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Hi everyone - Just purchased a low KM 2015 CX5 2.2 Diesel. Absolutely love it - Its the JDM model but the Dealer has already had someone load the AU Region software onto Mazda connect. I'm well aware of the issues the Diesels have had and I plan to keep up regular services and we've purchased a retail insurance / warranty for 3 years.
It came with roof racks installed - Generic after market Japanese ones but they do like like they are bolted onto the factory mounts.
These things are horrendous once you hit 80kph or above - When I test drove I focused on its pull up a steep hill and handling round the windy roads but didn't feel the need to take it to 100.
They are dreadful square bars and the mounts have these big plastic covers with a large opening at the bottom so its like holding four cups upside down on the roof and being surprised they cause some air movement noise.
So my questions are
1) If we remove them can we get the original plastic coverings to make it look like its never had then as we're not sure we'll ever actually use them although the car looks better with them.
2) If we get the sleeker Mazda factory option ones how noisy are they? I don't mind a little bit of wind noise but these things make a really load groaning howl. I'm going to take them off this weekend to make sure the noise isn't something else as short of going to a drive with me on the roof holding onto them I can't be 100% sure but based on the terrible design it seems obvious.
My other option if people report option 2 as being good is I might look at these below as they are $120 and look like a reasonable knock off of Whispbar and say they fit a CX5
They are bolt mounted and say they fit the factory mount points.
My wife's CX5 have the railing installed by the dealer; we purchased the crossbars online and installed it myself. I can say that the wind noise is acceptable but since it's not my car so take it for what it worth.
Yeah thanks Grim - Thats what we did in the end. I've ordered some (Got an NZ supplier for $15, cheaper off shore but take weeks to get here). In the mean time I've just put some good quality black electrical tape over the gaps and it looks good but it definitely won't last long.
The roof racks were just complete rubbish - Its like they were designed to make as much noise as possible. Being that we aren't really likely to need / use them I think we'll go without. I actually think the car looks more modern with them off. I don't really like the idea of putting sandy and salty SUP's on my roof anyway and that's the only likely use and being they are inflatable we'll just be less lazy and deflate them. We wouldn't be able to drive at any speed as the inflatable sups would get damaged anyway.
Took the car for a drive 80km each way with some windy steep hills in the weekend to Akaroa and Wainui and it was such a pleasure to drive. It just took every corner with ease at any speed I was confident to put it round and the torque of the diesel was stunning on the hill climbs - You could come out of a sharp corner and put your foot down and it just up and went without having to be ready and dropping the gears. I love driving a diesel - Just hope it survives.
Doing 374km each way with the caravan on the back over easter and I can't wait. Between the diesel and the cruise control it'll be a pleasure. Chomping at the bit to hit the road
Factory Roof Racks
