Mazda CX-5

Australians have taken to so called "SUVs" like ducks to water. More than 30 percent of all car sales are now in this Sport Utility Vehicle segment. The CX-5 is the top seller in its class, closely followed by Mitsubishi's Outlander.
While most manufacturers have the utility part right, the "sport" aspect is lacking in some.
Not so the new Mazda CX-5.
While it's no MX-5 through corners, it's well planted and scare free,with little body roll, belying it's people and luggage carrying status.
It goes exactly where you point it, and the steering weighting through the leather bound wheel, is spot on.
There are three engine choices, a 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre petrol, and a 2.2 litre turbo diesel.
On test here is the 2.5 L petrol model, the range topping Akera with a six speed automatic gearbox.
A growing number of manufacturers, are fitting "idle stop" fuel saving technology to their cars. If not used to it, the system can be distracting, as it shuts the engine down when the car is stationary, restarting it instantly and automatically when the brake is released. The system can be over ridden via a dashboard button, when for example,the engine is needed to constantly run the air conditioner in summer.
The CX-5 's version is called SKYACTIV "i-stop" and as I mentioned, once used to its operation, is a handy feature.
Official fuel consumption on combined highway/ urban cycle is 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
I achieved about 9 in mainly urban driving over seven days.
In size the CX-5 is just about right, not too big, not too small.
The cargo area is large, and happily there's a full sized spare beneath the floor.
The CX-5 has replaced the CX-7 in Mazda's lineup, below the larger CX-9.
it looks purposeful and that's a good start.
There's plenty of room in the cabin, even with the sunroof. One of the few roof openings that has an adequate, well designed (and quiet)wind deflector.
Legroom in the rear is okay, but diminishes when taller folks are up front.
This Akera model has dual zone climate control, but rear seat passengers go without their own air conditioning vents, an annoying omission especially on hot days.
Electric windows are on all doors but only the driver's has "one touch" operation.
Leather seats in the CX-5 Akera  are generously sized, and quite comfortable, the front pair are heated.
There's a dead pedal for the driver's left foot, positioned in just the right place. Others can be too far away near the firewall and for all intents and purposes, useless. Brownie points here Mazda for getting that detail right.
The CX-5 wants for little in the equipment department.
Among the goodies, a lane departure warning system, high intensity bi xenon gas discharge headlights (with washers)  an automatic high beam feature, as well as blind spot monitoring in the wing mirrors, parking sensors and reversing camera.
The sound system isn't too shabby either.
In upper spec models you get a 9 speaker 231 watt Bose item, that should please most owners in tone, clarity and volume. The central touch screen is very easy to use, and it doubles as the Satnav.
At any speed, wind and road noise is commendably absent, even from around the wing mirrors, often a problem area in other vehicles.
Mazda has put a lot of effort into ride refinement and it shows.
The 19 inch wheels shod with 55 series tyres ,help the CX-5 absorb bumps like a much more luxurious vehicle, smooth, and well controlled.
The 138 kw engine with 250 nm of torque has a pleasing throaty note from beneath the bonnet. It's never harsh or raspy.
The 2.5 litre engine is a good performer with more than adequate pickup under hard acceleration.
In a crowded market it's often difficult to rise above the pack, but Mazda is onto a winner with the CX-5.
Peter Sellen.