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Mazda CX-5 review

Second generation of Mazdas hugely-successful mid-size crossover

Summary

Improved in all areas, the new Mazda CX-5 is a definite contender for crossover buyers, particularly in diesel form.
Design
9.0
Performance
8.0
Handling
9.0
Economy
8.0
Value
9.0

Summary

Improved in all areas, the new Mazda CX-5 is a definite contender for crossover buyers, particularly in diesel form.

Equipment

Mazda CX-5 trim structures are simple. There are just two options: SE-L Nav or Sport Nav, the latter £3,000 more expensive. Previously buyers have tended to go for the higher option, which will now get them such niceties as larger alloy wheels, a reversing camera, black leather upholstery, a premium Bose sound system.

Also included are several items of tech reinforcing the premium feel, such as the powered tailgate and head-up display. A heated steering wheel and electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory are also part of the Sport Nav spec.

Mind you the SE-L Nav is not exactly lacking in equipment, such as a comprehensive safety package. This includes a new version of the Smart City Brake Support system, that in a traffic jam will now automatically slow the car to a stop and then move it away again. By comparison, the old version kept turning itself off at 18mph.

Auto headlamps and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, reclining rear seats, a seven-inch colour touchscreen with navigation and a DAB radio are all part of a package that makes the SE-L Nav good value for money.

Summary

The big mistake would have been to ruin what since 2012 has quietly been one of Mazda’s best cars. The good news is they haven’t – the new CX-5 is improved in all areas and remains a leading contender in the market.

Mazda makes no bones about its aim of moving the brand upmarket – above the likes of Ford and Vauxhall, lining up against Volkswagen and perhaps catching some Audi and BMW owners looking for a more affordable replacement. The CX-5 certainly meets the brief, a very viable alternative to the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Don’t bother with the petrol engine, unless you will only be driving on flat roads. If we were in the market for a crossover, we would choose the 150hp diesel. If you are in the market, you should not ignore the Mazda CX-5.

Mazda CX-5 review – key specification

Models Tested: Mazda CX-5 2.0 165hp 2WD Sport Nav, 2.2 150hp 2WD Sport Nav Diesel.
On Sale: First deliveries July 2017.
Range price:
£23,695 – £33,195.
Insurance groups:
TBA
Engines: 2.0 petrol, 2.2 diesel (x2).
Power (hp):
165, 150/175.
Torque (Nm):
210, 380/420.
0-62mph (sec):
10.4, 10.1*/9.0**
Top speed (mph): 125, 127*/129*
Fuel economy (combined, mpg): 44.1. 56.5*/52.3*
CO2 emissions (g/km):
149, 132*/142*
Key rivals: Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV4
Test Date: June 2017
* = manual gearbox, FWD where available. 175hp diesel AWD only.

Mazda CX-5 2017 - red and silver | The Car Expert

Andrew Charman
Andrew Charman
Andrew is a road test editor for The Car Expert. He is a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers, and has been testing and writing about new cars for more than 20 years. Today he is well known to senior personnel at the major car manufacturers and attends many new model launches each year.
Improved in all areas, the new Mazda CX-5 is a definite contender for crossover buyers, particularly in diesel form.Mazda CX-5 review