Mazda CX-5 review

The lesser petrol and diesel engines are front-wheel drive only, but get the option of an automatic gearbox to replace the standard six-speed manual. Buyers of the more powerful diesel get to choose any combination of drive/gearbox, but the new 2.5-litre petrol is all-wheel drive and auto only.

As of early 2021, there are 18 CX-5 models to choose from, including a special edition model called the Kuro. Entry-level spec, called SE-L, is well-equipped. As standard you get LED headlights, heated/electric folding mirrors, parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, the big infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and lots of USB ports.

Sport spec adds larger alloy wheels, a reversing camera, leather upholstery, electric heated seats, a heated steering wheel, HUD, keyless entry and Bose stereo. While top-of-the-line GT Sport cars get ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a sunroof and plusher trim. GT Sport also gets the Safety Pack as standard. An £800 option on Sport CX-5s, it upgrades the headlights to adaptive LEDs and adds a 360-degree camera, driver attention alert and rear smart city braking.

All CX-5s get forward-facing autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning and hill start assist. It was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating when it was first tested in 2017.