The new Mazda CX-5 isn’t just the first compact SUV from the Japanese company, it also marks the debut of its fuel-saving SkyActive technology. With efficient engines, lightweight construction and stop/start as standard, the new CX-5 has class-leading emissions, yet promises to retain the engaging driving experience that Mazda is famous for.
And with one petrol, a pair of diesels - which come with the option of two or four-wheel drive, plus manual or automatic gearboxes - there’s a lot of choice across 18 separate models.
We got behind the wheel of the flagship 172bhp 2.2-litre four-wheel-drive diesel in Sport trim for our first drive on UK roads. And first impressions are very good. For starters, with its sharp lines, smart detailing and taut proportions, the CX-5 looks fantastic. Inside, the high quality soft-touch materials and smart cabin design are a real step forward.
Upmarket ebony trim, tactile rotary climate switches and a colour touchscreen are highlights. And at launch, all models get the £400 navigation upgrade for free.
The driving position is spot on, thanks to a wide range of wheel and seat adjustment, while cabin stowage is good, with big door pockets and a large central bin between the front seats.
In the back, aside from a slightly narrow middle seat, passenger room is excellent, and the 503-litre boot increases to 1,620 litres when you fold the 40:20:40 rear seats flat - something that’s done with ease from either the boot or the cabin.
Standard equipment includes Bluetooth, a multifunction steering wheel, heated seats, a Bose stereo, full leather trim, keyless entry, xenon lights and a reversing camera. All of which go some way towards balancing out the £27,195 price tag, as do the impressively low running costs.
However, it’s under the skin where the CX-5 really sets itself apart. The 2.2-litre SkyActive-D engine is the world’s lowest compression ratio diesel, which means, even when matched to four-wheel drive, it only emits 136g/km - making it cleaner than most of its front-drive rivals. Opt for the front-wheel-drive 148bhp version, and this drops to an even more impressive 119g/km.
Fortunately, this fuel efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of performance. A two-stage turbocharger ensures power delivery is super smooth, and with an effortless surge of power at just over 2,000rpm, the engine is relaxed, fast and very refined. The gearbox feels great, with a short shift inspired by the MX-5, while the handling feels remarkably sporty.
Mazda has made extensive use of high-tensile steel in the CX-5's platform, so it's surprisingly light, and it reacts with a keenness that’s missing from many compact SUV rivals. The well weighted steering has a light easy action, yet is precise and fast. Matched to superb body control the CX-5 shrinks around you on a twisty road, and the all-wheel drive ensures traction is superb, while overall grip is very high.
The isolation of road noise at speed is the best in the class, while the ride is supple and well judged. Only nasty potholes and really rough surfaces cause the 19-inch wheels to thud slightly.
Around town, the stop/start system operates very smoothly, while the tall seating position gives you a great view of the road. Also, Mazda’s Smart City Brake low-speed collision mitigation system is standard across the range.
A superb all-rounder that’s great to drive, refined and impressively efficient: the CX-5 is sure to lure lots of new customers to the Mazda brand.
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Car Magazine reviewed this car on 17th April and were not any where near as impressed as in this review.
The price is enough to put it out of contention for me, but another factor is that I had an abysmal experience of Mazda a few years ago that left me with no option but to boycott the brand completely.
Never assume that because a car is made by a Japanese manufacturer that it will be good, or at least dependable.
This car looks very interesting! I'm still not sure about your rating system; you claim that it is very comfortable, refined, impressive handling, etc but not five stars. The only negative is price - however, to actually compare with the much smaller, and simpler, Yeti is bizarre - it's a direct rival to the Tiguain, but much larger, etc. So the pricing isn't too bad really, even if I wish it was slightly cheaper.
Interesting that AE states that it is the best isolated against road noise in its class whereas whatcar states that it is much too noisy...
The performance and economy figures certainly look impressive, and from what I 've seen in my local Mazda showroom looks fantastic in the flesh, both inside and out but like 'TestaRossa' I find it odd that they compare the Yeti as a direct rival. The Yeti may be an accomplished car but this in my eyes is more impressive and from a class above.
Have to laugh at 'gavsmit'. He comments about a bad experience with the brand on every Mazda article featured on this website. Lol...
AE where did you get the information that smart city break is standard accross the range. Mazda's site clearly says its a 700 pound option on AWD sport models
Sounds a winner to me, must test drive.
