Mazda’s mid-life revision of the CX-5 crossover is a mild one, with kit changes and some very subtle exterior upgrades on the top-spec Sport Nav model driven here.
The multimedia system, with new touchscreen and rotating control dial, is the most obvious change from the previous version.
Excellent
The CX-5 has an excellent whole-life cost result thanks, in part, to its 43.8% residual value which massively outpoints most rivals.
Good
Offering a great combination of comfort and nimble handling, the CX-5 is also good-looking. The interior is well designed, the infotainment is logical and the enhanced equipment levels are fairly generous.
Average
It’s not the cheapest car in its sector, although the great RVs help turn that around. The 175hp engine driven here is only available in 4×4 form, which means the CX-5 breaks 130g/km, when two-wheel drive versions are under 120.
Poor
It would have been nice to see a bit more of an exterior redesign. The car looks good but it could have used a visual boost to increase awareness.
