, with the CX-5 delivering composed ride and dynamic handling that make it one of the class leaders.
Standard features and safety equipment rank well and include six airbags, stability control and reversing camera on all variants. The Tech Pack, available only on Grand Touring versions, adds the advanced safety benefits of lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring and high beam headlight control (automatically changes between high and low beam).
For
Performance, refinement, fuel economy, ride and handling
Against
Tyre noise, spacesaver spare
Key features
Dual front climate control, cruise control, 19” alloys, tyre pressure monitoring, front/rear park sensors, reversing camera, power/heated seats, Bose audio, leather trim
Safety
Dual front/side/curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, dynamic stability/traction control, hill start assist, blind spot monitoring
Car Details
| Vehicle make |
Mazda |
| Vehicle model |
CX-5 GT Diesel AWD |
| Vehicle type |
SUV Over $40,000 |
| Year |
2012 |
| Price when new |
$48,620 (with Tech Pack) MLP |
| Current price range |
$ - $
|
| ANCAP crash rating |
|
| Insurance |
Get a quote for car insurance |
| Approved Repairers |
Our expert team of approved repairers can perform general and specialist repairs, including auto-electrical, air-conditioning, radiator repairs and automatic transmissions. |
| Engine |
2.2-litre, turbo-diesel, 4-cyl |
| Max power |
129 kW @ 4500 rpm |
| Max torque |
420 Nm @ 2000 rpm |
| Economy ADR |
5.7 litres/100 km |
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This review is based on road testing conducted by The Road Ahead. Further vehicle reviews, in-depth comparisons and coverage of consumer motoring issues can be found in the Club's magazine. Prices listed were current at the time of review and are manufacturers list prices and do not include statutory and delivery charges. Prices can vary from time to time and dealer to dealer.