When the Japanese make a car the world usually holds its breath in anticipation of what it will do to the market but when Mazda launched the CX-5 no one could have expected the sort of success it has enjoyed.
With sales soaring and now the Car of the Year title in Japan on board it is going to go from strength to strength. And I am not surprised. I tested the Sport model with 2WD only, which means you have all the space and height advantage without the added complication and higher fuel consumption of the 4WD powertrain.
Mazda CX5 packs in a lot for average money.
For most people it would be a very good choice out of the nine-model range with 2.0petrol and 2.2diesel engines in two trim levels and spanning £21,400 to £28,400. Auto adds about £1,400 and going for the all-wheel-drive transmission lifts prices by approximately £1,700 depending on model.
Sitting in the middle of the range, my 2.2 Sport comes with central locking, climate control, powered mirrors and windows, leather seats, cruise control and parking sensors as well as MP3 Bluetooth and CD player and the Nav pack is worth having you you extensively travel. You will not lack for anything.
Under the bonnet is a surprisingly smooth and gutsy 2.2 litre four-cylinder engine with 280lbft of torque from 1800rpm so it pulls away well and its flexible in nature so you do not have to keep changing gear.
The light clutch and slick gearchange make easy work of urban conditions and matched to the engine’s power characteristics it pushed up economy to almost 60mpg overall without any particular effort. It is a very good combination.
I liked the way the CX-5 behaved in town and on more open roads, easing into parking spaces monitored by the sensors, and it had good feedback for covering ground quickly on country roads.
When you needed them, the brakes held securely on steep hills and gave strong retardation with little effort underfoot.
Secondary controls were as effortless to use once you found them all and the wipe/ wash system was very effective as well as the bright headlights which were far-reaching and broad in beam.
Climate control worked very effectively, backed up by the electric windows, with good temperature, direction and output and the oddments room was reasonably good. Access was very good into the front or back seats, the loadbed floor was at a useful height and the seats folded to lift capacity from 500 litres to over 1600 litres.
The seats in the back were surprisingly comfortable with adequate leg room and the adjustment range on the front pair was generous while they were also deeply shaped and supporting.
I thought visibility was very good forward and to the sides but much more restricted when looking back through the window or over the flanks. You really rely on those sensors.
The comfort and refinement of the interior is matched by the sophistication of the powertrain, suspension and handling. It grips well for a big front wheel drive car and there are no real vices to worry about.
Bumps and potholes are soaked up without a problem even if you can hear it working hard underneath. Strictly a five-seater, the CX-5 is a good family car offering plenty of room for people and personal belongings, it has a high riding position and with a very good powertrain at your command it is both lively and economical.
Slip into the driving seat of the best car from Japan this year and you will see what I mean.
Fact file:
Mazda CX-5 2.2 Sport 2WD
Price: £25,195
Mechanical: 150ps 4cyl 2.2 TD engine, 6sp manual
Insurance group: 19
Performance: Max 126mph, 0-62mph 9.2sec
Fuel consumption: 56mpg
Emissions/ tax: 119gkm/ VED band C
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
