My test car had a lusty 175PS engine with plenty of pulling power and a satisfyingly slick 6-speed gearbox. As with other Mazdas, the command controller and volume control knob in the lower centre console between the seats is a bonus for those of us preferring an option to the touchscreen. The interior has a quality feel, the 9-speaker BOSE surround sound system is great, while the 7-inch, full-colour infotainment touchscreen in the centre console (incorporating DAB radio and connectivity) is good) though the sat nav is a little fiddly. Whichever model you choose, you get a practical car that can easily transport five people in comfort with enough space to carry their luggage with ease too.įrom a driver’s point of view, it’s a rewarding car with a comfortable driving position and all the controls falling to hand. That said, the range starts at a very competitive £22,295 for the 2WD 2.0-litre petrol SE-L. I drove the top-of-the-range 2.2d AWD Sport Nav which is a basic £29,395, though with options including Mazda’s trademark Soul Red metallic paint, a Safety Pack and light Stone leather seats, the on the road price is £30,955. The CX-5 is available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, plus 2WD and 4WD. Inside too, Mazda’s managed to continue the sporty theme, creating a cabin that’s more of a cockpit with a premium car-like feel. The CX-5 is no exception – here’s a medium-sized family crossover that’s enjoyable to drive, spacious and surprisingly economical.Īs with the rest of Mazda’s impressive range, there’s some clear DNA there on the styling front – important in a sector where it’s tougher than ever to stand out. Like the Mazda 2, 3 and 6 (and I suspect, the all new CX-3, which is the CX-5’s new baby brother), Mazda has allowed some of the sportiness of the iconic MX-5 to rub off on its more mainstream models. And it has to be good because it’s up against everything from the Honda CR-V and Ford Kuga, to the Volvo XC60 and Nissan Qashqai. Well, to cut a long story short – very well. How does the Mazda CX-5 shape up in the hotly-contested mid-size SUV sector?
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