48 whichcar.com.au/wheels
Golden goose SUV keeps its ducks
Mazda CX-5
FIRST
AUSSIE
DRIVE
deactivation for 2018, with the car
capable of shutting combustion off
to two of its cylinders, though the
result is a scant 0.1L/100km gain
ontheofficialcycle.
Meanwhile, the 2.2-litre turbo-
diesel unit has received a new
multi-stage combustion system,
alargertwin-scrollturbo,and
reshaped combustion chambers.
The net result is an increase of
11kW to 140kW and a significant
30Nmboosttotorque,now450Nm.
With the extra grunt and
excellent refinement, the diesel
reinforces its position as the sweet
spot of the CX-5 engine line-up.
The2.0-litrepetrolhelpskeep
theentrypricesharpat$28,690
foramanualMaxx,andtherev-
happydonkisagemaround
town, despite its diminutive
115kW/200Nm outputs. Flex your
right foot further however, or go
toperformanovertake,andthe
2.0L’s lack of outright muscle is
exposed compared to the CX-5’s
larger capacity engines.aversion to diesel, the 2.5-litre
petrolengineremainsasweet
thing. Unfortunately, our test
loop lacked enough consistent
highwaydrivingtofeeltheeffects
of cylinder deactivation.
Thedieseloffersthesame
powerfigureasthe2.5-litrepetrol,
with near-enough 200Nm more
torque, improving the day-to-day
liveability. However, it does attract
a $3000 premium over the 2.5.
ThesameMaxx,MaxxSport,
Touring, GT and Akera model
grades from 2017 are carried over
for MY18 models, with $400-800
trimmedfromthestickerprice
across the range.
Mazda’s mid-size SUV retains
thecar-like,suppleyetathletic
dynamics, and easy ergonomics
thatwepraisedatitslaunch,but
with a slightly more compelling
price point and improved engines.
An already strong package just
became even stronger.
CAMERON KIRBYPLUS &
MINUSImproved fuel economy; decent power and torque boost for diesel
azda’s upgrades will
probably have car anoraks
pulling their hair out, as not
a single exterior change has
been made for the MY18
update. Inside there have
been two minor additions
to the cabin, with the
head-up display (which is
now equipped with speed
sign recognition) projected
onto the windscreen
instead of a flip-up piece of
polycarbonate. A 360-degree
view monitor is also added
to the flagship Akera model
grade. Picking a fresh CX-5 in
the carpark will take a rather
keen eye for detail.A FINALIST in Wheels’ 2018
Car of the Year, Mazda’s
second-generation mid-
size SUV became a smash
sales success in its first
year on sale locally – 24,200
examples found new homes
between April ’17 and March ’18.
But, instead of resting on its
laurels, Mazda has updated
the CX-5 with some subtle but
important changes.
The major differences are under
the bonnet, with upgrades to
all three available engines and
improvements in fuel economy
across the range.
The base 2.0-litre four-cylinder
receives the mildest reworking.
Mazda has improved the thermal
management system and knock
resistance for increased torque
output throughout the rev range,
reduced emissions, and a token
1kW boost in peak power.
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
comes in for more significant
revisions. It now boasts cylinderModel
Engine
Max power
Max torque
Transmission
Weight
0-100km/h
Economy
Price
On saleMazda CX-5 Akera
2191cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo-diesel
140kW @ 4500rpm
450Nm @ 2000rpm
6-speed automatic
1751kg
8.5sec (estimated)
5.7L/100km
$49,190
NowPetrol 2.0 engine works hard; extensive range could overwhelm some
uupp
I, wvere yo hve an
Spotter’s misery
d ’ d ill