MAZDA CX-5 2.2 DE Active auto fwd

Now that Mazda has taken its own marketing by the horns, the CX-5 can take on the busy soft roader bust-up with a chance. This is essentially a good looking, competent vehicle that was lost in all the hoopla generated for the Ford Kuga, and now some of the shortcomings apparent at local launch in 2012 have been fixed.

The baseline 2.0-litre petrol with 114 kW/200 Nm has been retained, and the line-up expanded to include an all new 2.5-litre petrol with 138 kW/250 Nm and a fuel index of 7.0l/100 km, along with a 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel good for 110 kW/380 Nm and a fuel index of 5.7l/100 km. The latter is the only derivative now offered with four wheel drive, in highest spec DE Akera trim.

The new engines put back some of the driving fun missing lower down the scale, while a new lock-up clutch on the 6spd auto versions (both petrol and diesel) means far less slip than before. Mazda bangs on about its Skyactiv technologies, which is really a holistic approach to improving efficiency and safety. Hence the chassis is made lighter, yet more rigid and crash-safe, with benefits for driving dynamics, adding to the basic mechanical formula of multi-link rear and strut front suspension. Stop/start is standard too, and a lot of attention has been paid to interior ergonomics.

The long 2700 mm wheelbase means a spacious five-seater cabin, with plenty of second-row seating configurations (40:20:40 split) and a generous boot. A dash centre touch screen monitor provides the infotainment link with a load of connectivity options and solid Bose sound system.

It’s a very pleasant car to drive. Seats are comfortable, controls are just right and where you’d expect to find them, the weighting is well judged for a family-style vehicle, and it’s all very hushed and insulated at highway speed. It’s no race car, and feels subjectively pretty big, which may be good for those downsizing from a larger SUV, and it does handle the bends with a bit of give. So it may not inspire passions, but the front-drive 2.2 diesel at R375k is frugal, well-priced and probably all you’ll need. Mazda quality will do the rest.