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The Mazda CX-5 proves SUVs can be both practical and fun

Mazda’s latest CX-5 combines practicality with a surprisingly entertaining drive, Simon Davis reports

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What is it?

Mazda’s CX-5 has been in production since 2012, and since then it has been on the receiving end of many a sage nod of approval from members of the automotive media. The five-seat SUV is the largest car the Japanese manufacturer sells in Europe, and this latest second-generation version is set to build on the success of its predecessor.

What’s new?

As far as changes go, the most obvious is the CX-5’s revised exterior. There’s now a more angular front end with slim headlights and a large grille, while around the back the rear lights are also narrower.

Mazda CX-5
(Mazda)

Inside, it’s business as usual. The CX-5’s interior looks like it could have been lifted straight out of any other Mazda model currently on sale, and isn’t drastically different from that of its predecessor. However, there are few changes, including an updated seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Scratch beneath the surface, though, and you’ll find a good deal of sound deadening and vibration reducing insulation has been added to the new CX-5.

What’s under the bonnet?

Mazda offers the new CX-5 with a choice of a 2.0-litre, 163bhp petrol engine, and a 2.2-litre diesel with either 148bhp or 173bhp. Our test car was fitted with the lesser-powered diesel unit, which will account for the majority of sales in the UK.

Mazda CX-5
(Mazda)

This engine develops 380Nm of torque, allowing for a respectable 0-60mph time of 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 127mph. Fuel economy isn’t too bad either, with Mazda claiming the CX-5 can achieve a combined consumption figure of 56.5mpg, while CO2 emissions come in at 132g/km.

What’s it like to drive?

Mazda has something of a reputation for making normal family cars that are surprisingly entertaining to drive – and the CX-5 is no exception to this. You almost get the impression that the firm’s engineers have looked at the MX-5 sports car and said something along the lines of “let’s just make a bigger one of these”.

Not only does the CX-5 handle itself well when pressing on, it also manages to be comfortable on the less-than-stellar road surfaces that we get here in the UK. It deals with imperfections in the road surface with ease, with very little noise transmitted into the cabin if you happen to hit one. Road and wind noise are also kept to a minimum, which is good news for drivers who spend a lot of time out on the motorway. As a car for covering long distances then, the CX-5 is brilliant.

Mazda CX-5
(Mazda)

However, our favourite feature of the new CX-5 is its six-speed manual gearbox. Where those in its rivals often feel slushy and imprecise at the best of times, the CX-5’s is slick, direct and, frankly, very fun to use.

How does it look?

The new CX-5 is a rather smart-looking thing. Where its predecessor featured more rounded headlights and taillights, the second-generation model has done away with these, instead opting for narrower, sharper looking designs.

There’s a prominent new front end, with the bonnet hanging over the front grille, which itself is now larger than before. The end result is a very sleek SUV, and while the looks might not be to everyone’s tastes, we think the CX-5 is one of the better looking cars in its class – particularly next to rather bland rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai.

Mazda CX-5
(Mazda)

What’s it like inside?

The CX-5’s interior is practically identical to that of any other Mazda. There’s the familiar infotainment system with its rotary controller on the centre console, while the lower dash houses the controls for the air-conditioning.

Overall, the CX-5 is a perfectly pleasant place to sit. There’s a sense of strong build quality, and the optional Stone Leather upholstery that was specified on our test car really gave the cabin a sense of space.

There’s plenty of room in the back seats for a pair of taller adult passengers and boot space stands at a respectable 506 litres – more than enough to suit the needs of the average family – and can be increased to 1,620 litres with the rear seats folded down.

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the entry-level Mazda CX-5 start at £23,695. This figure will get you the SE-L Nav specification model with the 2.0-litre petrol engine, which includes a generous level of standard equipment. Features include LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, automatic folding door mirrors and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that incorporates DAB radio and satellite navigation.

Mazda CX-5
(Mazda)

Our test vehicle was the top-spec Sport Nav model, which starts at £26,695. This trim level adds features such as a reversing camera, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and keyless entry. There are also heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

Verdict

If you’re currently thinking about getting your hands on a new SUV, you’d be wise to seriously consider the new Mazda CX-5. Not only does it look great and have a generous level of standard equipment, it drives considerably better than a number of its rivals in the segment, too. Put plainly, the CX-5 is just a very, very good car.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model as tested: Mazda CX-5 2.2 150ps 2WD Sport Nav Diesel
Price as tested: £30,225
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel
Power (bhp): 148
Torque (Nm): 380
Max speed (mph): 127
0-60mph: 9.2
MPG: 56.5
Emissions (g/km): 132

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