Mazda CX-5 2017 review | first drive video

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• published: 30 Mar 2017
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Tim Robson road tests and reviews the Mazda CX-5 with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch. Read Tim's full review here: http://carsgui.de/2oDWyvQ See more at the CarsGuide CX-5 hub: http://carsgui.de/2niHl1V Find other family SUVs here: http://carsgui.de/2obdYQ2 - - - - - - - - - - Since it launched in 2012, Mazda's CX-5 SUV has been a runaway hit. In fact, it's been the best selling SUV in Australia for the last four years running. This does present Mazda with a bit of a problem, though. How can it improve its most popular soft roader without changing what's made it such a success? Meet the thoroughly tweaked - but refreshingly familiar - 2017 CX-5. Previewed at the Los Angeles motor show late last year, the updated CX-5 has been worked over from the top down - to a point. Every body panel is new and the interior has been heavily massaged, but the car's mechanical basics have been pretty much left alone. Mazda has added more technology to the car, including its g-vectoring control system that helps to settle the steering, as well as more sophisticated slow and high speed AEB across the range. Prices have moved upwards across most of the range between $300 and $900, but the top spec Akira is actually $400 cheaper – and it gets more stuff. The CX-5's bodywork is all new, because Mazda has moved all this back by about 35mm, which means a new bonnet, roof, side panels and nose. In here, the rear seats are lower and can be reclined, while the centre console is higher and the fronts seats are all new. If you were hoping for more room back here, though, you might be disappointed. Mazda has rejigged it a little, but it only gains 39 litres in capacity over the older model. Mazda still offers a selection of engines that includes a 2.0-litre petrol, a two and a half litre petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel, all in four cylinder guise. You can also pick from front and all wheel drive trains, and while most of the range features a six speed auto, you can still get a six speed manual in the entry level Maxx. New to the range for 2017 is the Touring. It sits right in the middle of the five-model range, and comes with either the 2.5-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel in all wheel drive automatic form only. Mazda reckons it'll make up about a quarter of CX-5 sales going forward. The Touring is the first in the line to get Mazda's new traffic sign recognition system, as well as a heads up display. It also gets rear seat air-conditioning vents and USB port, as well as satnav and dual-zone air conditioning. The updated CX-5 doesn't feel too different to drive from here, because it's fundamentally still the same car underneath. But what is different is the way the car feels. Like its big brother, the CX-9, there is a real feel of sophistication and quality in the way the interior has been put together. Part of that feel, too, is down the g-vectoring system. Basically it smooths your steering inputs by reducing power ever so slightly to the inside wheel when you turn the car. The CX-5 is still as practical, and as easy to drive, as it was before - there's a reason it's the best selling SUV, after all. The Touring is a great addition to the line up, too, and bridges the previously big jump from the Maxx Sport to the GT model. Downsides? Not many to report, really. There's still no digital speedo, and the luggage space is a little tight. The CX-5 also misses out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in favour of Mazda's own MZD Connect system. I actually got in trouble for calling this update a facelift when it launched last year. And I'll cop that - the updates to the CX-5 are more than that, but they haven't changed what makes the car so popular. I'll be over in the naughty corner if anyone needs me. CarsGuide - Buy cars. Sell cars. Simple. Check us out: www.carsguide.com.au Subscribe to our channel: http://carsgui.de/2aMzFTT Follow us on Twitter: http://carsgui.de/2ah6eta Like us on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/17kv9Ui See our Instagram: http://carsgui.de/2aQ0M1H We're on Google+: http://carsgui.de/2atBwbF