Road test: Mazda CX-5 SP25T and Takami

Sunday, 18 December 2022

See Mazda's AWD SUVs do their thing in the snow. Plus a little RWD surprise.

MAZDA CX-5 SP25T and TAKAMI
Base price: $61,690 and $64,690 (RightCar estimated Clean Car Programme fee: $1552)
Powertrain and economy: 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, 170kW/420Nm, 6-speed automatic, AWD, combined economy 9.1L/100km, CO2 213g/km (source: RightCar).

We drive two of Mazda’s leading CX-5 variants, the Takami (grey) and SP25T (red).

Vital statistics: 4575mm long, 1845mm wide, 1675mm high, 2700mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 401 litres, 19-inch alloy wheels.
Safety: 5 stars (Source: ANCAP)

The SP25T’s more outgoing aesthetic is underlined by its black wheels and contrasting black trim.

We like: Still a classy, competent, well-equipped SUV that is a pleasure to drive. Turbo engine is an utter delight.
We don't like: The engine might be delightful, but it is thirsty…

The CX-5’s cabin is still one of the most plush in the family SUV segment.

The Mazda CX-5 has been a mainstay of the Mazda range for a number of years now which makes sense, seeing it is also one of the best medium SUVs on the market. We check out the two top-spec versions with one thing in common - Mazda’s powerful and rather excellent 170kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine.

OUTSIDE

The Takami is differentiated from lesser CX-5s by bright-finish 19-inch alloy wheels and as body-coloured wheel arches, front and rear bumper mouldings and mirrors giving it a more upmarket look.

Mazda’s turbocharged 2.5-litre is a surprisingly fun and quick companion.

**READ MORE:

* Road test review: Mazda CX-5 SP25T

The CX-5’s Takami variant can be identified via its body-coloured arches and gleaming silver wheels.

* Mazda's SkyActiv-X engine driven

* Road test review: Mazda CX-30

Brown Nappa leather has become a Mazda Takami trademark.

* Mazda adds new signature to flagship SUV

Mazda’s ‘Soul Red’ hue is one of the most dynamic and reactive paint colours when parked in the sun.

The SP25T, meanwhile, goes down a sportier route, with metallic black 19-inch alloy wheels and a dark chrome grille surround, with gloss black wheel arches, bumper mouldings and mirrors.

While these may sound like relatively subtle differences, the overall effect is more obvious, with both looking relatively distinctive within the CX-5 range.

Some SUVs are more practical than the CX-5, but few are as engaging.

The SP25T even manages to look particularly ‘sporty’ in the bright red finish of our test car.

INSIDE

We remain firm fans of the CX-5 ... although an electrified option would be nice.

There is nothing particularly different between the two on the inside, apart from the fact that the Takami gets a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats.

Both get leather seating (the Takami goes for the full-fat Nappa variety) and a generous amount of standard equipment, including a 10-speaker Bose audio system, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, electrically adjustable heated front seats, dual zone climate control and a sunroof.

While both are extremely comfortable and well-appointed, the Takami does score more in the plush department thanks to its fancier leather, which genuinely does bring a higher sense of occasion to the interior.

UNDER THE BONNET

Here’s where things are identical - both the Takami and SP25T pack Mazda’s buttery-smooth 2.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine that pumps out 170kW and 420Nm.

The extra grunt is immediately apparent over the lesser CX-5s that have to make do with naturally aspirated power and transforms the CX-5 into an almost Euro-style luxury SUV with appropriately effortless performance.

The engine is wonderfully smooth and powerful with its maximum torque peaking at just 2000rpm, making for superbly relaxed but strong responses at low speeds and effortless cruising at higher speeds.

The torque hangs around long enough for it to be an excellent partner at open road speeds, while the six-speed automatic transmission manages the torque and power curves nicely.

It is here that the engine’s biggest weakness comes into play as well - and this is its fuel consumption.

Mazda claims 8.2L/100km under the outdated NEDC testing cycle, which converts to 9.1L/100km under the 3P-WLTP calculations that the government requires for the Clean Car Programme. But neither the Takami nor the SP25T got anywhere near this in our time with them, with both happily settling into the 10 to 12 mark after a week with each.

A few more gears in the transmission would no doubt help with this, but you can’t help feeling that the 2.5-litre turbo engine is simply an excellent engine at almost exactly the wrong time…

ON THE ROAD

The CX-5 has always been one of the best handlers in its class and the Takami and SP25T are no exception to that. Impressively dynamic through the corners and very comfortable when cruising, both are delightful things on the open road.

Very composed over all surfaces and unflustered by large imperfections, both handle the worst of what New Zealand roads can throw at them with utter disdain.

While the SP25T presents itself as visually sportier, it really isn’t any different whatsoever from the Takami when it comes to on-road abilities. But given the effortless performance and sharp handling of both, this really doesn’t matter.

VERDICT

The CX-5 still stands tall as one of the best mid-size SUVs you can buy, and the two range-toppers only serve to reinforce that perception.

While they both present quite differently, the choice between the two really only comes down to aesthetics - do you prefer the brasher, sporty look of the $61,690 SP25T or the classier, more traditional look of the $64,690 Takami?

The $3000 price difference is easily accounted for by the plusher Nappa leather, ventilated front seats (and heated rear), a 360 degree monitor and the fact that it is also the only CX-5 outside the Activ to get the off-road mode on the drive selector, leaving you a simple choice between more luxury or sportier looks.

The turbo engine is a wonderfully powerful and flexible addition to the successful CX-5 formula, with its fuel consumption being the only real drawback.

But that may well be a very big drawback indeed in this day and age where better is expected, even from our ICE powertrains.