Hi all
Been lurking here while I sorted out what I wanted in new car and would like to thank every one for the info you make available.
I've just picked up a 2.5 Akera (basically a GT w/tech) and I'm really enjoying it after 30 years of Toyota Landcruisers and Prados.
I took delivery last Thursday and had a 1600 km (about 990 miles) drive home from the dealer so I had plenty of time to form a first impression of the car. Thought it might help others if I shared my thoughts here.
What I like:
Looks - goes without saying
Comfort - had planned a 2 day drive home, but I stopped along the way for the 1000km check and when that was done I felt rested enough to jump in for another 600km.
Handling - superb, real fun to drive.
Power to weight - found the 2.5 fine. It was given a workout passing many road trains (about 54m or 170 odd feet long) and I never felt the need for more power.
Transmission - my auto is sweet. I really don't notice it shifting
Finish - I think it's well put together, at least the equal of Toyota which is a compliment in itself.
HIDs - great, high beam is equal to the auxiliary Lightforce driving lights on the Prado and the light temperature is very easy on my eyes.
Aircond - very efficient in temps up to 46*C (115 F) encountered on the trip
Could be better
Auto High beam - worked fine in the city, but on outback roads the glare off yellow flood way signs kept dipping the lights. It also struggled on winding and dippy sections of road but in fairness, the OM does note these limitations.
Fuel tank - would love it to be bigger, particularly after the 180l (47 US gal) on the Prado, but still got home on two fills, albeit with the low fuel light on.
Sun roof - auto close would be nice (nit pickin now)
My thoughts on the "lemon issues"
Bonnet shake - not on mine, popped it up to 160kmh on a quiet bit of road and nothing.
Drivers mirror shake - don't notice it when I glance in the mirror. It is there if I really look for it but it is certainly not a problem on my car.
Sound system (Bose) - sounds great to me and meets my needs. iPhone steams fine by BT so that meets my needs too. Just use USB to charge. BT phone works fine too.
SatNav - had a Tom Tom portable which is identical to the CX5 system. Works fine for me. Can't comment on live services, not available here.
Rough idle - not here.
iStop - works well
Other stuff - It's probably worth noting that a number of grumbles posted here seem to be user error. Read the OM from front to back and many petty issues will be resolved.
Sooty tail pipe - for what it's worth, I choose to run mine on 98 RON and the tail pipe is whistle clean
So, how do I feel about my CX5 - very pleased.
Any way, hope this feedback is useful to someone, and hey, thanks for a great forum.
Cheers
Been lurking here while I sorted out what I wanted in new car and would like to thank every one for the info you make available.
I've just picked up a 2.5 Akera (basically a GT w/tech) and I'm really enjoying it after 30 years of Toyota Landcruisers and Prados.
I took delivery last Thursday and had a 1600 km (about 990 miles) drive home from the dealer so I had plenty of time to form a first impression of the car. Thought it might help others if I shared my thoughts here.
What I like:
Looks - goes without saying
Comfort - had planned a 2 day drive home, but I stopped along the way for the 1000km check and when that was done I felt rested enough to jump in for another 600km.
Handling - superb, real fun to drive.
Power to weight - found the 2.5 fine. It was given a workout passing many road trains (about 54m or 170 odd feet long) and I never felt the need for more power.
Transmission - my auto is sweet. I really don't notice it shifting
Finish - I think it's well put together, at least the equal of Toyota which is a compliment in itself.
HIDs - great, high beam is equal to the auxiliary Lightforce driving lights on the Prado and the light temperature is very easy on my eyes.
Aircond - very efficient in temps up to 46*C (115 F) encountered on the trip
Could be better
Auto High beam - worked fine in the city, but on outback roads the glare off yellow flood way signs kept dipping the lights. It also struggled on winding and dippy sections of road but in fairness, the OM does note these limitations.
Fuel tank - would love it to be bigger, particularly after the 180l (47 US gal) on the Prado, but still got home on two fills, albeit with the low fuel light on.
Sun roof - auto close would be nice (nit pickin now)
My thoughts on the "lemon issues"
Bonnet shake - not on mine, popped it up to 160kmh on a quiet bit of road and nothing.
Drivers mirror shake - don't notice it when I glance in the mirror. It is there if I really look for it but it is certainly not a problem on my car.
Sound system (Bose) - sounds great to me and meets my needs. iPhone steams fine by BT so that meets my needs too. Just use USB to charge. BT phone works fine too.
SatNav - had a Tom Tom portable which is identical to the CX5 system. Works fine for me. Can't comment on live services, not available here.
Rough idle - not here.
iStop - works well
Other stuff - It's probably worth noting that a number of grumbles posted here seem to be user error. Read the OM from front to back and many petty issues will be resolved.
Sooty tail pipe - for what it's worth, I choose to run mine on 98 RON and the tail pipe is whistle clean
So, how do I feel about my CX5 - very pleased.
Any way, hope this feedback is useful to someone, and hey, thanks for a great forum.
Cheers
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