Mazda CX-5 SUV
Our journalist test-drives the family car that boasts fine handling, plenty of high-tech appointments and elegant design inside and out.
I tested the top-of-the-range GT Sport trim. It comes with 19-inch alloys, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB radio, sat nav and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. It also features a seven-inch digital instrument display, a head-up display, sunroof and a 360-degree camera.
You get brown Nappa leather with heated and ventilated front seats, too.
The two petrol engines are a 2.0-litre producing 165PS and a 2.5-litre supplying 194PS. But it’s the diesel that was driven for this article: a 2.2-litre with 184PS and all-wheel drive, available with a six-speed manual or automatic.
Fuel consumption averages 42.2mpg, releasing 173g/km of CO2 in the process.
The suspension is quite firm, so although it’s not uncomfortable, some rivals offer a more absorbing ride, especially given the 19-inch wheels. The stiffness aids the handling, though, meaning it’s nimble for a vehicle of its size.
The body roll in the bends is well controlled, and the steering is nicely weighted, giving you confidence-inspiring feedback.
The driving position is high up, and the seats are comfortable, helped by adjustable lumbar support. Meanwhile, the interior is pleasant and feels robust.
The infotainment system is clear and quick to respond, controlled via a rotary dial on the centre console, which is convenient.
There is a load of space in the front and rear, while the CX-5 offers lots of storage in the cabin.
The CX-5 is very worthy of a place on your shortlist.
Words: Tim Barnes-Clay,
Follow on Instagram @tbarnesclay and
Twitter @carwriteups
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Grantham school joins Carol Service in celebration of town’s hospital![]()
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Pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy are taking part in the first Carol Service to celebrate the special relationship Grantham and District Hospital has with the town and surrounding communities.![]()
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The school children will join in the singing of favourite Christmas Carols as well as perform their own set musical piece at the Carol Service on Thursday 11th December at 7pm, in St Wulfram’s church, Grantham.![]()
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Deputy Head Teacher Olivia Mumford said: “The Carol Service is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to share the joy of music while showing appreciation for the incredible work done at Grantham and District Hospital. It’s a privilege to support such an important event in our town."![]()
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The Carol Service has been organised by United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, who work closely with staff at Grantham and District Hospital and provides those extras for staff and patients that NHS budgets are unable to fund. ![]()
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Further details on the Grantham NHS Carol Service can be found by visiting www.ulhcharity.org.uk/news/christmas-carols-at-grantham-st-wulfram-church-in-thanks-for-towns-sup...