![]() > make sure when buying an older CX-5 that you get the primary and spare transponder (electronic key) and that they interact as they should with the remote door controls and starter button. Torn drive-shaft seals let in sand and dirt. Inspect any car you are considering for underbody scrapes, stone damage and dented exhaust components that indicate one that has been taken where it shouldn't have gone. > CX-5s with their short overhangs and decent ground clearance are competent on gravel, snow and firmly packed sand but suspension travel is limited, so keep them away from the rough stuff. The all-wheel drive i-Activ system is for the most part front-wheel drive with 27 sensors to monitor grip levels and 'predict' the level of grip that will be available as surfaces and even outside temperatures change. People who tested these cars when new seem not to have done much serious off-road driving and nor did we. From 2015 Mazda improved the feel of its electrically-assisted steering and there would be few instances – off-road in mud maybe – where the driver would not be certain of where the front tyres were pointing and how much grip they were delivering. The steering wheel with its maze of buttons is nonetheless easy to learn and the wheel itself feels brilliant. Taller drivers have complained about the height of the seats and limited lumbar adjustment but for most users they will be fine. The view from the driver's seat, even in a base-grade Mazda CX-5 Maxx, is impressive and very functional. Mazda's new participant in the combative medium SUV market was a success because it did most of what its target market wanted without quirks or chest thumping. However, no one could be disappointed by the level of equipment provided. When fitted with the diesel engine this was the first CX-5 to break the $50,000 price barrier. The Akera came with petrol or diesel power, mandatory all-wheel drive and automatic transmission. New for 2015 was an additional model name and even greater levels of CX-5 convenience and luxury. Still no face-level air-vents in the back however. ![]() The cloth-trimmed seats were claimed to be more comfortable than before and came in conjunction with a redesigned console. These changes were Mazda's response to complaints from owners of early KE Series CX-5s about road noise. Most significant among the alterations was inclusion of extra sound deadening and thicker glass. Visible updates were minimal, with a redesigned grille, lights and minor trim details helping remind buyers that they were driving the later and improved model. Roll forward three years and the CX-5 range kept its basics intact while undergoing sufficient change to remain interesting. The CX-5 GT (and Maxx Sport) could also be specified with a $1990 Tech Pack that performed all manner of interesting functions including lane departure monitoring and automatic headlight dipping. Spending $47,000 would buy an All-Wheel Drive diesel auto in Grand Touring trim with leather seat trim (plus heaters and power adjustment on the driver's side), a power sunroof and 19-inch alloy wheels. Lack of power was a problem but it did offer a competent chassis and surprising amounts of load-space. It cost $27,800 and came with all the goodies expected in a mid-range Mazda. The CX-5 arrived here in 2012, tasked with giving Mazda3 owners an aspirational model and replacing the ageing CX-7.Ĭheapest of the CX-5s when new and prolific in today's used market is the front-wheel drive, petrol-fed, 2.0-litre manual Maxx. However, with one spectacular exception relating to its diesel engine, the CX-5 seemingly has escaped the 'Best Of.' hex almost unscathed. ![]() While scanning the list of international Mazda CX-5 accolades there was therefore a sneaking fear that its success might be overwhelmed by a growing list of owner complaints and recall notices. Not so the 'Friday Cars' with their lists of their defects detailed across the internet that can make the 'experts' who confer such honours look like complete mugs. Contenders are invariably hand-picked for assessment by the company's PR and engineering staff and avoid quality-control demons that can afflict regular examples. Awards can deliver a welcome boost or the kiss of death to new models arriving in the market.
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