Unfortunately all is not so rosy in the CX5 garden - The Autoexpress reviewer must have been a little 'short of stature' and presumably did not have a front seat passenger much more than 5'6" tall. The reality is this car's driving position is typical Japanese small 4x4 sized - i.e. not for taller people. I am 6'2" - and I found the driving position cramped. The front passenger fares much worse - the passenger seat has no height adjustment and is fixed far too high for comfort, it would be impossible for a passenger more than 'short' to be comfortable. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I found that the car in the metal looked blobby and dumpy, unlike the pictures which do look elegant. Compared to the Yeti's great front space I'm afraid the CX5 is a non starter. I didn't bother to test drive it, what's the point when it is too badly designed to even sit in. It is a Mazda thing I think as the Mazda 6 front passenger seat has the same problem.
Ignore inaarii comment. I am 6'3" and drove it for an hour as a guest at the Gleneagles launch event. No issue with headroom.
Great little drive miles better than the revised Touran also test drove that weekend and is a class/interior size above the Yeti, great as that is.
Quiet, good quality interior, loads of space and first crossover I have driven close to a car in handling. Weight reduction appears to work.
One issue was the noise and I can see confusion. Very quiet and great ride around town but there is quite a bit of wind noise from the mirrors at speed.
Agree with the price comments - bit too high. I will get an ex-demo in 3/4 months time.
Gee I love all the wingers here complain about a model that has not even been released yet in the UK, the 18th May is the day.
And 'gavsmit' you are a stalker against Mazda, I bet they are glad you are no longer a customer..you sound like a pain in the backside...so you keep complaining about about an issue that happened "years ago"...I have had this brand for 40 years and the latest product is just superb....and 'funkyfin', you have just confirmed what I said above, you are taller than GROUCH and you found the driving position fine....
My stopwatch was ticking as I timed how long it would take cousins11 to make a comment regarding my post.
Not sure if he owns shares in Mazda, works for them on commission or is related to Mazda's top brass but such devotion for a company that couldn't care less about individuals (as I unforunately found out) is a bit unhealthy.
As a dissapointed and badly treated consumer, I owe it to people to let them know how rubbish my experience of Mazda customer service was so they can make an informed judgement after comparing that to other Mazda comments.
But I'll never buy a Mazda again as the company and the car was the worst car ownership experience I've ever had - and that's my last word on the matter.
...Looks far better than all its rivals, longer warranty, better finance deals and better spec.
Would consider the Mazda on performance figures alone, hats off to them, but it doesn't hit the mark in other areas.
I speak as I find funkyfin. I sat in one in Newcastle last month in a dealership and I can assure you I found the drving position too cramped for real comfort and the passenger seat IS set too high and DOES NOT have a height adjuster. That is FACT and not ignorance - or are you a Mazda dealer ? or maybe a fool who paid a deposit and did not try the passenger seat? We should respect each other's opinions - even if they don't suit your own prejudices.
You amuse me yet again!
I do not and have never worked for Mazda or have shares in them - or work in the car industry come to that!
My opinions of Mazda come from someone who has owned several of the brands cars (over a 12 year period) and I have to say my experience has always been highly satisfying and the facts are(if you care to look at reliability surveys) is that Mazda are well above average when it comes to reliability/owner satisfaction.
Also take a look at comment from rx8888888. An owner for 40 years also singing the brands praises, and also someone who is picking you up on your tedious comments against the brand!
Why not try a Fiat or a Peugeot, gavsmit? I believe they are renowned for offering well made, reliable, and satisfying vehicles??!!!!!
It's too bad you guys in the UK don't get the Sportage SX. It has the 2.0 turbo and it kicks a**. 260 bhp 269 lb-ft of torque but obviously not very good at sipping the petrol. It looks better than the CX-5 and goes faster but the Mazda would probably handle better (maybe). Now that Ford has released the Escape(Kuga) in North America, it might give the Sportage turbo a run for its money. We'll see.
I've read the reviews above & am very puzzled with some of the comments.
I've tried the Kia, the Freelander & Evoque,the Audi Q3 & Q5 as well as the Honda CRV & Nissan Qashqi & I've ordered a CX-5 because it is the best for value , economy & style.
I've come from a Civic Type R and have to say I really enjoyed the drive in the CX-5
Against the Evoque, & the Audi's the CX-5 is great value and just as good to drive.Against the Kia Sportage it feels so much better put together & it will be worth more in 3 years time. I have friends in the trade who say that Mazda is also a far better proposition than the Kia.
My CX-5 , a 2.2D AWD with Sat Nav , arrives on 1st September & can't wait.
It has style, is great value against many of the competition out there & will be cheaper to run than many other SUV's I've tried.