Road test review: Mazda CX-5 SP25T

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

MAZDA CX-5 SP25T
Base price: $58,995
Powertrain and economy: 2.5-litre turbo-petrol inline-four, 170kW/420Nm, 6-speed automatic, AWD, combined economy 8.2L/100km, CO2 188g/km (source: RightCar).

The SP25T is the second turbocharged member of the CX-5 family.

Vital statistics: 4550mm long, 1680mm high, 2700mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 455 litres, 19-inch alloy wheels.
We like: Lovely turbo power, same CX-5 refinement

The SP25T’s 170kW turbo engine packs a smoothly civilised punch.

We don't like: Interior/six-speed auto slightly dated, sporty name means it needs sportier attitude

Mazda has expanded the CX-5 family by one, reviving an old badge in the process. The SP25T slots in between the Limited and Takami grades, using the latter’s engine with trim closer to the former.

From the outside, there isn’t much to suggest this is a more special CX-5...

SP? So this is the sporty CX-5?

Sort of. Mazda has used the 2.5-litre turbo-four from the Takami here, which is a beaut of an engine, paired with the same six-speed transmission.

* Mazda's SkyActiv-X engine driven

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The SP25T is brilliant both in the city and out on the windier stuff.

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There’s nothing particularly wrong with the interior, but the small screen does give away its age.

It’s a decent step from the 140kW/252Nm naturally aspirated version, making 170kW/420Nm. Most of that twist is available low in the revs too, which means the SUV jumps off the line faster than you might expect.

But that doesn’t necessarily make it sporty, despite the badge’s connotations to old Mazda hot hatchbacks. This is more of an easy-going drive, as opposed to the on-edge antics of something like the Cupra Ateca.

The CX-5 has always been a great SUV, and the turbo engine only makes things better.

There aren’t any bang or pops in Sport mode and the turbo isn't even that loud. In fact, it’s sometimes hard to tell the turbo is there at all, which can be nice as the torque delivery is more progressive. Power still comes in nicely though, so don’t write the SP off just yet.

Not a Cupra Ateca competitor? That’s a shame…

Not so fast. Don’t think the SP25T is slow, because it isn’t. Remember, this engine is also working in the larger CX-9. If you ask it to, it’ll barrel along happily at high speeds. Factor in Mazda’s typically brilliant steering and a suspension set-up that’s surprisingly good when pushed. The CX-5 has always had a great chassis and this hasn’t changed.

The six-speed transmission is a bit of a weak point, however. It’s not that it’s bad, it’s just old tech compared to the seven-, eight- and nine-speed ‘boxes on the market now. Mazda’s unit is definitely built for a purpose closer to commuting and easy driving, rather than corner carving and finding the best blend of torque and power.

There are paddles behind the wheels if you prefer taking control of the gears, but it’s probably easier to let the transmission do its thing.

While it’s still totally capable, I feel the ‘SP’ badge should come with a bit of yobbishness, like a new exhaust or something. That said, I can appreciate the pricing slot between the Limited and the Takami is slim.a

What about in the city?

Where a sportier SUV might lose out, the SP25T shines. The suspension is happier here than it is in the twisties, which is saying something, given how quickly it takes to those roads. It’s a comfy ride, this, and with the bevy of safety bits Mazda has included, it’s easy too.

Figure on autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop/go and a five-star ANCAP rating.

Thankfully, the bleeps and squawks are quiet and in the background, though still present enough to be noticed. The head-up display also shows when someone enters a blind spot, which is nice.

Fuel consumption isn’t brilliant, sitting around 9 or 10 litres per hundred kilometres, but the SP25T is happy on 91 octane which should ease some wallet-localised pain.

All-wheel drive is welcome, allowing for better grip in the wet and more confidence to drive over muddy fields. If that’s your thing. This isn’t an off-roader though, don’t try and follow a Defender or Wrangler into the bush unless you’ve got phone reception and don’t mind being rescued.

Any other bits the SP25T gets?

Mazda has given the SP25T a ‘blackout’ theme, which includes black alloys, piano black exterior mirrors, black deluxe leatherette/suede seat trim along with a black decoration panel. Contrasting is red stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

This builds on the Limited model, which gets a sunroof, Bose audio system and privacy glass on the rear side and back windows.

Unfortunately, the CX-5 still goes without wireless charging, although Apple users can now use CarPlay wirelessly. Sorry Androids, you still need a cable. The screen is small by today’s demanding standards too, though hardly unusable. Physical knobs are welcome (and personally preferred) but also look dated in an increasingly digital world.

And don’t forget Mazda’s warranty, which spans five years with unlimited mileage, along with the first three years/100,000km of servicing for free.

Any other cars I should consider?

The Cupra Ateca would be a sharp one, priced at $66,900. It has more power, slightly less torque but a less premium interior.

Alternatively, the Hyundai Kona N, which uses the engine and front-drive set-up from the awesome I30 N. No prices have been announced yet, with Hyundai NZ saying it will reveal them closer to the local launch, which is scheduled for the second half of this year.