2016 Mazda CX-5 Akera: owner review

First sentence of submission.
Owner: Damien Landini

What we love

• Bose Stereo
• Good driving dynamics for an SUV
• Diesel Torque

What we don’t

• Touchscreen turns off when driving
• Infotainment cumbersome and slow to load on start up
• Rear air-con vents missing

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In the winter of 2017 my family and I went to the snow. Falls Creek to be exact. We had our venerable 2005 Nissan X-Trail, a tough no frills car that only rust could kill. However that didn’t stop a gentlemen and his Land Rover from giving it a crack! So as he hit black ice, albeit faster than his skills or grip would allow, the front end of our family car was removed henceforth. On the first day of the holiday no less. So enter the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Akera Diesel.

We bought the Mazda second hand from a dealer, with a year remaining on the 3-year factory warranty, and only 36000km on the odometer. The previous owner was fastidious, taking out paint protection (a unicorn; the only person I’ve heard of doing so) dent and tyre protection, and window guards.

So why the CX-5 Akera Diesel? Well firstly we wanted something that was a step-up in terms of comfort and safety, a psychological remnant of the X-trails demise. This would be a family car, my wife’s daily and the holiday trawler. Therefore driving dynamics, supermarket maneuverability and obligatory space between children were key to requirements. Also given our price range I wanted economy combined with some real word power on the highway – hence the diesel. A small economic engine, with the diesel torque to give the impression of extra power, and real overtaking ability.

I researched a number of other cars. Comparing every available variable, important or otherwise. Most notable in this price range my wife and I found the CX-5’s to be the best finished and most functional of SUV interiors. Indeed Mazda I’d say is the best of the interiors in the JDM arena of this time period. Rear leg room is excellent for 2 or 3 passengers, even on a long trip. I’ve sat there with one of the kids for extended journey’s.

There is some hesitancy with diesels these days. We bought ours at the peak of popularity in Australia. For long trips it’s great for overtaking, and covering long expanses without stopping, but around town the benefits are marginal. The Mazda diesel is a clean, modern oil-burner, with the caveat of regular, sustained use needed. The catalytic convertor needs to get hot to burn off the excess oil, if not, expect short timeframes between services. The misnomer here is the people say a 40 minute run of the freeway every two weeks is enough. This isn’t the case, as the CX-5 doesn’t run hot, and sitting on a cruising speed in sixth gear doesn’t get it done. You need to take a spirited run, accelerating quickly from the lights, and putting the boots in for a good half-hour. I’ve learnt this the hard way.

The driving dynamics bely the higher centre of gravity of the CX-5. Steering is direct, and perhaps complemented with a heavier than expected weight, and the 6-speed auto (no DSG) is smooth and suitable for a mid-sized SUV. Reliability has been excellent with no issues to date.

Owner: Damien Landini

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