Background
Similar in size to the Nissan Qashqai, VW Tiguan and Kia Sportage, the CX-5 is a compact five-door SUV. Like many cars in this increasingly crowded category, it's available in both two and four-wheel drive versions. Launched in the UK in 2012 the CX-5 has the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre 165ps petrol engine in 2WD only and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre diesel in 150 and 175ps forms with a choice of 2WD or 4WD. All models have 6-speed gearboxes with automatics available only on the diesels. The car has a 5-star NCAP safety rating.
Bang for your buck
The used Mazda CX-5 comes in either SE-L or Sport trim levels with the option of an integrated navigation system. The SE-L is well equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, Smart City Brake Support (which helps prevent you running into another car at low speeds), iPod integration and integrated Bluetooth.
Sport trim adds to the package with 19-inch wheels, a Bose audio system, reversing camera, keyless entry, leather trim and heated front seats. At launch all models were available with a free upgrade to NAV spec with the integrated navigation system using a 5.8-inch touchscreen powered by TomTom technology.
A 150ps 2WD diesel manual qualifies for £30 a year VED thanks to its low emissions but automatic transmission or four-wheel drive pushes the tax into a higher band.
What you'll pay
There aren't many CX-5s on the used market as yet so prices are still high and most cars will be at main dealers. A 12 plate 2.0 petrol Sport will be around £21,500. Expect to pay about £22,000 for a 62-plate 2.2 diesel SE-L 2WD. A top spec 12-plate 175ps diesel sport 4WD will be around the £27,000 mark.
What to check
These cars are still very new with no major problems as yet. As with any 4x4 check for signs of off-road use and damage to the wheels and underside though it's unlikely most Mazda CX-5 cars for sale will have done anything more arduous than the school run. Cars in Australia have been recalled for a problem with the diesel particulate filter.
Parts
CX-5s are still under warranty so it's hard to assess prices for major components. Based on other Mazdas, consumables should be reasonable with around £14 for an air filer, £6 for an oil filter £24 for a fuel filter and £40 for a timing belt.
How it drives
Thanks to its light weight the Mazda CX-5 performs better than you might expect for this class of car. The 2.0 petrol will get you to 62 mph in 9.2 seconds and go on to 124 mph. The ride is comfortable and the steering is accurate if a little lacking in feel. Sport models on bigger wheels have a firmer, though not uncomfortable, ride.
The diesels are heavier but should prove economical with 35 mph per 1,000 revs in sixth gear making them quiet motorway cruisers. The 150ps 2WD can achieve 61.4 mpg on the combined cycle. The 175ps with an autobox can only manage 51 mpg. If you value the driving experience though you'll prefer the petrol version as the lighter engine makes for better handling. It's capable of 47.1 mpg too which makes it quite hard to see why you'd go for the diesel unless you really need four-wheel drive.
Inside there's a chunky three-spoke steering wheel with controls for the audio system and clear dials housed in a hooded binnacle. Head and leg room is good and there's plenty of space for adults in the back. The boot is big, 403 litre with the seats up and a massive 1,620 litres with them down. There's a 40:20:40 split for maximum flexibility with bulky cargoes and the seats fold almost flat for easy loading.
Compared to the competition the Mazda CX-5 looks quite expensive – even as a used buy – but you do get a lot of car for your money. It's well equipped and a competent performer with plenty of space and comfort for long journeys. It's also among the most economical cars in its class when it comes to fuel consumption and the VED won't break the bank even on the top models. Unless you must have four-wheel drive go for the 2.0 petrol for the best balance of performance and economy.
