Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.2D

Our class leader is still a great choice, even though it’s the most expensive buy

The Mazda’s blend of talents is hard to beat. Not only is it practical and well built, it’s also good to drive and surprisingly fast. Better still, low CO2 emissions make it the cheapest company car, while we managed an impressive 40.9mpg. It also comes with loads of equipment.

The Mazda CX-5 is on a roll. Not only has the efficient SUV won every Auto Express road test it’s contested, it also picked up the Best Crossover crown at our New Car Awards 2012. So if either of our two new arrivals wants to stake its claim to the top spot, this is the car to beat.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Over a year after it debuted, the CX-5 still looks the part. With its steeply raked tailgate and wheel-at-each-corner stance, it appears sleeker and more compact than its upright rivals. Our range-topping Sport stands out even more with its 19-inch alloys and powerful bi-xenon headlamps.

Mazda’s designers haven’t been quite so bold inside, but while the design looks dated, the quality is top notch. Soft-touch plastics are used throughout, and the fit and finish are first rate. There’s loads of standard kit, too.

Included in the impressive equipment tally are heated leather seats – a £1,250 option on the Toyota – plus keyless entry and a reversing camera. You can also add a built-in TomTom sat-nav for £600, although it’s fiddly to operate compared to Toyota’s Touch&Go set-up.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Cx-5

2021 Mazda

Cx-5

30,742 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £18,299
View Cx-5
Cx-5

2022 Mazda

Cx-5

14,765 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £20,599
View Cx-5
Cx-5

2023 Mazda

Cx-5

34,061 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £19,699
View Cx-5
Cx-5

2017 Mazda

Cx-5

77,350 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £10,495
View Cx-5

The CX-5 also trails the RAV4 for space – although you’d hardly call it cramped, as it matches the Ford for rear head and legroom, and has 47 litres more boot space, at 503 litres. As with its rivals, the Mazda’s rear bench folds flat in one move, while the neat 40:20:40 ‘Karakuri’ split-fold adds to the versatility.

On the move, the CX-5 really stamps its authority on its rivals. The 2.2-litre diesel has 173bhp, and makes the car by far the strongest performer: at the track it covered 0-60mph in a warm hatch-rivalling 7.9 seconds. And with a muscular 420Nm on tap from just 2,000rpm, the Mazda extended its advantage during our in-gear tests. But it’s the way the car delivers its performance that’s really impressive.

There’s a slight clatter from under the bonnet at idle, but once you’re moving it revs with a petrol-like eagerness and smoothness, while the gearchange has a beautifully slick action. Direct steering, strong grip and excellent body control complete the dynamic masterclass. And while it’s not as assured as the RAV4 off-road, the CX-5’s electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system copes well with most challenges.

At £27,195, the Mazda costs £1,650 more than the Kuga, although it has more kit and will hold on to its value nearly as well, with residuals of 50.9 per cent. The 136g/km CO2 emissions add to the financial appeal, making the car the cheapest company choice. More impressively, it returned 40.9mpg on test, despite its significant performance advantage. On this showing, it’s clear the RAV4 and Kuga have their work cut out to beat the CX-5.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mazda Cx-5

Mazda Cx-5

RRP £24,430Avg. savings £2,130 off RRP*Used from £9,786
Mazda Cx-30

Mazda Cx-30

RRP £24,765Avg. savings £3,250 off RRP*Used from £10,756
Mazda Cx-60

Mazda Cx-60

RRP £46,940Avg. savings £3,000 off RRP*Used from £27,400
Mazda 3

Mazda 3

RRP £23,165Avg. savings £2,318 off RRP*Used from £8,795
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025