• Manual, auto, two- and all-wheel drive
• Petrol and diesels
• No hybrids or electric versions to choose

Petrol engines

There are two mild-hybrid petrol engines on offer. First up is the 165hp, 2.0-litre e-SkyActiv-G. It sends power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. If you’re a keen driver (who doesn’t mind sacrificing a bit of fuel economy) we strongly suggest you opt for the former. There’s also a 2.5-litre unit, which is only available on the top-spec Takumi model. This is auto only.

Both are non-turbocharged petrol engines that have been honed for efficiency with cylinder deactivation technology. This shuts off a pair of cylinders (for reduced fuel consumption) when the car isn’t under load, such as when it’s coasting or gently cruising. You also get a dinky electric motor to help turn the engine over when it’s not running at it’s most efficient.

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The 2.0-litre feels like it could do with a turbo, as it’s often too gutless for the mid-size SUV shape. Building momentum up steep hills will require a gear change down. If you’re coming from a diesel or turbocharged petrol SUV, the lack of pulling power is going to feel quite alien – it needs to be revved hard to unlock its performance. But, if you’re a keen driver who’s used to highly strung naturally aspirated petrol engines, it’ll be right up your street. Our Deputy Editor, loves it for that reason.

The 2.5-litre feels much stronger and peppier. It even sounds pretty throaty when you press fully on the accelerator. Although, on start up, it does produce a bit of a racket. Keen drivers will want to try the Sport driving mode. This makes the gear changes a bit quicker and will let you keep in gear too, allowing you to rev it all the way to the redline.

Diesel engines

Mazda’s 2.2-litre diesel engine used to have two power outputs – one with 150hp and one with 184hp. But the lower-powered model wasn’t that popular, so Mazda dropped it. Depending on spec, the 184hp engine can be specced with front- or four-wheel drive, and manual or automatic gearboxes.

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Although the black pump is becoming less popular, diesel really suits this car. The 2.2 with an automatic transmission is a very easy car to drive, and one that really soaks up long distances effortlessly. As with the petrol, the AWD system eats into your fuel consumption. Really think about whether you need the added traction before ticking that box.

What’s it like to drive?

• Good fun, as most Mazdas are
• Comfort is good, especially on the motorway
• Agility not at the expense of comfort

Driving enjoyment is Mazda’s calling card and, for the most part, the CX-5 falls into line with the manufacturer’s current run of satisfying steers. It doesn’t deliver quite the same enjoyment as the company’s smaller hatchback and saloon models but you wouldn’t expect it to.

Where the CX-5 shines is its steering, and how it turns in to corners. There’s a bit of body roll but it’s well-controlled, with no wallowing. Mid-corner, the CX-5 also demonstrates huge and balanced traction levels. The heavier AWD diesel feels noticeably weighty around bends but in a confidence-inspiring manner, and goes exactly where you point it.

The manual gearbox is a pleasure to use, with a light and accurate change, and the clutch take-up is smooth and positive. Having to work the engine hard to make brisk progress isn’t what you’d expect to have to do in a large family car such as the CX-5, but you never get the impression you’re overly exerting the drivetrain, even when you’re wringing the engine out to the redline. It’s unexpectedly fun.

In terms of comfort, low road noise and vibration are the CX-5’s forte. In day-to-day driving, the level of tyre and wind noise are low, although noise levels ramp up more than we’d like on the motorway. There’s a bit of a firm edge to the ride over really bad surfaces but on the whole the CX-5 behaves itself very well, especially impressive when you consider its balanced handling.

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