#-level languages and place a larger emphasis on electrical engineering

[1o1percentmilk]

i actually think hatori is more of an electrical/hardware engineer than an informatics/information technology/software engineering person

[thecarexpertuk]

What is it? The Mazda CX-5 is the second-generation version of the brand’s best-selling crossover. Key features: Interior upgrades, revised styling, higher quality throughout. Our view: Improved in all areas, the new Mazda CX-5 is a definite contender for crossover buyers, particularly in diesel form. Type of review: First UK drive.

Ask any car enthusiast to name a Mazda and they will very likely reply MX-5 – the roadster dominates the Japanese brand’s public image. But Mazda sells a great many more examples each year of a much less obvious model – the CX-5 crossover.

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Launched in 2012, the CX-5 has become Mazda’s best-selling car. In Europe, the three CX crossover models account for half of all Mazdas sold, while in the UK it’s a third – because we buy so many MX-5s.

So there is no doubting the importance of the crossover as the second-generation model arrives on UK roads in July. It is all-new, but it is also an evolution of the current car.

When the previous CX-5 arrived in 2012, it was described as a bridge between Mazda’s fifth and sixth generation UK model range. The car debuted the first elements of the brand’s ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ design language, and also the first of the efficiency-seeking SkyActiv Technology programme in the chassis.

Today every Mazda is 100% SkyActiv, including engines, and 100% Kodo. And we are told the new CX-5 is again a bridge – it previews what is to come in the seventh generation of Mazda cars, dubbed by UK boss Jeremy Thomson “as big a step forward,” as was Gen Six.

Next page: Design

Exterior and interior

The exterior look of the Mazda CX-5 apparently hints at the future direction of the ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ design language. The changes have effectively decluttered the car, removing extraneous lines and creases, and the effect is pleasing on the eye. “It’s what we leave off rather than what we put on,” Thomson says.

Compared to the Mk1 CX-5, the new car is 10mm longer and 35mm lower, on the same 2,700mm wheelbase, but the big change is in the windscreen pillars. These are 35mm further back, which gives the car a sleeker look while surprisingly not affecting the interior space.

Inside the emphasis is on improving quality. The basic design, the way everything flows out from around the steering wheel, has always been good. Now it boasts better materials, including lots of soft-touch plastic, wood and leather.

Most pertinently, Mazda has tried hard to address a prime criticism of the previous CX-5, its noise. Some 50kg of sound-deadening material has been added, as well as such simple measures as moving the windscreen wipers down slightly to tuck out of the airflow under the rear lip of the bonnet.

There is plenty of space in front and rear, and more boot space too. The main boot accommodates 506 litres, expanding to 1,620 with rear seats dropped, and underfloor space in the boot has increased from 10 to 30 litres. Among other neat touches, the glovebox is now big enough to hide a 10-inch tablet in.

Overall, it’s a satisfying environment to be in. The controls are sensibly placed, Mazda sat navs remain one of the easiest to use and read, and it all looks and feels suitably plush.

Next page: Powertrains and driving

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Powertrains

One aspect of the new CX-5 that hasn’t changed are the engines. The three options all employ the brand’s standalone SkyActiv technology which eschews the industry standard of downsizing for a range of efficiency improvements.

The choice is between a 2-litre petrol unit of 2.0 litres and 165hp or two versions of the 2.2 diesel with either 150 or 175hp. The petrol unit is supplied with a six-speed manual gearbox and two-wheel-drive only, the diesels with manual or auto transmission, two or all-wheel drive. As is now the norm in the crossover segment, most buyers will go for 2WD.

On the road

The launch event for the CX-5 covered more than 240 miles of superb driving roads in the Highlands of Scotland, and mostly it did not disappoint.

The Car Expert drove both the petrol and the lower-powered diesel variants, both in manual and 2WD form. There is no doubting the refinement of the SkyActiv engines, which accelerate smoothly and provide an almost silent cruise. The diesel is every bit as commendable in this respect at its petrol sibling.

However, the constantly changing profile of the test route did expose a lack of pulling power in the petrol engine when faced with a gradient. Much gear changing was necessary to maintain pace, whereas progess in the torquey diesel was far more relaxed.

In terms of handling the CX-5 is right up there with the best in the crossover market. Recent Mazda chassis technology, dubbed G-Vectoring Control (GVC), is now available on this car – it basically slightly cuts front axle torque into a corner, which shifts the weight forward and increases grip, and then restores it on the exit.

Rather like a racing driver blipping the throttle as he brakes, GVC works very well. The CX-5 turns in sharply, maintains grip and feels very planted, again the diesel more so than the petrol.

All that noise-cutting weight has done the job too – inside the CX-5 the environment is comparable in noise levels (or lack of noise levels), to an Audi or a BMW.

Next page: Equipment, summary and specifications

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Equipment

Mazda CX-5 trim structures are simple. There are just two options: SE-L Nav or Sport Nav, the latter £3,000 more expensive. Previously buyers have tended to go for the higher option, which will now get them such niceties as larger alloy wheels, a reversing camera, black leather upholstery, a premium Bose sound system.

Also included are several items of tech reinforcing the premium feel, such as the powered tailgate and head-up display. A heated steering wheel and electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory are also part of the Sport Nav spec.

Mind you the SE-L Nav is not exactly lacking in equipment, such as a comprehensive safety package. This includes a new version of the Smart City Brake Support system, that in a traffic jam will now automatically slow the car to a stop and then move it away again. By comparison, the old version kept turning itself off at 18mph.

Auto headlamps and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, reclining rear seats, a seven-inch colour touchscreen with navigation and a DAB radio are all part of a package that makes the SE-L Nav good value for money.

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Summary

The big mistake would have been to ruin what since 2012 has quietly been one of Mazda’s best cars. The good news is they haven’t – the new CX-5 is improved in all areas and remains a leading contender in the market.

Mazda makes no bones about its aim of moving the brand upmarket – above the likes of Ford and Vauxhall, lining up against Volkswagen and perhaps catching some Audi and BMW owners looking for a more affordable replacement. The CX-5 certainly meets the brief, a very viable alternative to the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Don’t bother with the petrol engine, unless you will only be driving on flat roads. If we were in the market for a crossover, we would choose the 150hp diesel. If you are in the market, you should not ignore the Mazda CX-5.

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Mazda CX-5 review – key specification

Models Tested: Mazda CX-5 2.0 165hp 2WD Sport Nav, 2.2 150hp 2WD Sport Nav Diesel. On Sale: First deliveries July 2017. Range price:£23,695 – £33,195. Insurance groups:TBA Engines: 2.0 petrol, 2.2 diesel (x2). Power (hp): 165, 150/175. Torque (Nm): 210, 380/420. 0-62mph (sec):10.4, 10.1*/9.0** Top speed (mph): 125, 127*/129* Fuel economy (combined, mpg): 44.1. 56.5*/52.3* CO2 emissions (g/km): 149, 132*/142* Key rivals: Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV4 Test Date: June 2017 * = manual gearbox, FWD where available. 175hp diesel AWD only.

Read more Mazda news, reviews and features at The Car Expert

Mazda CX-5 review What is it? The Mazda CX-5 is the second-generation version of the brand’s best-selling crossover. Key features: