The new CX-5 certainly has its work cut out for it, considering that it goes up against an armada of rivals in the booming compact SUV segment.
However, with the new generation that debuted last year and went on sale in the UK in June, Mazda may have a winner in their hands, or at least that’s what CarBuyer’s James Batchelor had to say, after driving the 2017 CX-5.
On the plus side, it is good to look at, being more imposing than the old one with its large grille and sweptback headlights, and has a quality interior, which might just top not only the one of the Peugeot 3008, but also the VW Tiguan’s.
There’s plenty of space for two adults in the back, loads of storage compartments, high quality materials and a 7-inch color touchscreen that’s offered as standard. The infotainment system remains identical to the one used on the older CX-5, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Hitting the road should be a pleasure, no matter what version you’ve gone for, as the new Mazda CX-5 is one of the best handling vehicles in its segment. The six-speed manual gearbox is sublime, but the CX-5 it could use a sharper steering and more comfortable seats.
Watch the full review of Mazda’s compact SUV in the video right after the jump.