This is a great review of the Mazda CX-5! It covers a lot of important aspects that potential buyers would want to know:
Strengths:
- Driving Experience: The review emphasizes the CX-5’s strengths as a fun-to-drive SUV, highlighting its responsive steering, grip levels, and agile handling. The comparison with rivals like the VW Tiguan makes this point clear.
- Refined Interior: The upgrade in interior quality is well noted, praising the materials, fit-and-finish, and improvements to comfort.
- Infotainment System: While acknowledging room for improvement in the menu layout, the review appreciates the rotary controller as a user-friendly alternative to touchscreens alone.
- Value Proposition: The review highlights competitive depreciation rates compared to rivals like the Skoda Karoq and Nissan Qashqai.
Weaknesses:
- Design: It acknowledges that design is subjective but notes that the CX-5 doesn’t make radical changes compared to its predecessor. This might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s worth mentioning.
- Tech & Practicality: The review states that the CX-5 lags behind rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq in terms of tech features and practicality (specifically boot space).
- Auto Gearbox: While praising the manual gearbox, it mentions the automatic as being slightly sluggish.
Overall Impression:
The review portrays the Mazda CX-5 as a well-rounded family SUV that excels at driving enjoyment and interior quality while offering good value for money. It’s not necessarily the most spacious or tech-laden option in its class, but it stands out as a compelling choice for drivers who prioritize fun and refinement over sheer practicality.
Suggestions:
- Expand on engine performance: While fuel economy is discussed, adding more detail about how each engine feels in real-world driving (acceleration, overtaking, etc.) would be helpful.
- Compare safety features: A brief mention of the CX-5’s safety ratings and available driver assistance systems would be useful for safety-conscious buyers.
