Mazda CX-5 Akera diesel: A convincing all-rounder

FIVE THINGS ... WE LEARNT ABOUT THE MAZDA CX-5 AKERA DIESEL

1 It isn’t top of the segment for nothing

With a sales of about 1600 a month, Mazda’s handsome CX-5 medium size SUV is well clear of the competition year to date. The range topping Akera diesel accounts for only about 10 per cent of CX-5 sales but has all features as standard, including a full suite of advanced driver-assist measures such as lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking and radar cruise control. Luxury items include Bose audio and leather upholstery. Mazda’s infotainment set-up streams your phone on a large touch screen. Its efficient diesel engine adds to a convincing argument.

2 Recent upgrades lift the bar

It’s been around since 2012 and a new model CX-5 will be unveiled at next week’s Los Angeles motor show. The current model’s update early last year improved dynamics through suspension and steering upgrades, reduced noise and vibration into the cabin and added driver assist technology. The all-wheel-drive set-up generates less friction to save fuel and adaptive LED headlights improve vision at night.

Mazda CX5 Akera

3 It‘s wide of the claimed fuel consumption figure

We couldn’t get near the claimed 5.7L/100km. The best was 6.8L — still pretty good, giving a touring range of about 840km from the 58L tank. All the features in Akera add up to a 1700kg kerb weight which exacts a toll on fuel economy.

4 It has some chinks in the armour

The test car’s front parking radar was sporadically on the blink. It doesn’t have rear aircon outlets, which came as a big surprise. No electric tailgate or auto opening and no seven-seat option. Servicing over three years comes in at $1620 for four services. A Toyota RAV4 costs $1080 over the same period for six services.

5 It’s the right fit for mums and dads in Australia

It’s no surprise that medium SUV sales are booming — they suit so many buyers. The CX-5 isn’t too big for city parking yet there’s room for four adults plus luggage. A bicycle fits easily with the rear seats folded. The clever 40-20-40 function folds them flat into the floor to open up load space of 1500L-plus. Large doors make access easy. The Akera has generous luxury and safety equipment and is easy to drive, thanks in part to a high front seating position with excellent outward vision.

QUICK GLANCE

MAZDA CX-5 AKERA

PRICE $50,410

SAFETY 5 stars

ENGINE 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 129kW/420Nm

TRANSMISSION 6-speed auto; AWD

THIRST 5.7L/100km