Mazda CX-5 long-term test
The previous version of the CX-5 was one of our favourite large SUVs. Can this new model follow in its footsteps?...
- The car Mazda CX-5 2.2d 150 Sport Nav
- Run by Darren Moss, deputy editor
- Why it’s here The previous CX-5 was one of our favourite large SUVs. Can this new version shine in the face of even stronger competition?
- Needs to Be economical on the daily commute, be comfortable on long journeys and have plenty of space inside. In short: be the perfect car for a growing family
Price £28,695 Price as tested £29,495 Miles covered 7724 Official fuel economy 56.5mpg Test economy 42.7mpg CO2 132g/km Options Soul Red Crystal paint (£800)
14 March 2018 – automatic appreciation
I’ve discovered a new medical condition this month. It’s called ‘clutch leg’ and affects those who, like me, have to change gear every few seconds on their daily commute.
Let me explain: the route from my home to the What Car? office may only be seven miles but, by 8am, all of those miles are full of traffic, meaning a constant oscillation between neutral, first, second and (sometimes, if I’m lucky) third gear. High time, then, to try the CX-5 with an automatic gearbox.
And, oh, it’s a dream. The six-speed automatic is deceptively smooth, moving up and down the range with a delicateness I was not expecting, especially at such slow speeds when some autos can be jerky. If I were in the market for a Mazda CX-5, this is definitely the gearbox option I would go for. The car I tried also had a more powerful 173bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine, although its extra shove was only noticeable on the motorway.
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