Mazda CX-5 exciting? Not in a normal manner. But if you have already glimpsed the score and scanned the verdict might be, give some thought to read the rest of this review. And you should, because the CX-5 should be on your list if you’re buying a family car.

Well, she stumbles at the first hurdle. It is only to complain of seeing. This is the first production car, new “Kodo” design language boastful Mazda, and is beautiful and shapely.

But not flashy. No Evoque. It is one of those ways will work best in the metal on the side, and there are some interesting character lines, but in most colors and climatic conditions that are too sensitive to stress.

It’s a shame, because there are lots of new technologies under the skin that really works and really makes a difference. Most brand new cars have a certain level of transfer from the predecessor or other models in the range, but not the CX. 5

Engine, transmission, chassis, suspension – there’s nothing here that’s been anywhere else. OK, some coating booth and change, but nothing of real importance.

So we have much to tell. And we started better with SKYACTIV engines. The CX-5 is either a 163bhp petrol 2.0-liter or 2.2-liter diesel (148bhp or 173bhp) engine. So far, so conventional, but what is unusual in that both they have a 14: 1 compression ratio. For Otto gasoline is ridiculously high; for self-ignition, diesel remarkably low.

There are a lot of good technical reasons why we did not have engines like these, but stresses the program manager Hideaki Tanaka: “In gasoline, high pressure means more torque and better efficiency of combustion, diesel, reduction ratio helps to cleaner combustion, reduced mechanical stress

and weight of the engine. “

Gasoline is also un-turbo, which is unusual, and under a little stronger than most load. It is pleasant to use, torquier you could expect, but largely ignored, as they represent 15 percent of sales.

Diesel is a peach. It is very smooth and quiet, and if you wish, you can take more than 5000 rpm and not going to get all shouty. But there is no reason, because as with all diesel engines, making the good things about 1500-3500 rpm. And 148bhp is all you need, drag the CX-5 together, without visible effort.

It was really a good turn of speed he has, it runs silently and claimed 61.4mpg and 119g / km of CO2 before. Ford Kuga or even Toyota RAV4 is well below 150 g / km or manages over 50mpg. Mazda reveals something right.

But those numbers always requires resisting the temptation par excellence: the box auto ‘and the 4WD system. The 4WD little discernible difference to the daily driving and can only push up to 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels.

The car is great to use – it is the uncanny knack of knowing what it takes to be in transition and when to change it. So the sweet spot is the area of ​​diesel basic instructions. It has a good, crisp gear change (the union is as short as the MX-5 is, apparently), and may be in two trims: SE-L and Sport.

We call them now, since the difference between them is not limited to costs, and established. Upgrade to Sport costs £ 2200 and adds xenon headlights, reversing camera, electric leather seats, keyless entry system and 19-inch alloys. It will also change driving habits.

No difference in the chassis, but have mounted in the 17s in the SE-L more squidge in their high-profile sidewalls 65, which smooths the ride and takes the edge of body control. This is not a problem because all CX-5 drives with great success.

Is comfort and refinement are more obvious. Mazda has a new insulation material used in construction, and there is the CX-5 like a silent cabin, isolated to the best German executives.

It just feels hard very mature, and Mazda – Ford matched only in the sector of the mainstream – makes dynamic better than almost any other. The larger wheels Sport is tense and agile cornering, runs very well and keeps the momentum going. The trip could be a fraction of stiffness, but all CX-5 has a casual and relaxed atmosphere ideal for family life environment.

They are big on the inside, too. The CX-5 is the Qashqai size, but this is misleading – it is large with plenty of room for rear head and legroom and a vacation large trunk 503 liters. Drop handles the 40:20:40 split rear seat for a 1620 liters Bay.

Criticism? The interior design and quality. Be plastic materials and more tactile been most dramatic and exciting. But that’s it, though.

This is a good car, a good family SUV that will serve you well if nothing special. It is on sale from May 18, and its arrival marked the expiration of the CX-7 larger, since the B 2 segment, one of the cars, most underrated Mazda underestimated. Hopefully the CX-5 avoids the same fate. it deserves.