Eager to get behind the wheel of Mazda’s all-new CX-5, a quick trip to Scotland gave me the opportunity to put the car through a thorough test on challenging and mostly traffic-free roads.

This is the third-generation model and retains the familiar shape of its predecessor while advancing Mazda’s Kodo design language and using the latest Skyactiv technology, something we first saw with the original CX-5 way back in 2012.

Mazda says that connectivity and usability have been elevated through reimagined HMI. The new 12.9- or 15.6-inch centre display delivers smartphone-style interaction with customisable menus. For the first time in a Mazda, the all-new CX-5 has Google built-in. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and streamlined steering wheel controls help ensure essential information is delivered clearly. Higher grades also include a 12-speaker Bose® sound system.

Sadly, there is a move away from dedicated buttons at a time when some manufacturers are reintroducing them due to customer dissatisfaction with having to constantly use a screen, even for some basic functions. I was not a huge fan.

New proportions and the extended wheelbase enhance road presence, stability and interior and boot space, increasing overall practicality for daily use. Designed for family life, the all-new CX-5 now has an additional 61 litres of boot space, wider-opening rear doors and a 40:20:40 split-folding bench for extra versatility.

The cabin offers a clean, spacious and calming environment crafted with fine materials. A simplified layout that wraps around the entire front, contributing to a driver-focused yet family-friendly atmosphere. Key features include a new centre console with enhanced storage and – on higher trims – a panoramic sunroof. Ambient lighting on the front door trims, exclusive to the range-topping Homura grade, adds to the cabin’s refined and tranquil environment.

The all-new CX-5 is offered in four grades – Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line, and Homura – each with distinct interior finishes and equipment. Interior options include black or tan leather (Homura) and a two-tone black-and-white artificial leather and suede-like finish (Exclusive-Line). My test car was the top model with stylish tan leather sports seats. Comfortable, without a doubt, but lacking in side support when cornering briskly.

Underneath the bonnet, the all-new CX-5 is powered by a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G 141PS petrol engine, paired with 24V Mazda M Hybrid technology with a brake-by-wire system, replacing the previous 2.0-litre base unit. Paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, performance is leisurely, demonstrated by the 0-62mph sprint time of 10.5 seconds.

In normal driving, refinement is fine, but go for a quick overtake and you’ll need lots of revs. Then you will discover that the engine is not the most tuneful when extended, rather spoiling the ambience. I found the gear changes were not the smoothest either at times.

I know I now spend much of my time in hushed EVs with instant acceleration, but even so I found the CX-5 a tad disappointing.

Available in FWD and AWD, the all-new CX-5 benefits from chassis and suspension updates, which are said to enhance ride comfort and road holding. I’m not sure either is a huge step forward over the outgoing model. Ride quality is good and handling safe and secure, though perhaps a tad uninvolving.

Equipped with a comprehensive suite of updated ADAS features, the all-new CX-5 has gained a Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating. As is generally the case these days, the lane departure warning does need to be turned off, unless cruising on a motorway. Otherwise, the constant steering corrections are rather tiresome and, in some cases, downright dangerous.
Prices start at a very reasonable £31,500, with my 2WD Homura model costing £39,950 including £1,000 for the stunning Soul Red Crystal paint, the best colour.

To demonstrate the potential role sustainable fuels can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions when used as an alternative to fossil fuels, the cars on the Mazda CX-5 launch were powered by a 100% second-generation biofuel with no fossil-fuel component.

Provided by SUSTAIN Fuel Technologies, the SUSTAIN 100 95 RON E10 second-generation biofuel is made from biomass such as food and agricultural waste and other non-food by-products. This content utilises the carbon that already exists in our atmosphere, which plants absorb as they grow, recycling it rather than releasing additional CO2 that is currently locked underground in fossil fuels.

On my first day of driving, I recorded around 32mpg, the result of challenging roads and my usual brisk driving style. Day two was a more relaxed drive back to Edinburgh on slower roads, and I was pleasantly surprised to see the trip computer reading 39.8mpg, very close to the WLTP combined figure of 40.4mpg.

It is interesting to note that sales of the CX-5 in the UK have now passed 100,000 units, and it remains Mazda’s best-selling model here. With so much choice, and many buyers now making the move to fully electric motoring, it will be interesting to see how well the new car sells.

There’s no doubt existing CX-5 owners will be pleased to upgrade to the all-new car, but whether it is appealing enough for a conquest sale, I’m not so sure. My pick of the range would be an entry-level Prime-Line model, ticking that option box for the lovely Soul Red paint finish.

However, waiting in the wings is the new CX-6e, an all-electric, mid-size SUV which I hope to be testing before the year is out. It is all part of Mazda’s sensible strategy to offer a choice of cars for both private and business users. It’s a busy year for the Japanese brand.

Fast Facts (as tested)
Mazda CX-5 2WD Homura
Price: £39,950
Soul Red Paint/Tan Leather
141PS 2.5 litre engine
6-speed automatic gearbox
0-62mph in 10.5 seconds
Top speed 116mph
Combined economy 40.4mpg
Emissions – 159g/km CO2
Warranty – 6 years/100,000 miles
Towing limit 2,000kg (braked)