2022 Mazda CX-5 review: Dynamic SUV steals an edge on rivals with performance and quality

To put the significance of the CX-5 in perspective; since the launch of the original in 2012, more than three million have been sold globally, with in excess of 70,000 leaving UK showrooms.

So, what’s different? In a nutshell, there’s the usual headlamp and grille styling tweak common on most midlife facelifts, no matter what the manufacturer. There are also some major changes to the SUV’s range, which means buyers can now choose from 20 different styling pack, engine and transmission combos. Prices start at £28,145 for the 2.0-litre 163bhp SE-L.

There’s a choice of two petrol engines, a 163bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 2.5-litre four-pot delivering 190bhp. Plus there are two diesels, both utilising Mazda’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder, but in two states of tune, either 148bhp or 181bhp. All are available with the choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, apart that is from the top-spec petrol. It’s only available with an auto ‘box and AWD. Apparently, only 9% of buyers opt for the all-wheel drive version.

Why? Perhaps because one of the CX-5’s core strengths is its sheer drivability. We all know the delights of the iconic Mazda MX-5 roadster. Well get behind the wheel of the CX-5 and you can enjoy the same, sharp, positive, perfectly-balanced steering with the short-shift, flick-of-the-wrist six-speed manual gearbox. The combination is a sheer delight.

Engines and performance

I drove all three engine derivatives available on what was an incessantly rain-lashed 200-mile trip round the west coast of Scotland. Suffice to say, both front-wheel drive and AWD versions were perfectly sure-footed in the sodden conditions.

Starting with the entry-level 163bhp, in Sport Black trim (£33,825 as tested), it was perfectly adequate. Quiet and refined, it lacked the mid-range punch most drivers will seek. Sure it’s perfect for pottering round, but I suspect you’d find yourself craving that extra bit of oomph when you need to overtake or accelerate on to a motorway. That said, it’s no slouch: 0-62mph comes round in 10.5 seconds, and it’ll return around 41.5mpg.

For the long leg through Glencoe, I had the 190bhp 2.5-litre auto AWD (£38,365 as tested). And to be honest, given this leg encountered the most atrocious weather conditions, I was grateful for the security of the all-wheel drive. However, I found the automatic transmission lagged behind my input, and overall it lacked the sparkle and verve of the front-wheel drive manual versions. Sure you could boost the performance if you slipped it into Sport mode, but that hammered the fun economy, slipping to around 28mpg on my run.

In a world in which the ‘D’ word has all but been exorcised, as we focus of all-electric and hybrids, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the 148bhp diesel (£32,790 as tested in Sport trim), but boy, what a delight.

Here was the perfect combination. With its bucketloads of torque it pulls happily from the lowest of revs. And somehow it makes the CX-5 feel a complete unit; a marriage made in heaven. A hidden gem.