But CX-5 diesel is not significantly better from a measured/instrumented testing performance standpoint, despite torquey feel in regular driving. It does get much better MPG, that's a big difference in measured data. That's why economy aspect is played up.
Having both available to drive in Australia. You're actually incorrect.
The difference in terms of driving between the diesel CX-5 and the petrol CX-5 is significant. It almost feels like going from a standard Mazda 3 to a Mazdaspeed 3. (And I can state this on the basis of 7 years Mazda 3 ownership and racing Mazdaspeed 3's at a race track).
The power doesn't seem like a lot of paper. But it's the torque.
Both engines hit 1000rpm quite quickly and often.... But at 1000rpm the diesel already has 50% of it's total available torque, and the max at 2000rpm. The max torque the petrol has at 4000rpm (which you don't get to unless pressed), is a figure the diesel has with zero effort at 800rpm.
This translates into extremely quick take offs if you need them. To get the same torque, the petrol has to wait until 4000rpm - which make it only useful for overtakes.
The petrol seems to be begging for more. The diesel has everything you need, then more.
The torque difference is noticeable in two situations:
1. From a standing start (e.g. set of traffic lights).
2. On highway for overtaking
The 0-100 is roughly a second faster for the diesel due to the fact that it's only available in auto (slower), AWD (heavier) and it's 80kg heavier to begin with.
Basically the car dealerships are starting to strip back their petrol orders here. Consumers who are in market for either mid or top end who test drive both, are refusing to purchase the petrol.
The fact that emissions are better. Performance is better. Resale is better.
There isn't a need to play up the economy.
In regards to the apparent negatives of diesel being noisy and sooty - the CX-5 lacks both.
The only comment I get from passengers is how silent the vehicle is. And it's mainly because in normal driving rpms are MUCH lower than the petrol, and there is practically no effort (or rpm) to travel at normal speeds.
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