Mazda CX-5 Review 2023
The new Mazda CX-5 has taken the compact SUV market by storm, raising the bar for what a crossover can offer. From its stunning design to its impressive performance and luxurious comfort, the CX-5 delivers an all-encompassing driving experience that is hard to match.
Rivals to the Mazda CX-5 include the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Kodiaq.
Our Mazda CX-5 review covers:
- Sleek, dynamic lines and bold front grille give it a unique presence on the road
- Premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and an intuitive layout interior
- 506-litre boot, expanding to 1,620 litres with rear seats down
- Engine options offer a perfect blend of power and efficiency
- Five trim levels are available: Centre-Line, Newground, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi
Pros:
- Quiet Ride
- Stylish Exterior
- Engaging Handling
Cons:
- Ride Comfort
- Backseat Space
- Towing Capacity
The design of the new Mazda CX-5 is a standout feature, blending sleek and contemporary styling with an air of sophistication. Mazda's Kodo design philosophy is evident in the CX-5's exterior, characterized by flowing lines, sculpted surfaces, and a bold front grille. The overall aesthetic is both elegant and sporty, giving the CX-5 a distinctive presence on the road.
The Mazda CX-5 strikes a good balance between practicality and style. As a compact SUV, it offers a comfortable and spacious interior for both passengers and cargo, making it suitable for a variety of lifestyles. The rear seats provide ample room for adults, though taller passengers might find the headroom a bit limited. The seats themselves are well-designed for comfort and support, making long journeys more enjoyable. The cabin also offers numerous storage compartments and cubbies for stowing small items, enhancing everyday practicality.
The boot space in the Mazda CX-5 is relatively generous for its class, providing ample room for everyday needs. The CX-5 typically offers around 522 litre of cargo space with the rear seats upright. This should accommodate groceries, luggage, and other essentials without much difficulty. For larger items, the rear seats can be folded down in a 40/20/40 split configuration, further expanding to 1,620 litres. This flexibility is especially useful when carrying a combination of passengers and cargo.
The interior of the new Mazda CX-5 exemplifies the brand's dedication to creating a luxurious and driver-centric environment. With a focus on upscale materials, meticulous attention to detail, and a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality, the CX-5's cabin offers a sophisticated and comfortable space for all occupants.
The CX-5's interior is adorned with premium materials, including soft-touch surfaces, elegant upholstery options like leather or suede, and tasteful trim accents. These elements contribute to an elevated sense of refinement throughout the cabin.
Mazda's driver-centric philosophy is evident in the CX-5's cockpit design. Controls and displays are strategically placed for easy access, enhancing driver convenience and creating an intuitive and ergonomic driving experience.
A centrepiece of the CX-5's interior is its intuitive infotainment system. Featuring a touchscreen display (usually ranging from 7 to 10 inches), the system supports features like navigation, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Bluetooth connectivity, and more.
Five trim levels are available: Centre-Line, Newground, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi
The Centre-Line serves as the entry-level option within the CX-5 lineup. It features 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a 10.3-inch infotainment system. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also supported, with the convenience of wireless connectivity.
For those who opt for the Newground trim, enhancements are made to the standard model's specifications. This includes notable aesthetic additions such as 19-inch alloy wheels, black wing mirror covers, and silver trim on the side sills. The interior of this trim showcases black part-faux leather seats, complemented by heating controls to ensure comfort during colder weather.
Moving up to the Exclusive-Line, the CX-5 gains 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and a convenient tilt-and-slide sunroof. The dashboard is anchored by a 10.3-inch infotainment system, accompanied by the luxury of a heated steering wheel and keyless entry. The overall package is further enhanced by thoughtful details.
Selecting the Homura variant of the Mazda CX-5 offers a distinctive experience, characterized by 19-inch black alloy wheels and tasteful gloss black accents on the exterior. A touch of red is introduced in the front grille, adding to the visual appeal. Inside, a high-quality Bose surround sound system elevates the audio experience.
At the pinnacle of the Mazda CX-5 range, the Takumi trim delivers premium features. This includes 19-inch alloy wheels, luxurious brown Nappa leather upholstery, and the convenience of a 360-degree camera system. Adaptive LED headlights are a notable inclusion, contributing to enhanced visibility and safety.
The Mazda CX-5 lineup offers a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines to cater to your preferences. The 2.0-litre petrol engine, while not exceptionally powerful, delivers a quieter and smoother performance compared to the diesel options, especially in urban settings. Mazda claims a fuel efficiency of 44.1mpg, but real-world driving might yield around 40mpg.
For those spending more time on highways, either of the two 2.2-litre diesel engines could be more suitable. The 150hp variant provides ample power for overtaking slower traffic and offers approximately 50mpg in typical driving conditions. Opting for the more spirited 184hp version sacrifices a bit of fuel efficiency but becomes a better choice if you frequently carry a substantial load or tow a trailer. This version also offers the option of four-wheel drive. The range-topping GT Sport trim boasts a 184hp 2.5-litre petrol engine, paired with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. While quick and smooth, it doesn't quite match the torque output of the diesel engines.
Apart from the base trim, all other models feature stylish 19-inch alloy wheels. These wheels enhance the visual appeal but also tend to accentuate road imperfections, especially on city streets. The CX-5's suspension is slightly firmer compared to many larger SUVs, contributing to a less cushioned ride. However, this setup results in a more dynamic and sporty driving experience.
Overall, the Mazda CX-5 presents a stylish SUV option that's worth considering if you're seeking a spacious and stylish family vehicle that boasts impressive features and unexpectedly engaging driving dynamics.
The Mazda CX-5 is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £30,735.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £232.23.
If you're considering leasing a Mazda CX-5, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).
Leasing a Mazda CX-5 can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.
It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest Audi retailer.
