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First drive: Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.

First drive: Mazda CX-5
Mazda catches on to the junior SUV craze with its new CX-5 - question is, will it be too late to join the party?

   



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| First Drive | Vienna, Austria | Mazda CX-5 |

Overall rating: 4 4 4 4 4

Fashionably late rather than rudely last-minute, the CX-5 may just be one of Mazda's most complete models yet. Efficient, fast and fun to drive, its mantra is a little similar to that of the MX-5 - it's certainly good enough to leap towards the top of the segment. Only a price that is easily matched by rivals might hold it back from the top spot.

Key Facts

Model tested: Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-D SE-L NAV
Pricing: £23,395
Engine: 2.2-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door SUV
Rivals: Audi Q3, Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Yeti
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
Combined economy: 61.4mpg
Top speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 9.2 seconds
Power: 150hp at 4,500rpm
Torque: 380Nm at 1,800rpm

In the Metal: 4 4 4 4 4

The CX-5 debuts Mazda's new KODO 'Soul of Motion' design language, which frankly looks a little like the 'Nagare' theme that came before. The face of the crossover is said to relate to a cheetah and while we can't deny it's striking, in our opinion it's also the least pleasing aesthetic of the new model. Still, the rest of the bodywork is pleasingly svelte and flowing with a dynamic cab-rearward silhouette.

The cabin isn't quite as flowing, with some slightly disjointed design and mixing of switchgear. However, it is a triumph in terms of quality of material and the trio of deeply cowled instruments looks good. Best of all the CX-5 offers class-leading legroom in the rear, a clever folding rear seat mechanism and a healthy 503-litre boot.

Driving it: 4 4 4 4 4

Mazda may have stopped short of suggesting this is the MX-5 of the crossover world, but the company remains proud of that car's inspiration. Certainly from the moment you select first gear, slicing through the short throw of the six-speed manual gearbox, you can tell this is an SUV with a focus on driving appeal.

The 2.2-litre diesel engine fires up quickly and with minimum fuss, and on the move proves a revelation thanks to the low noise and its eagerness to rev. In fact, it will happily spin all the way around to 5,500rpm without complaint, and the rate at which the rev-counter's needle climbs is more petrol than diesel. Without doubt, having driven both versions, this 'standard power' unit is all you will ever need - the extra 25hp of the larger output engine is barely noticeable in real world conditions.

The driving experience is backed up by weighty and relatively accurate steering, which mates perfectly with the aforementioned gearbox. There's a firm edge to the damping, but it never crashes or jars over imperfections and body control is excellent when pushing on.

But despite its considerable talents, including a seating position that is neither too high nor too low, it never feels quite as car-like as some of its rivals. However, it feels incredibly grown up, almost from a class above its direct competitors, and we'd happily recommend this car on driving experience alone.

What you get for your Money: 4 4 4 4 4

Thanks to its lightweight chassis the CX-5 is the most efficient model in the segment - the front-wheel drive diesel tested here emitting only 119g/km and returning up to 61.4mpg. And in SE-L NAV trim it even comes well equipped, with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, TomTom satnav and Smart City Brake Support all fitted as standard. In fact, the only financial concern regarding the CX-5, and the sole reason it is only awarded four stars, is the relatively high purchase price - you could have a more powerful and better equipped Skoda Yeti for the same money.

Worth Noting

There's a number of technical innovations on the CX-5, not least the host of SKYACTIV measures, but both diesel and petrol engines have something in common - the exact same compression ratio. The 14:1 level is actually the world's lowest in a diesel passenger car, and the highest in a petrol model. Regardless the result is that both units are impressively refined when on the move, no matter the demands made of them.

Summary

The CX-5 is an important car for Mazda - the firm expects to sell 40,000 units a year across Europe alone - and one that has to do battle in an increasingly competitive sector. But despite arriving later than almost any other manufacturer, it really does stand a good chance of succeeding. Good looking, efficient, fun to drive and well-equipped, only a slightly premium price tag may hold it back.


Graeme Lambert - 18 Apr 2012



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2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.



2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.
 

2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.
 

2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.
 

2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.
 

2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.
 

2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.
 

2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.
 

2012 Mazda CX-5. Image by Mazda.
 






 

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