Mazda CX-5 grows up

Ian Lamming goes the journey in the latest generation Mazda CX-5

My, young man, how you have grown.

Mazda’s third generation SUV, the CX-5, seems to have been to the gym and put on some serious muscle.

At a glance, from the front, it is recognisably CX-5, the telltale sleek nose and bonnet screaming of Mazda stylists’ prowess.

But get the old tape measure out and it’s 4.5in longer, not to mention wider and taller. And, if you are still not convinced it is new, then have a look at the rear and take in the new attractive tail-lamps.

It certainly has even more road presence, particularly with the lustrous sheen for which Mazdas are well known.

And while it is larger it never approaches unwieldy so don’t worry about it being difficult to manoeuvre.

So, it’s big and beautiful, but is it better, as the old model was a bit of a stalwart. Well, of course it is, otherwise what would have been the point.

Timing is perfect too as the world is a bit crazy at the moment and Japan needs a champion with which to take on the Chinese and Koreans.

The world was a different place in 2012 when the last iteration was released.

Now it has to compete with full electrics, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, super-efficient diesels and diddy turbocharged motors with a cylinder missing.

Mazda loves to plough its own furrow so the engine is a 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol unit with mild hybrid assistance. The previous two CX-5s sold 4.5 million worldwide so it’s a winning formula.

It will even chew on biofuel to reduce emissions by 90 per cent if you can afford the liquid gold.

New CX-5 comes in four specs and in front and all-wheel-drive forms. Prices start at just £31,550 which feels like a bit of a bargain given the supreme build quality of the Mazda.

This is the 2WD Centre-Line and more so than ever oozes class. Inside, all the surfaces have that upmarket sheen you come to expect with Mazda and the cabin is glorious – and even more spacious.

The centrally-mounted mouse has gone, which is a shame for an old Luddite like me, so expect the ubiquitous touchscreen. It’s the way of the world I suppose.

Luckily, there are two important buttons on the dash for front and rear demist, so no fumbling around with the screen when you need to clear the windows.

The rest of the functions are a digit dab away so I set everything up before I start driving then leave well alone.

On the road the CX-5 remains an enjoyable driver’s car with firm, controlled ride and spirited handling.

It likes a twist or two and doesn’t shy away from a bit of urban driving. But it’s on long, tedious journeys that it proves supreme.

The 2.5 litre motor hums quietly away in the background without being intrusive and offers reasonable amounts of power – so overtaking isn’t a problem.

It’s only a mild hybrid so economy hovers around the 40MPG mark giving it a useful range.

The world needs cars like the CX-5; honest, reliable, dynamic and a pleasure to ride in.

In these tumultuous times Mazda has given its popular SUV all the big-boy tools it needs with which to fight it out with the opposition.