The Mazda CX-5 takes mild hybrid thinking to new levels and I like it

Introduction

I love the way that Mazda does its own thing and continues to have a very mixed portfolio of models to choose from. There are new all-electric offerings coming soon too, but in the meantime there’s this, the third-generation Mazda CX-5 fitted with a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G powertrain. This car has delivered big time for Mazda over the years, and the latest incarnation delivers plenty of changes that, on paper at least, make it better.

However, colleagues who were driving it at the same time as me, didn’t seem entirely convinced it was a better car than the older ones we see on our roads. Considering I wasn’t particularly familiar with the Mazda CX-5, but loved the Mazda CX-80, I was keen to try it. Trim options cover all bases and price points, starting with the base Prime-Line followed by the Centre-Line trim I tried, an Exclusive-Line model and topped with the flashy, and over £41K, Homura grade.

On the outside there have been some subtle styling changes that have refreshed the CX-5. Meanwhile, on the inside, Mazda designers have mostly done away with manual controls and opted to push everything towards touchscreen activity. However, an additional upside is the suite of Google tools, while space and comfort levels are every bit as good as they were on earlier variants.

The styling

The Mazda CX-5 ticks all the right boxes when it comes to delivering a family-focused SUV that sits in the same ballpark as the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage or Citroen C5 Aircross to drop three examples into the mix. I think it looks good, and even more so as the example I drove was finished in that glorious metallic Soul Red Crystal that works so well. This is unmistakably a Mazda to look at, and, in these days of innocuous family SUVs, that is a very good thing.

Up front, the styling is solid, with an instantly identifiable grille and badge, complimented by sleek headlights that slant upwards just below the bonnet line. The gloss black plastic trim over the arches, along the sills and around the windows works too. The tail end of the Mazda CX-5 looks great as well, with more gloss black plastic on the lower bumper, a couple of chrome tailpipe extensions and, higher up, a spoiler over the rear window. Below that, a lean taillight bar with Mazda picked out in letters, as is the trend right now, tops it off.

The Mazda CX-5 sits fairly high off the ground, although it’s very easy to get in and out of both front and back. The tailgate opens to reveal an easily accessed and fairly capacious boot space too. Meanwhile, Mazda has done a decent job with the interior, although it wasn’t quite as nicely finished off as I’d expected. Mazda designers always manage to create a quality ambience inside their vehicles, but in the case of the rejuvenated CX-5, I felt slightly underwhelmed. Still, the seats were comfortable on my long run over a variety of road surfaces.

The drive

Heading off on the first part of my test drive, I was a little taken aback by the Mazda CX-5. It felt like it had plenty of power to play with, but the delivery was a little harsh when the accelerator was depressed too enthusiastically. However, as I began to discover during my day long drive, the Mazda CX-5 can be deceptively refined if it’s treated kindly. What’s more, the Mazda CX-5 is an easy thing to drive with a good seating position and even better levels of visibility all round.

Currently, the CX-5 only comes with the one power option, a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G petrol engine, which is aided and abetted by Mazda’s M Hybrid system. To be honest, any electrical assistance given during acceleration seemed nominal to me and it felt like the powertrain was relying more on the petrol-powered grunt delivered by that sizable lump. And, as mentioned, if pushed the noise levels were definitely noticeable. As I learned though, if the CX-5 was treated more gently, it turned out to be a much more refined thing.

Although this is essentially an automatic, I did have a play with the manual shift options too, which rather than using paddles were accessed by selecting ‘M’ instead of ‘D’ with the shifter then ‘+’ or ‘-‘. Unfortunately, they felt a little superfluous to the driving experience, so I soon reverted to letting the auto box do all the work. And that summed up much of the driving experience really: the Mazda CX-5 felt good when being driven sedately, got around corners surprisingly well considering its loftiness and grew on me a lot during my time with it.

Indeed, Mazda has softened the springs and made other suspension tweaks for this edition and that was reflected in the floaty though positive ride quality on a variety of road surfaces. Elsewhere, it always felt there was enough power on tap, as you’d expected from a 2.5-litre engine, but the Mazda CX-5 didn’t feel quite lively enough to take any chances with. However, my front-wheel drive model pulled away nicely when needed, while there’s an all-wheel drive model for anyone who likes the reassurance of having more comprehensive grip all round.

The technology

Mazda has opted to largely get rid of its manual controls inside the CX-5 this time around and so now the rotary roller that used to aid adjustments on the move has been sent packing. Instead, everything has to be done via the 12.9in touchscreen, which was supplemented by a series of icons at the bottom that allowed for climate adjustments.

I did like the way a suite of Google options featured within the system, plus there was also the option for cable or wireless connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. My Centre-Line trim didn’t come with all the bells and whistles but, overall, equipment levels seemed pretty good. Standard models get a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, a 10.25in instrument cluster to supplement the touchscreen, a couple of USB-C ports and the now expected ADAS features.

However, the Centre-Line benefits from a heated steering wheel and front seats, electrical adjustable front seat, dual zone climate controls, wireless charging and a head-up display. Anyone able to step up to the range-topping Homura trim, though, will be rewarded with a chunky 15.6in infotainment screen, which presumably looks even better than the very respectable graphics displayed on my humble 12.9in offering.

On the whole, the tech levels of the Mazda CX-5 seemed acceptable enough to me for a car of this class although anyone wanting the quality Bose audio system offered will need to head for Exclusive-Line or Homura trim grades.

Mazda CX-5 verdict

The Mazda CX-5 is a joy to drive, just as long as it isn’t pushed too hard. Go down the latter route and that mild hybrid powertrain howls in anger.

Aside from that, there’s sensible handling and certainly no shortage of space, plus the comfort levels are as good as any rival. While some suggest the latest incarnation lacks the appeal of earlier models, with touchscreen tech taking over from much in the way of manual controls, the Mazda CX-5 is largely a success.

Mazda CX-5 technical specifications