THE CX-5 is Mazda’s best-seller in the UK and that’s no surprise because the handsome SUV is easily the “looker” of a crowded segment, especially when finished in Soul Red Crystal paint.
The finish may cost an extra £800 but it really enhances the CX-5’s award-winning KODO: Soul and Motion design and stylish appeal. Earlier this year, the Japanese car maker announced a raft of improvements to the second generation CX-5 along with a new flagship model.
The new range-topper is called the GT Sport Nav+ and it gets a substantial amount of extra kit over the already well equipped Sport Nav+ model. It sits on special 19in alloy wheels and inside is finished with a higher grade of leather trim and LED ambient lighting.
There is also a new seven-inch colour display, digital instruments and the front seats gain ventilation while the rear seats are now also heated. Other upgrades include a mix of wood and satin chrome trim, a new steering wheel with special stitching, black roof lining and a frameless rear view mirror.
All these things combine to give the latest CX-5 a really premium feel that stands out in the class and puts some more expensive competition to shame.
A safety pack offered as an option on lesser models is standard on the new flagship model and includes LED headlights, a driver alert system, smart city brake support as well as a 360-degree surround view camera.
In common with all CX-5s, there is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard as well as dual climate control.
I have been driving the GT AWD model with the more powerful 184PS diesel that features all the latest SKYACTIV technology.
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Mated to a slick six-speed manual gearbox, it can get to 62mph in just 9.3 seconds and deliver up to 42.8mpg on the combined cycle under WLTP testing. It can go on to 129mph and is smooth and refined at motorway speeds.
The CX-5 has always been one of the sharpest cars to drive in its class and Mazda has improved the dynamics further with a series of suspension modifications.
The changes include a thicker front and smaller rear anti-roll bars, new front stabiliser bushes, rear damper top mounts and tweaked damper valves. Combined with an updated yaw control system, it makes this CX-5 even sharper and more stable.
The result is an SUV with great grip and one that you can enjoy chucking around corners without experiencing too much roll.
Mazda DNA seems to make every vehicle in the range fun to drive and even though the CX-5 is a substantial vehicle, it is very agile and responsive. The well-weighted steering offers excellent feedback and the snappy manual change adds to the driving appeal.
This latest CX-5 is also very practical, with room for five to travel in comfort in the upmarket cabin. The boot offers 494 litres of space and this goes up to 1365 with the rear seats folded with just a flick of a lever. A powered tailgate is an added bonus.
The CX-5 in any guise is an accomplished family SUV but this flagship model allows it to compete against much more expensive opposition with confidence.
Factfile:
- Model: Mazda CX-5 GT Sport Nav+ 2.2 SKYACTIV-D 184PS 4WD
- Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
- Power: 184PS
- Top speed: 129mph
- 0-62mph: 9.3 seconds
- Average mpg: 42.8
- CO2 emissions: 137g/km
- Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles
- Price: £35,310
