The Mazda CX-5. Perhaps the most misunderstood vehicle in Kenya this year. It has gotten a lot of flak recently over issues that are easily remedied by preventative maintenance and taking your car to the right workshops. It is actually a fantastic car! THREAD! 
It is so good that it is the current best selling midsize SUV in Australia. I like Australians because they tend to appreciate sturdy & practical cars. This car is going nowhere. Mazda keeps on making it better.
Now, back to Kenya. 3 engine options are available keeping in mind that we are generally importing 2014 models. There is a 2.5 litre petrol(it has no turbo). There is a 2.0 litre petrol (no turbo as well) and a 2.2 litre diesel (turbocharged)
The petrols are basically idiot proof. If you’re breaking those engines, chances are you are the problem. Or your mechanic.
The only thing to note (and this cuts across all new age Mazdas) is that they require what we call a deep cycle battery. I have noted many users tend to replace their batteries with normal ones and the dash is always lit up like a Christmas tree.
Now onto the diesels, there are two main issues that guys have been facing. Overheating and Clogged DPFs. Remember this video, this could be a sign of a blown head gasket and hence the vehicle is probably overheating. But Wakenya ni nani. Gari itafika tu!
The overheating issue is mostly on the early versions 2012-2013 models and is solved by replacing the headgasket with an updated version from Mazda. (Willy is one of the more respected Mazda experts locally and this is what he said about the issue)
The DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) issue on the other hand can be dealt in three ways.
1. Get on the highway and drive very fast for a mildly long distance 😅😆. Chapa like 100-200kms highway driving every month.
2. Have the DPF deleted by a qualified technician
1. Get on the highway and drive very fast for a mildly long distance 😅😆. Chapa like 100-200kms highway driving every month.
2. Have the DPF deleted by a qualified technician
3. Forced regeneration during service by qualified techician.
For those who don’t know what a DPF is, it is basically a filter designed to save the environment and frustrate owners of diesel cars. (Btw, they have introduced Petrol Particulate Filters now)
For those who don’t know what a DPF is, it is basically a filter designed to save the environment and frustrate owners of diesel cars. (Btw, they have introduced Petrol Particulate Filters now)
So basically soot clogs up around the filter over time and chokes it and then gives you stress. It needs high temperatures so that it can burn off.
In summary, The diesel version is not idiot proof like the petrol. It needs a bit more care and attention. But it is the most rewarding to drive out of the three engine options
It has alot of torque which makes it very easy to overtake, accelerate, go up Kinungi faster than everyone else etc. For perspective, the CX-5 diesel has more torque and horsepower than a 3.0 litre diesel Landcruiser Prado.
It is also uses the least fuel out of the three engine options. This advantage is compounded by the fact that diesel is cheaper than petrol in Kenya. The diesels are also generally cheaper to buy.
So pick your poison 😅.
Ps. I’m a bit of a Mazda fanboy. Just waiting for a few years and maybe get myself one of these. 2018 Mazda Atenza. They introduced a 2.5 litre turbo petrol in 2018 which is the engine i would go for. Kodo design is fantastic!
Ps. I’m a bit of a Mazda fanboy. Just waiting for a few years and maybe get myself one of these. 2018 Mazda Atenza. They introduced a 2.5 litre turbo petrol in 2018 which is the engine i would go for. Kodo design is fantastic!
Till the next one! Cheers!
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