FIVE STAR(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 83

The second generation version of Mazda's CX-5 mid-sized SUV has been lightly improved, with mild hybrid tech added to the petrol engine range, delivering improved economy and lower emissions. As before, this model represents a good compromise between a Nissan Qashai-style family Crossover and a Toyota RAV4-style SUV, offering good driving dynamics, efficient running costs and decent practicality. This may not be the first car you consider in this sector, but try one and you might just think it to be the best.

Background word count: 133

The CX-5 has proved to be a crucial car for Mazda. Launched in 2012 relatively early on in the current craze for mid-sized SUV and Crossover models, it's since sold prodigiously. To the point where this model line now accounts for a quarter of all the Japanese brand's global sales. Over 1.5 million CX-5s have been sold worldwide, with 32,000 examples having found UK owners. Will those people continue to like this updated second generation version, now usefully revised? It'll be interesting to see. There's 24v Mazda M Hybrid mild-hybrid technology across all the petrol models and range of fresh higher-value trim designations. All of which this car will need to stay competitive in the face of crowded competition for sales of cars of this kind. Let's judge this Mazda on its merits.

Driving Experience word count: 394

Let's cover what's different with the lightly revised CX-5 under consideration here. Basically, the main change is the addition of 24v Mazda M Hybrid mild hybrid technology to all the petrol engines, which now both feature a cylinder deactivation system. As before, there are two petrol powerplants on offer; almost all CX-5 customers opt for the base 2.0-litre 165PS SKYACTIV-G unit (offered with manual or auto transmission), which still can't be had with AWD. In recent times, this engine has recently gained what Mazda calls 'steering vibration counter-measures'. You can have a petrol-powered CX-5 that does have AWD though - a 2.5-litre 194PS SKYACTIV-G powerplant at the top of the range, which only comes in 4x4 form. Most CX-5 folk though, still defiantly choose the brand's 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel unit, recently updated for RDE2 compliance but lacking the M Hybrid tech. As before, this diesel engine is offered with either 150 or 184PS forms, can be specified with auto transmission and (in 184PS form) with AWD too. A recent addition to the range is 'Mazda Intelligent Drive select' ('Mi-Drive'), which enables the driver to select the most appropriate drive mode with one touch of a switch. Some model grades equipped with i-Activ AWD further benefit from an Off-Road Mode, which makes driving feel more natural on un-made and slippery surfaces. Mazda's next generation of Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture has now been applied to this mid-sized SUV, further evolving the bodyshell, suspension and seats to enhance ride comfort and reduce fatigue. The brand also claims that road noise has been greatly reduced in more recent versions of this model, particularly when driving on rough surfaces such as gravel. Like many new-era Mazdas, this one's a product of the company's 'Jinba-Ittai' 'car-and-driver-as-one' philosophy which aims to deliver more focused levels of levels of driver engagement and comfort. Further helping in this regard is a 'GVC' 'G-Vectoring Control' torque vectoring system that transfers traction to the wheel most needing it when you're going at speed through tight corners. And off road prowess? Well, as with the systems employed by most of its rivals, this car has a set-up in which the torque is automatically split according to the terrain you're on, so it can direct 100% of drive to the front wheels in normal conditions, with up to 50% then directed to the rear wheels if slip is detected.