We drive the Mazda CX-5 Akera AWD SUV

CX-5 Akera 2023 road test review

11/10/2023 admin Motoring Minute Episodes 0

cx-5 Akera – One of the most popular mid size SUVs is the Mazda CX-5 and I drove the top model Akera last week. It comes in a choice of a normal petrol engine, turbo petrol and turbo diesel engine with All Wheel Drive. I prefer the diesel. The CX-5 seems to get the balance just right.

Good design, reasonable room inside and practical boot space.

The 2.2 litre diesel engine has enough performance for most drivers and excellent economy. It’s matched to a 6 speed automatic transmission and all wheel drive system.

Think of this as an additional safety feature and good for snow trips rather than venturing too far off road.

Inside the Akera is packed with goodies. Leather seats with electric adjustment for the front two with heating and ventilation. Wireless Apple CarPlay on the ten and a quarter inch central screen.

One little thing is the central screen doesn’t have touch functionality and that makes it a little awkward to use. It needs updating.

Mazda CX-5 Akera diesel is priced from a little over $55,000 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE MAZDA CX-5 AKERA RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Quick Mazda CX-5 Akera thoughts

Looks good with appealing style.
Akera has almost everything you could ask for in it.
Comfortable inside and well laid out.
Front seats are relaxing and supportive.
I appreciated the heated front seats and LED headlights
Driver positioning is more upright than some others but feels alright.
Thick steering wheel fits nicely in the hands
Diesel engine is smooth, powerful enough and economical.
6 Sp AT works well with the engine but some competitors have oved to an 8 Sp AT
Its an urban SUV and works well there.
Mazda continuing with the dial controls for the central screen is confusing.
It makes the user interface more convoluted than it should be.
Rear seat and boot are a little tight.

What is good?

Easy to live with
Build quality.
Ideal urban runabout

What is not so good?

Infotainment and connectivity technology is dated.
Rear seats tight
Little pricey

Some other Mazda CX-5 articles

Also look at.

The CX-5 Akera sits in a very crowded and competitive segment in the market. The list of alternatives is long.

So let’s look at some of the more interesting ones.

Buyers could look towards Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 3008 GT, Toyota RAV 4, Citroen C5 Aircross, Skoda Karoq, Jeep Compass.

Mazda CX-5 Akera final thoughts

Mazda CX- 5 is the brands most popular vehicle and for good reason.

It seems to get the balance of size and space right for the urban environment.

CX-5 Akera comes well equipped, but it also comes with a slight premium price.

With a choice of petrol or diesel engine buyers can be satisfied. I like the diesel, its responsive yet economical.

Overall the CX-5 Akera gets a big tick from me. .

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Motoring Minute is also part of the Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

We drive the Mazda CX-5 Akera AWD SUV

CX-5 Akera 2023 road test review

TO LISTEN TO THE MAZDA CX-5 AKERA RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW