Auto overview: Mazda CX-five

Mazda’;s new SUV is strong, comfortable and protected. It’;s the best solution for motorists with young families, writes car reviewer Tim Barnes-Clay.

Equipped with a 2.2-litre diesel engine and 173 horses beneath the bonnet, the CX-5 from Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda delivers fairly a punch.

The -62 mph sprint is completed in 78 seconds and the car’;s prime speed is 126 mph.

Stocky but good-looking

That’;s not at all poor offered that this is an all-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The motor is desirable in a stocky type of way and stands out from a lot of other vehicles on the road. 

In the high-up-the-variety 2.2 175ps 4WD Sport Nav model, on test here, you get all the frills, including leather seats, climate handle, and sat-nav.

But, as a doting father of 3 small kids, what actually impresses me is that it is on record for getting 1 of the safest automobiles on the planet, so it really is a good family members auto.

5-star security rating  

That tends to make any parent really feel quickly reassured. 

The CX-5 achieved prime marks in all categories of the tough Euro NCAP auto safety tests.

Its grades for adult and child occupant protection and security help systems were well above the threshold in each category for the maximum 5-star security rating.  

The first of a new generation of Mazda models, the CX-5 is also the first kitted out with the ground-breaking SKYACTIV physique. Let me clarify what that means.

Robust yet light physique

With the aim of developing the ultimate car body, Mazda’;s engineers went back to the drawing board.

They rethought the elementary principles of structure, materials and manufacturing methods.

As a result, higher-tensile steel, which is extraordinarily tough, not to mention lightweight, comprises 61% of the body.

The Mazda CX-5 for that reason not only delivers enhanced crash security, but is also tremendously light. 

Behind the wheel, the driving position is upright and the seating is comfy. 

Impressive on any surface

The Mazda’;s 6-speed manual gearbox is slick and the CX-5 hangs on to the road effectively.

It will also handle off-tarmac surfaces since of its all-wheel-drive system. 

The Mazda CX-5 has liberal front and rear legroom and a roomy boot (463 litres) plus a premium feel, superior functionality and low noise levels for a pleasurable ride.

Straightforward-to-use features contain 3-piece split folding rear seats with release levers in the cargo location and a cover that opens and closes with the tailgate.

This is really handy as it keeps the contents of your boot hidden from prying eyes.

‘Textbook vehicle solution for young families’;

In several techniques this SUV is a textbook automobile remedy for young families.

This is primarily due to the vehicle’;s security, very best-in-class luggage space and flexible seating arrangement – as nicely as class-leading CO2 emissions and respectable fuel economy.

It is also a talented towing vehicle and will lug up to 2,000 kg.

The only shortcoming for this certain model is the cost-tag.

Steep price tag-tag

If you go into a dealership with £30,000, you are going to uncover only a little amount of change jangling about in your pocket afterwards. 

But safeguarding your family comes at a price tag it seems.

I would rather have a vehicle like this in which to traverse the narrow nation lanes to nursery, college and perform than, say, a comparably-priced, German car.

Mazda CX-5: Pros and cons

• Security √


• Comfort √


• Grip √


• Room  √


• Price tag X

Mazda CX-5: Fast facts

• Max speed: 126 mph


• -62 mph: 7eight secs


• Combined mpg: 54.3


• Engine: 2184cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel


• Max. power (bhp): 173 at 4500 rpm


• Max. torque (lb/ft): 310 at 2000 rpm


• Max. towing weight (braked) 2000 kg


• CO2: 136 g/km


• Cost: £28,695 on the road

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Auto overview: Mazda CX-five