Review: Mazda CX-5

Mazda’s UK sales director acknowledged a desire to provide a level of continuity with its third-generation CX-5 at the SUV’s recent launch in the Scottish borders.

Coming moments after an admission that the new car sector is going through the most volatile and challenging period of change since the Japanese brand arrived on these shores, however, this seemed to represent something of a risk.

The introduction of a Google sat nav and the voice activated Google Assistant via an infotainment system measuring either 12.9 or 15.6 inches has brought the CX-5’s on-board technology up to date, albeit condensing the cabin’s controls into this screen might not go down well with dyed-in-the wool CX-5 fans seeking familiarity.

Many will welcome its larger dimensions, with a 115mm longer wheelbase liberating acres of rear legroom and a wider boot adding 61 litres of loadspace, at 583 litres.

However, real familiarity lies in an area where so much automotive sector change has occurred in recent years - the drivetrain.

All CX-5’s feature the same 139bhp 2.5-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine, mated to a very mild 24-volt mild hybrid system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. There is also the option of front- or four-wheel-drive.

At the launch, we drove the former, which claims 40.1mpg fuel economy and 10.5-second acceleration to 62mph, somewhat underwhelming stats in a world of electrified drivetrains.

Thankfully, Mazda’s dynamic knowhow ensures that the CX-5 lives up to its strikingly angular looks.

While some slightly boisterous revving is required to add pace, the CX-5’s ride strikes a very pleasing balance, serving up reasonable comfort alongside class-leading agility.

There is genuine feel from the steering and the front end grips with some tenacity.

Mazda’s cabin is largely familiar, with comfortable seats, stitched detailing and some appealing lighter-hued trims at the upper end of the four trim line-up.

However, the surfaces feel slightly little less tactile than those in the class-leading cabin of the previous generation model.

Mazda’s trims options all offer impressive levels of standard kit, though. Prime-line features 17-inch alloys, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and adaptive cruise control.

Centre-line (£34,050) adds 19-inch alloys, part leather upholstery, a head-up display and a powered bootlid.

The Exclusive-line’s (from £35,085) highlights include a 12-speaker Bose sound system, heated rear seats and 360-degree parking cameras, while Homura (from £37,485) adds adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof and that larger infotainment screen.

Dynamic rewards might not top every SUV drivers’ wish list but, despite its rather modest on-paper performance, that is what the sharp-looking new CX-5 delivers.

In a segment where dynamic prowess is increasingly conspicuous by its absence, Mazda’s larger, more tech-packed iteration provides something of a tonic.

Mazda CX-5 Centre-line

Price: £34,050

Engine: 2.5-litre petrol

Power: 139bhp

Torque: 238Nm

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Top Speed: 116mph

0-62mph: 10.5 seconds

Economy: 40.4mpg

Emissions: 158g/km