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Driven
Mazda CX-5
One of Mazda’s key fleet models gets an overhaul. Olly Benn explains more
The CX-5 has been a big success for Mazda since it launched in 2012. A combination of competitive RVs and the burgeoning demand for SUVs meant that demand was not in short supply. Today, CX-5 represents around 25% of the total sales within Mazda UK. With SUVs accounting for 65% of the company’s sales, it is expecting in the region of 9,000 CX-5 sales in 2022.
Mazda recognises the changing world of hybrid and electric models ahead, but also remains committed to ICE customers. There’s no hybrid, instead the Japanese manufacturer has opted to stick with its impressive SKYACTIV petrol and diesel offerings. Those looking for a petrol CX-5 will have the choice of a 163hp 2.0-litre (manual and auto) or 191hp 2.5-litre engines. The diesel range covers a 148hp, 2.2-litre unit and a 181hp variant. The latter is offered in 4WD spec, alongside the 2WD models.
The new CX-5 features five trim levels: SE-L; Newground; Sport; Sport Black and GT Sport. The best-seller is expected to be the Sport, which is offered with both diesel and petrol options. Those drivers wishing to stand out a bit more can opt for the GT Sport, with its one-colour exterior and high-quality interior. Inside you will find Nappa leather, woodgrain and other luxurious materials.
All CX-5s feature a 10.25-inch centre display unit, which is linked to the latest version of Mazda Connect infotainment. Alongside that sits a ‘multi-information display’, mounted within the right-hand dial of the instrument binnacle. Featuring
a 4.6-inch display it shows key information related to vehicle performance and infotainment. Drivers of Sport, Sport Black and GT Sport models benefit from a larger, 7-inch TFT dial set. Those three ranges also come with a windscreenmounted display, incorporating traffic sign recognition, navigation and vehicle status details.
The 2022MY CX-5 also sees interior improvements in the seats and steering wheel. In the case of the former, body
support and comfort levels have been upgraded, while Sport versions feature an eight-way adjustable power system with two memory presets. Helpfully, they allow for the automatic adjustment of the headup display. Steering wheels on Sport, Sport Black and GT Sport models get a heated rim, while the switches are laid out in a row for improved functionality. Another improvement to note is the addition of Mi-Drive, Mazda’s intelligent drive technology, available on petrol automatic models. Using this system, drivers can select the most appropriate drive mode, depending on the road type, conditions and speed limits. Safety-wise and an updated range of Mazda’s i-Activesense safety systems, including Cruise & Traffic Support (CTS). This feature helps reduce driver fatigue by assisting with accelerator, brake pedal and steering operations when stuck in traffic.
IN BRIEF
WHAT IS IT? C-SUV HOW MUCH? from £22,945 ECONOMY? 35.3-50.4mpg EMISSIONS? 147-182g/km
Key fleet model 2.0-litre Sport
Interior quality; standard equipment
No hybrid option; road noise 7-word summary Upgrade welcomed for a core Mazda product Also consider Ford Kuga / Kia Sportage / Škoda Karoq
Vauxhall Grandland
Plug-in hybrid technology and upgrades inside and out for the mid-size SUV. By John Challen
Stellantis announced its ‘Dare Forward 2030’ mid-term plan in March, with –naturally – a huge emphasis on what is will be bringing to the market from an EV perspective. From Vauxhall’s point of view, that means all-new fully electric models and the next generation of existing products going over to battery-power only.
That, however, is for the future – at the current time, the UK brand’s big current news is the latest generation Grandland (no X anymore). The original model, introduced in 2018, performed admirably in the market, shifting 70k units in what is a very competitive market.
The range for the new model has been massively simplified. While Grandland X offered six trims and 27 derivatives, Grandland (no X) goes for three and 11 respectively. There’s a clear distinction between the trio, with base model Design offering value, GS Line representing a more sporty proposition and Ultimate adding a bit of luxury. Vauxhall expects the bulk of the orders for Grandland to be GS Line (60%), with Ultimate accounting for 30% of the business.
Externally, there are a number of upgrades to the overall appearance of the car, but it’s inside where drivers will really appreciate the improvements. Vauxhall’s PurePanel (as part of the PureSense package) comprises two large screens – the main 12-inch instrument cluster (7-inch in Design) and a 10-inch central one angled towards the driver. Not only does it provide a lot of information across the
dual displays, but those details are presented in a clear and easy-to-navigate way. Helpfully, there is also a strip of physical buttons for easy access to features that are used regularly.
As part of PureConnect, all the new cars feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, while wireless charging is standard on Ultimate models.
While PureConnect aids connectivitly, PureSense is all about safety features such as lane keep assist, blind spot alert and speed sign recognition. Grandland is also the first Vauxhall to offer a night vision system – available as cost option on the car. The technology’s camera detects animals and pedestrians up to 100m in the
distance.
Grandland is built on Vauxhall’s EMP2 platform, which offers a base for petrol, diesel and hybrid offerings. Vauxhall says that the new Grandland aims to build on the current increasing market share for PHEV, the battery-electric version of the car being offered in GS Line and Ultimate trims.
From a fleet point of view, the Hybrid-e makes a lot of sense. Featuring a 13.2kW battery that can be fully charged in under four hours, the car can travel up to 39 miles using only electric power.
CAP reports stronger residual values for new Grandland, compared with the outgoing model. There’s an increase from 41% to 46%, depending on model and powertrain choice, which should make it an attractive proposition for fleets. A clear and competitive pricing strategy – starting at just over £25k for the base petrol and £33,765 for the PHEV – will also help.
IN BRIEF
WHAT IS IT? C-SUV HOW MUCH? from £25,535 ECONOMY? 45.6-192mpg EMISSIONS? 31-146/km
Key fleet model 1.6-litre Plug-in Hybrid-e
Rear space; clear displays; good RVs
Interior noise; intermittent stop-start 7-word summary Competitively priced SUV with much to admire Also consider Peugeot 3008 / Volvo XC40 / Hyundai Tuscon
