CIRCULATING IN WANGARATTA, BENALLA, MYRTLEFORD, BRIGHT, MT BEAUTY, BEECHWORTH, YACKANDANDAH, RUTHERGLEN, CHILTERN AND DISTRICTS
NORTH EAST
May 15, 2015
available online - wangarattachronicle.com.au
PRINTED FORTNIGHTLY — VOLUME 473
Super Subaru Liberty Storypage3
UPGRADED CX-5: It has taken on a bolder look, especially up front.
Mazda CX-5 runs harder at the opposition T o be honest, at first I found the CX-5 hard to warm to. At its launch in February 2012, the Mazda sports utility vehicle showed a distinct lack of get up and go. In the intervening years, however, the maker has obviously put in the work on the vehicle’s performance, because the latest iteration has found its mojo and deservedly joins the ranks of what has become Australia’s most popular SUV, selling almost 1700 units a month, with total sales now approaching 60,000. The Mazda CX-5 GT 2.5-litre petrol AWD (our test vehicle) is but one of a long line of CX-5s; from the entry-level Maxx with six-speed manual transmission on sale from $27,190. That’s $610 less than the previous model, thanks to the new Japanese Free Trade agreement. Similar savings are to be made across
By DEREK OGDEN
all four grades – Maxx, Maxx Sport, Grand Touring and Akera. As well as internal and external styling changes, the introduction of new Mazda’s i-ActiveSense technologies takes safety to a new level, while improved dynamics add to the driving experience. The new CX-5 features MZD Connect, Mazda’s advanced next-generation car connectivity system that includes a seveninch touch screen display operated by a centre-console commander control knob. The new CX-5 puts on a bolder face with the mesh-style radiator grille replaced by five horizontal slats painted metallic grey and incorporating interesting engraving. The design is repeated in the LED fog lamp bezels.
Mazda tells us the LED headlights are designed to mimic eyes exhibiting an expressive look into the distance. At the rear the LEDs are called on to create a sharp line from the tail-lamps toward the centre of the vehicle, giving the rear view a taut look. So there you have it… Compact door mirrors incorporate LED turn signals which can be seen even from the front, making it easy for all-round identification of the CX-5. The entire 2015 upgrade is underpinned by stylish 19-inch wheels with gun metal highlights contrasting with the machining on its five twin spokes. The CX-5 cabin maintains Mazda’s ability to place instruments and controls best positioned for the driver but has spent time and effort refining how information is
presented to the person behind the wheel. Significant changes have been made to the centre stack and floor console, the latter being made taller and more defined, to bring the gear lever, commander control knob and surrounding switches closer to hand. An electric parking brake – a first in a Mazda - removes the need for a bulky handbrake lever and gives the top of the console a clean, uncluttered look. The upholstery of the test vehicle – white leather seats contrasting with black leather trim – without due care and attention, could throw up some soiling issues, especially in the presence of grubby children. Family wagon this ain’t – unless of course, you are lucky enough to have kids who clean up after themselves.
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