The revolution starts here
The CX-5 heralds a new generation of Mazdas. Styled using the companys latest design language, its also the first car to feature its new SkyActiv Technology basically, lighter chassis design and more efficient engines and gearboxes. Most of all, its a very credible new competitor to vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Kuga.
Prepare to be impressed. All CX-5s have cruise, dual-zone climate, Bluetooth, 17 alloys, a USB stereo and an excellent range of safety kit. This includes a smart braking system that warns you if youre going to bump into the car ahead. If necessary, itll even stop you automatically. Trade up to the Sport, which costs an extra £2200, and the list grows to include xenon headlights, a premium stereo, reversing camera, 19 alloys and heated leather seats with power adjustment. Sat-nav is only an option, but its available on all models at a modest £600. Theres also an accessory pack including various high-tech safety options but this is only available on, you guessed it, the most expensive model in the range.
At a time when lots of manufacturers are flirting with alternative technologies like hybrid propulsion, Mazdas policy is to invest in making traditional engines as efficient as possible. Thus the lower-powered version of the 2.2 diesel gives you 61.4 mpg in everyday driving. The same unit with four-wheel drive uses about 10% more fuel, but thats still easily the right side of 50. Even the more powerful diesel, which comes with 4wd as standard, hits 54.3 mpg in manual form. And the 2.0 petrol, whose performance is near-identical to the more modest diesel, returns 47.1 mpg. All are pleasingly quick without being scorching. And the manual and auto boxes alike are smooth and precise in use, making it a very easy car to drive.
The CX-5 looks sharp from the outside, and its the same story in the cabin. It looks classy and feels it, too, with excellent trim materials and quality switchgear. Even in a much more expensive car, youd not be disappointed with the standards the CX-5 sets. That goes for the SE-L every bit as much as the more lavish Sport. Its more convincing, indeed, than some compact SUVs we could name that cost ten grand more. The seats are very comfortable, too, and stay that way however many hours you spend in them. Most CX-5s will be used as family cars and only ever have kids in the back, but theres plenty of room there for adults too. When they drop down, they create a very long cargo bay thats as good as flat and has a very low rear lip to aid loading.
Weve already praised the engine and gearbox options, and well do it again. Both diesels are excellent, with the higher-powered version in particular proving very flexible and willing to rev. The manual gearbox is very smooth and precise, making it a pleasure to use. And the auto is one of the best of its kind, too. Mazda says it tried to make it as much like a manual as possible in operation, and thats just how it feels. It all adds up to a car you can enjoy, and so does a grippy chassis with competent body control. The suspension can get a little light on bouncy surfaces, and ride quality is a touch unruly on your average B-road, but its predictable and braking is excellent. A bit more steering feel would be welcome, too, if you enjoy driving. You could say that the CX-5 is aimed at couples who drove MX-5s before the kids came along, and thats a high standard to set yourself.
Efficient engines mean low fuel consumption, and that means good running costs. Overall, the CX-5 is one of the most economical SUVs out there. Its priced realistically, too, especially as dealers are willing to reel you in with healthy discounts. And such good economy, combined with Mazdas excellent reputation for reliability, points to decent residual values come sell-on time. Wed expect the CX-5 to be one of the most affordable routes into SUV ownership. Combine this with its fresh image and all-round qualities, and theres very little about it to criticise.
