Motor Torque with David Berthon

• Mazda’s CX-5 Maxx Sport SUV – long standing but still a very competent SUV

  Further on Mazda’s long standing CX-5 SUV but still highly competitive with ten models in a mix of petrol and diesel and front or all-wheel drive, I’m driving the second tier 2.5-litre six-speed automatic CX-5 Maxx Sport front wheel drive at $43,184 drive-away with optional metallic paint. I did nearly 900km over the Anzac weekend with a lot of highway cruising at the open road limit. The naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 140kW and 252Nm of torque did a workmanlike job but what surprised was the economy, averaging 7.4L/100km on 91 grade petrol with four passengers. This is simply a great allrounder, well shod 17-inch alloy wheels provide a very comfortable ride while the electric power assistance offers good feel whilst parking and on the run. Comfort and convenience items include dual zone climate control, satellite navigation, a head-up instrument display, well bolstered cloth seats, a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a good level of active safety elements. Thankfully the warning elements are not intrusive like many of the new breed of Chinese SUV’s. Disappointments – no wireless phone charger and the lack of a power rear door. However, the Mazda CX-5 is still up there as one of our best mid-size SUV’s. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Mazda’s CX-5 Maxx Sport SUV

  Driving the popular Mazda CX-5 SUV today, Mazda’s top seller, it’s been around a long time in ten models, a mix of petrol and diesel and front or all-wheel drive. No hybrid but I’m told its coming. I drove the second tier 2.5-litre six-speed automatic CX-5 Maxx Sport front wheel drive - $43,184 drive-away, which included optional Soul Red Chrystal Metallic paint at $795. A colour that has in many ways become a trademark of Mazda. The CX-5 a good looker, still our fourth best-selling medium SUV, behind Toyota’s RAV4 and getting some strong competition these days from Kia’s Sportage and Hyundai’s Tuscon. I did nearly 900km over the Anzac weekend and it really surprised - well sorted, extremely comfortable for four adults – the Maxx Sport well specified apart from the lack of wireless phone charging and a power rear door. But it has dual zone air-conditioning with rear outlets, a welcome head up display, a rather small 8-inch display screen on the dash but just so safe to use with a rotary dialer to let you scroll through a menu – so much safer than many of the new Chinese SUV’s with their large touchscreens and no active buttons. Warranty 5-years/unlimited km. Drive details next. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Chery Tiggo 4 SUV – outstanding value in a small SUV

  I finally caught up with the small Chery Tiggo 4 SUV recently – this relatively new Chinese newcomer has received favourable reviews – a highly equipped SUV in two sharply priced grades – the Urban at $23,990 drive-away and the Ultimate at $26,990 drive-away – both surprising in terms of value and very well-built for that money too. Utilising a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 108kW and 210Nm linked to a continuously variable automatic driving the front wheels. The Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate model with sunroof and dual zone climate control air is incredible value and unmatched in features by the likes of MG’s ZS and Haval’s Jolion while it undercuts the likes of Hyundai’s Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30 and Kia’ Seltos. I just driven Chery Tiggo 4 models and came away impressed – I review the Chery Tiggo 4 on Sunday week. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Mazda slashes the price of its large CX-90 SUV

  With sales slowing to just 190 units in the first quarter Mazda has slashed the prices of its large CX-90 SUV from $6,000 to $7800 across the 10-model range. The entry CX-90 G50E Touring now starting at $68,800 plus on-road costs. The flagship D50E Azami Takumi dropping to $91,924 plus on-road costs. The CX-90 was criticised at its launch in late 2023 for pushing the large SUV into much dearer pricing compared to the outgoing CX-9 which was firm family favourite at a much more competitive price. The CX-90 offering two power trains, either a 3.3-litre turbo in-line six-cylinder petrol or diesel, both with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance and linked to eight- speed dual clutch automatics. SUVs now represent 64 percent of Mazda’s sales with the CX-5 still its best seller and with the CX-3, CX-30, 60,70 and 80 models in strong demand. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Mitsubishi’s ASX ES SUV – a little dated but a value packed small SUV

  Driving Mitsubishi’s evergreen small SUV today – the ASX, not the latest smallSUV but outstanding value, long standing and well tried and tested and bestvalue in the second tier ES grade backed up by a 10-year/200,000km warranty aslong as it’s serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. But how does it drive – the ASX ESautomatic at just under $30,000 drive-away powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinderdriving the front wheels through a CVT automatic. Step into the cabin and it feelsa little dated, very comfortable and practical with great seats but there’s no smartkey or wireless phone charger, but thankfully, it has dials for the climate controlair-con, radio tuning and volume as distinct to the frustrating and distractivemenus on a touch screen. The drive experience also shows its age – the engineno fire breather and under load, the noise vibration and harshness levels aresuch that it feels a little unrefined. No problems with economy however, 8.0L/100on 91 grade petrol while it exhibits good steering feel and a pleasant ride. A newMitsubishi ASX SUV is due in November, a rebranded Renault Capture, althoughMitsubishi has indicated it will not be as affordable as the current model. I’mDavid BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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