Mazda CX-5 review

So, you want an SUV. You’ve thought about a Nissan Qashqai or Seat Ateca, and you like their cheap running costs, but they’re a little on the small side. What do you buy?

Well, unless you can stretch to an Audi Q5 or Land Rover Discovery Sport, you'll probably find yourself looking at cars such as the Mazda CX-5, Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail.

Unlike those two similarly priced rivals, the CX-5 isn't available with seven seats, but it's still a very practical family car with some clever tricks up its sleeve to take the stress out of daily life.

What's more, the CX-5 appears really good value for money, especially when you factor in how much kit you get as standard.

Whereas the original CX-5 (2012-2017) was all of those things, it didn't have much in the way of competition.

This latest version, though, has a much tougher job to stand out. So what's it like to drive compared with its rivals? What's it like inside? How practical is it? And is it really such great value as it first appears? We'll tell you all you need to know over the next few pages.

And, if you do want to buy one, don't forget to check our deals, which could mean a decent saving.