5 minute read
Mazda CX-5
Mazda has tweaked its popular CX-5 SUV, so Ted Welford headed to the Scottish Highlands to put it to the test.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Mazda CX-5 2.2D 184PS AWD GT Sport Auto
Price (as tested): £39,965 Engine: 2.2-litre turbo diesel
Power: 181bhp
Torque: 445Nm
Max speed:
129mph
O-60mph:
9.4 seconds
MPG (combined):
42.8
Emissions:
173g/km CO2
Under the bonnet
The 2.2-litre turbo diesel pumps out 181bhp and 445Nm of torque.
WHAT IS IT?
Launched a decade ago, the CX-5 remains Mazda’s largest vehicle of this type in the UK (for the time being at least) and continues to make up around a quarter of the Japanese firm’s registrations here in Britain. Now the manufacturer is introducing an updated version.
WHAT’S NEW?
Key styling changes include new LED lights at the front and rear. There are also two new options – a more rugged-looking Newground model alongside the stealthier Sport Black version. Mazda has made small tweaks to the dynamics, too, plus it now has adjustable driving modes exclusively on petrol cars paired with an automatic gearbox.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The engine choice remains identical to before, with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol, 2.5-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel. Unlike plenty of rivals, there’s still no electrified option.
We got a chance to drive all engines, but spent the majority of the time in the diesel, with our test car using the more powerful 181bhp unit (a 148bhp version is also offered), which was paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox and came with all-wheel-drive. It can take the CX-5 to 60mph in 9.4 seconds and head on to a top speed of 129mph. It’s not the most efficient, though, with Mazda claiming just 42.8mpg and 173g/km CO2 emissions. The frontwheel-drive version with a manual gearbox will be noticeably more efficient.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Twisty Scottish Highlands passes wouldn’t be the first choice of road to test a family SUV on, and many in this class would soon show themselves up if you tried to put your foot down. Not the CX-5, though.
If you want a fun SUV to drive, this Mazda is where you should put your money. It feels nimble and agile, while the well-weighted steering makes such a refreshing change from the ultra-lightweight setups that many crossovers feature. This diesel, with its healthy 445Nm of torque, also suits the CX-5 brilliantly, although it does have the usual gruffness that cars powered this way tend to.
When you want to settle things down a bit, though, its outstanding cruising refinement really shines through. One of the few complaints is that the ride can be overly unsettled over potholes, but it’s largely impressively comfortable.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
We’re particular fans of the new LED lights, which display a cool twin signature, while the bumpers and grille get a slight redesign. There are three quite clear looks available, though, with the Newground version being the most welcome addition if you value that more rugged styling, even if it’s ironic that it’s sold exclusively with front-wheel drive…
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
Mazda interiors are up there with the best and show how you can still do ‘premium’ without using the largest touchscreen and digital dials as humanly possible.
Our top-spec GT Sport car also gets some particularly great features, such as soft brown nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim. It’s without doubt one of the best cabins on any car costing under £50,000.
As for practicality, the CX-5’s boot measures a plentiful 506 litres, with additional space beneath the boot floor. Rear room isn’t its strongest attribute, though, as legroom will be quite tight for an adult sitting behind a taller driver.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Prices for the CX-5 start from £28,145 and that buys an SE-L-trim car. While it might be the lowest spec, the equipment certainly isn’t lacking, with features including LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a 10.25-inch media system and adaptive cruise control.
For another £1,000, the Newground brings smart 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, revised styling, an electric driver’s seat and heated front seats. Next up is the Sport, priced from £30,765, which comes brimming with features, including black leather seats, a head-up display and a Bose sound system. Sport Black comes next and gains 19-inch alloy wheels, along with additional black trim inside and out. Given it costs £2,000 more than the standard Sport, though, it seems hard to justify. Right at the top of the range, the GT Sport gets everything you could possibly want, including ventilated front seats, body-coloured lower trim and a 360-degree camera system, with these starting from £33,645.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Auto Express said: ‘When considered alongside its rivals, it seems relatively affordable, given the level of kit on offer.’ Car said: ‘The good-value Mazda CX-5 still has plenty going for it, despite being off the pace in terms of powertrain options.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
There are a range of welcome changes that only make this SUV more appealing. We already knew it looked the part, came generously equipped and was superb to drive, but it’s now more refined, even smarter to look at and comes with a range of stylish new trim levels. The lack of electrified option might put you off the CX-5, but if it doesn’t, this remains one of the best cars in its class.
Style
The facelift gives the Mazda new LED lights and includes new bumper and grille designs.
Inside
The cabin of the CX-5 has one of the best interiors of any car costing under £50,000.
TARGET BUYERS:
Families looking for a stylish yet fun-to-drive SUV.
THE RIVALS:
Ford Kuga Kia Sportage Nissan Qashqai
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Extra new trim levels bring added style. 2.Generous level of standard equipment. 3.Premium-feeling interior.
