Mazda CX-5 review

If you fancy an SUV (who doesn't, these days?) what about the Mazda CX-5 – and how does it fit in with the many models waiting to land your order?

Perhaps you've considered the Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq, adore their chunky styling and cheap running costs, but have decided that they're all a bit too small.

That probably shifted your attention to large SUVs, with models such as the Kia Sorento, Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq moving into the frame. But those are big seven-seaters – overkill if you're a family of four and don't plan to have more children any time soon.

In which case, the Mazda CX-5 might hit the mark. It’s a practical large SUV but, with five seats like the Citroën C5 Aircross, it’s not a complete behemoth to handle in a multi-storey car park. It doesn’t have an Audi badge on its nose, but it still cuts a dash and is much cheaper than the equivalent German-built alternatives.

What's more, there's a CX-5 to suit most needs, with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, manual and automatic gearboxes, and two or four-wheel drive.

Over the next few pages, we'll tell you all you need to know about the Mazda and compare it with its key rivals so you’ll know for sure whether it’s the car for you. At which point you can use our New Car Buying service to find an amazing deal on a CX-5, or any other vehicle you prefer – all without any haggling.