Since its launch the Mazda CX5 AWD SUV has been an outstanding success. It was a category winner of the OzRoamer COTY awards for 2012 and is a favourite of ours.
Mazda has upped the offering with the Mazda CX5 2.5L Akera. This range topping model comes in either petrol or diesel and the model we are testing here is the 2.5L Sky Active Petrol 6 speed automatic.
I have always liked the overall look of the CX5 and while that is subjective it always gets compliments when I drive it. The designers at Mazda certainly have nailed it.
The CXS Akera has a overall length of 4540mm, width of 1840mm and height of 1710mm. Importantly the wheelbase is 1700mm long and this translates to plenty of room inside for this class. The wheels are 19inch alloys with 225/55/R19 tyres. This assists with handling.
Inside there is leather everywhere. The driver’s seat is an 8-way electrically adjustable seat (including lumbar support) and was very comfortable. Even with the sunroof my 170cm frame fitted easily and there was plenty of room behind me. Taller drivers will also fit easily.
The leather steering wheel is thick and adjusts for reach and height It contains the controls for the stereo and cruise control etc .In front of the driver is a three dial dash that is clear and easy to read with a multi-function display on the right All round visibility for the driver is excellent especially with the standard reversing camera.
The centre stack features a 5.8-inch touchscreen monitor located at the top-centre of the dash. The infotainment system features a USB connector and Bluetooth® wireless connectivity as well as iPod® audio playback. The navigation system*, based on TomTom® technology, offers a top-quality connected service. For the audiophiles amongst us the 9 speaker Bose® surround sound system* will delight.
The lower portion of the centre stack features dual zone climate air-conditioning and controls for seat warmers. Unfortunately there are no vents for the rear passengers.
There is plenty of storage with a relatively large glove box, centre console, cup holders, bottle holders in front and rear doors and cup holders on a centre fold down tray for the rear passengers.
Speaking of the rear seat passengers, they have adequate head, shoulder and leg room and seats that are fairly comfortable. The boot area is cavernous as a result of clever design. Fold down the 40:20:40 split rear seats flat and you have 1,560 of volume. The tailgate lifts high enough and the load height won’t cause any problems.
As the Akera is the range topping model it is absolutely packed with standard features. The most notable of these are the additional features of Blind Spot Monitoring system (BSM), High Beam Control system (HBC), Lane Departure Warning system (LDW)
The 2.5-litre SKYACTIV petrol produces Power of 138 Kw @ 5,700 rpm and Torque of 250 Nm @ 4,000rpm. This is matched to the 6 speed Tiptronic transmission and has a maximum speed of just under 200kmh.
The key thing is that with the Sky Active technology and an unusually high compression ratio of 13:1 for a petrol engine the fuel economy is great. We averaged around 10.2L/100K around town and about 6.5 on the freeway runs. The i-stop certainly helped around town.
With a 5 star safety rating the Akera has plenty of active and passive safety technologies including 6 SRS Airbags, reverse camera, ABS, DSC, EBA, EBD, TCS and Hill Launch Assist (HLA).
The AWD SUV Mazda CX5 Akera is a fully equipped sporty family vehicle that lives up to Mazda’s theme of pleasurable driving. Handling is impressive and the 2.5L Sky Active petrol engine addresses the shortfall of the alternative petrol in the lineup. However while it is competent on dirt roads, it isn’t a real off road SUV so be mindful of that.
What is good:
• Fuel Economy
• Standard Features included
• Passenger room
What is not so good:
• No rear air vents
• Still prefer diesel
• Nothing else I can think of
Model Mazda CX-5 2.5-litre Akera AWD
Model Price $50,459 RDAP
Engine 2.5L Sky Active 4 Cyl Petrol
Drivetrain AWD 6 Speed Auto
Power 138 Kw @ 5,700 rpm
Torque 250 Nm @ 4,000rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 172 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 3 1/2 Star
Economy (ADR comb) 7.4 L/100km
Tow Capacity – Max 1800 kg
Tow Ball Rating 150 kg
Servicing $Not Supplied
Warranty 3yr/with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 84/100
Behind the Wheel 8
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 8
Ride & Handling 8
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 10
Towing Ability 7
Off Road Ability 7
Value for Money 9
