For the majority of 2019, and some of 2020 I spent my life on the road. Now, before you get ahead of yourself, I’m a travelling IT professional - not an accomplished rock-star. Although I did enjoy the daydream from time to time.
In these 10 to 12 months I drove all sorts of stuff. From executive, but largely boring, diesel saloons to high powered hot hatchbacks (My own Ford Focus ST to be exact). But of all these, the CX-5 was the only car that genuinely surprised me.
Now I like to think of myself as a thoroughbred petrol-head (Yes, I am a poet and I did not know it). In that sense, the SUV concept is not one that I am a massive fan of. Estate cars, fine. They look great and are often produced with fire-breathing V engines that scare the pants off of quick Coupé’s. However, the idea of well-established supercar manufactures like Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Maserati and Jaguar producing hateful diesel SUV’s for the nation is distressing at best. And let’s be real here. If you really want an SUV, there is only one true option: The Range Rover Sport. So, when I was given the keys to a brand-new Mazda CX-5, I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy.
First impressions of the CX-5 are actually pretty good. The thing looks great and has a menacing stance that makes the meanest Hyundai i10’s quiver (I’ve also driven one of these and can confirm it is an acquired taste at best). The interior proves a nice place to be. Even the base model that I drove (SE-L) was fully kitted out; Heated front seats, Dual Zone Climate Control, Automatic lights and wipers, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ‘Premium black cloth Trim’. There is an air of quality that makes the Mazda distinctively Japanese. Obviously, there are some cheap nasty plastics in less important areas. But you genuinely have to stand on your head and hold your breath for three seconds in order to find them.
The engine however is thoroughly disappointing. A 2.0 petrol with 165bhp been driven through the front wheels via a manual gearbox would be fantastic in nearly any mid-size hatchback. But it’s just not enough in the ‘mid-size’ SUV (Mazda’s tagline, not mine). I do find it extraordinary how little power they have produced from a semi-large engine. In the new A45s, Mercedes have managed to produce 421hp from a similar 2.0 4 Cylinder unit, albeit with a turbo. Apparently, Mazda have found the sweet spot between performance and economy. But I’m honestly not sure I buy that. Plus, you’ve just bought an £30K SUV. Is fuel economy really on your list of concerns? The 2.2 Diesel is probably better. Torque is king in bigger cars but unfortunately I wasn't lucky enough to try that one.
I’d imagine this is the one to go for, coupled with the automatic gearbox.
Also, what is up with the Active Cruise Control? I like Cruise Control, I like it a lot. What I don’t like is the car slamming the brakes on when I’m 4 miles away from the car in front. Especially when said car is leaving the motorway. In order to use the Cruise Control, I had to put up with the active system. If there is a way to switch it off, I couldn’t find it! But that may just me being stupid.
If you can get past that though, this car is genuinely brilliant. The suspension seems to iron out the road in front of you, so the ride is fantastic. (Other than the stupid Active Cruise Control system) There are more safety features in this car than a medium sized country. I almost had a heart attack when it started steering itself, that was until I realized that I was experiencing lane departure assist. The fact that you have nearly an entire football pitch between you and the front of the car makes you feel pretty safe too.
I loved the design, and the practicality. The boot size was phenomenal, and despite the height, it was relatively easy to throw luggage in and retrieve it back out.
Plus the armchair likeness of the driver seat made it easy to settle in and enjoy the three and half hour journey between London and Somerset.
More importantly though, the Mazda helped me to understand what the world of SUV’s is really about. I had the car for two weeks, and I spent a great deal of that time in Watford, London (Hertfordshire to be exact). The high driving position is hugely commanding, and you can see so much more around you. Driving in London is a nightmare at the best of times. However, with the flick of the indicator and a little bravery, changing lanes has never been easier. Turns out, people fear the SUV. And whilst you sit in the inevitable traffic jam that is the M25, you do so in great comfort, surrounded by a fantastic stereo system, an 8” infotainment screen, and enough height to see the blithering idiot that caused the pile-up you’re sat in.
If speed is your thing, don’t buy one of these. They aren’t exactly the best handling cars in the world. And even though the JLR group make their flagship models with the ridiculous 5.0 supercharged V8. They usually aren’t that fast.
The SUV concept is all about transporting up to 5 adults, possibly a dog, with lots of luggage in supreme comfort and tons of space. It’s almost a bit gangsta’ and if we’re all being honest with each other. Isn’t that what we all want in a car.
I was super impressed, almost to a point where I’d buy one. And maybe you should too? Unless you have the ability to buy an RS6. In that case, always buy an RS6.
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