By Khulekani Dumisa

Recently we drove the updated CX-5 2.2L DE Akera Auto AWD. The refreshed Mazda CX-5 range adopts a new front bumper, signature wing and front grille with a three-dimensional texture. The rear also features a new bumper and tailgate. The headlights and taillights receive significant design changes with each lamp featuring a pair of rectangular LED lights. Adaptive LED headlamps now include 20 segment LED arrays to provide brighter lighting and enhanced visibility. The CX-5 also receives newly designed alloy wheels and a new colour, namely Zircon Sand Metallic.

Inside, the CX-5’s seat design has been updated for extra comfort and support. Unusual for an update, Mazda has increased the luggage capacity by eliminating the height difference between the cargo area floor and the tailgate sill.

Range-topping 2.2L DE Akera Auto AWD

Setting apart our test CX-5 2.2L DE Akera Auto AWD is a front bumper with gloss black accents, black plating on its wing, red accent in the grille black accents on the side mirrors, pillar garnish, door garnish and tyre arch, and larger tailpipes to name a few. Powering the luxury SUV is a 2.2-litre diesel engine with 140 kW and 450 Nm.

Impressions

Mazda seemingly cannot put its foot wrong these days, and these are good news for consumers in an economy where we are always trying to make our hard-earned money go further. At R731,900, the Mazda CX-5 2.2L DE Akera 6AT AWD is not “cheap” but something comparable from the “premium” gang that would cost at least an additional R200,000. In addition, this price is all-inclusive. No exhausting list of options.

Back to the 2.2L DE Akera 6AT AWD, the highlights for us were of course the looks, premium interior finishes, tech and the powerful yet frugal diesel engine. We took the CX-5 on a jaunt to KZN and the Free State, and it offered a truly plush ride quality no matter the condition of the road. The 2.2-litre diesel engine with 140 kW and 450 Nm, was eager and wanted to push more with the transmission matching it in most instances.

The option of AWD and the decent handling the CX-5 showed on gravel roads, had us wishing we could stay for the snow at the legendary mountains of uKhahlamba. Making the drive extra enjoyable were safety features like blind spot monitor and lane keep, and the frugal 6.9l/100km fuel consumption, notwithstanding the hurried nature of the trip.

Mazda CX-5 range
Prices start from R493,100.