Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is the Japanese brand's latest crossover compact SUV, competing with the Skoda Yeti and Volkswagen Tiguan. Sporty to drive, the CX-5 is available in both two and four wheel drive, with either a 173bhp 2.2-litre diesel or a 164bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine. Two transmissions are offered, a six-speed manual and a six speed-automatic. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, and there's a large boot. Drivers should expect plenty of kit as standard, including a touchscreen sat-nav device and safety aids, like lane keep assist. Front-wheel drive versions are sure to be popular, offering lower running costs plus a more enjoyable drive. Drive 4.2 /5 The short-throw gear lever has been tuned to feel exactly like the one fitted to the open topped Mazda MX-5 The Mazda CX-5 is available with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, producing 148bhp or 172bhp. These will account for around 85 per cent of sales but a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 163bhp is also available. The diesels are among the smoothest and most refined in this segment and you'll find that even the lower-powered unit has more than enough grunt. The petrol unit sounds good under hard acceleration but is otherwise incredibly quiet and smooth. The diesels are a far better match for the CX-5 though. When it comes to cornering the CX-5 isn't quite as agile as some models on the road but it resists body roll well and the steering is light but responsive. Comfort 4.0 /5 Front chairs offer lots of adjustment, and headroom is generous Once you are settled into the driver's seat, the Mazda CX-5 offers up a clear and commanding view of the road. Front chairs offer lots of adjustment, and headroom is generous. Rear seats offer lots of leg and elbow room – amongst the best in class – while seat materials are soft enough to be comfortable, but not so saggy that they lack support. Overall, the interior is neatly laid out and comes packed with equipment, Mazda also offers an optional touchscreen navigation system, lane keep assist and digital radio in the UK. Reliability 4.0 /5 Components are brand new but should prove reliable The engine and chassis of the CX-5 have been newly developed and are mostly unused in any of Mazda's other vehicles. That means there's really no way to gauge exactly how reliable the components will be but Mazda has generally got a great track record. A whole host of safety gadgets and a solid construction should ensure it gets five stars for crash safety too. Practicality 4.5 /5 Large boot and a few clever touches make the CX-5 hugely practical Boot space is amongst the best on offer, with 503 litres of space. The rear seats fold completely flat with just one switch mounted in the boot to liberate even more space, while a tonneau cover opens and closes with the bootlid ensuring your valuable are always hidden from prying eyes. There's also a large glovebox and useful central compartment for the driver and passenger too. Value for money 3.7 /5 The Skoda Yeti is slightly cheaper The Mazda CX-5 is far from cheap - the range starts at well over £20,000, but it remains good value for money for such a capable car, especially if you go for a cheaper two-wheel drive model. Nevertheless, alongside rivals like the Skoda Yeti and Nissan Qashqai, the CX-5 carries a slight premium. The flagship SportNav trim comes with satellite navigation, heated front seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, full leather upholstery and a Bose audio system as standard. Running costs 4.1 /5 Even the most powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine returns 54.3mpg This is where the CX-5 has a chance to really impress. The lower-powered diesel model matches the cleanest models in this class for CO2 emissions and fuel economy but provides performance that no other eco-specials can match. Fuel economy is over 60mpg and CO2 emissions stand at 119g/km. That's for a front-wheel drive model but a higher-powered diesel with four-wheel drive still manages 54.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 136g/km. The petrol model is the worst of the bunch as you'd expect but it won't cost the earth to run.