Mazda has sold more than five million CX-5s since its plush family crossover was launched in 2012 - and more than 100,000 of those went to UK buyers, the vast majority being the second-gen car that came here in 2017.
This right-sized SUV has in fact accounted for 25% of Mazda sales. It's a car that does almost everything well, being comfortable, pleasant to drive, luxurious and economical-and now it has value on its side, with used examples starting at £6000. And what if we told you it might even be a better all-rounder than the third-gen CX-5, which has just arrived?
The Mk2 CX-5 is really a heavy facelift of the Mk1, but it came with some useful improvements that make it well worth the extra cost.
Its MX-5-influenced 'Kodo' design still looks sporty and modern, with sharp creases that are especially eye-catching in Soul Red; a 2023 facelift added distinctive LED headlights and fashionable flat paint finishes.
Inside, the CX-5 is the measure of contemporary German rivals. The material quality, from seat trim to switchgear, is to be appreciated, while the ergonomics and driving position are spot on.
The standard 7.0in infotainment set-up from earlier cars looks a little dated now, but the 10.25in version fitted from 2019 is more comparable to those found in a new equivalent - with the advantage that it can be operated via a satisfyingly clicky rotary dial, like in an old BMW.
In terms of practicality, a long wheelbase makes the CX-5 as roomy as a Ford Kuga and Volkswagen Tiguan, and it's got a relatively high ceiling so even tall adults will be fine in the back. Plus there's a two-step reclining mechanism that allows the seatbacks to be canted, trading some boot space for extra rear-seat comfort. With 506 litres of boot capacity up to the beltline, a usefully flat floor and individually folding rear seats, you can take bulky loads without ditching the back seats entirely.
With everyone and the kitchen sink on board, the CX-5 continues to impress. It's an enjoyable thing to thread down a B-road, thanks to direct, chatty steering and a capable chassis with good body control in corners, plus a fantastic manual gearchange should you wish. It is also surprisingly cosseting on the motorway, with well-suppressed wind noise and suspension that settles down to minimise fidgeting and vibrations. Only the slightly lumpy low-speed ride is a disappointment.
Petrols outnumber diesels on the used market, but an oil-burner is probably the one you want for family-hauling duties. While smooth, both the 163bhp 2.0-litre and 191bhp 2.5-litre petrols are thirstier than hybridised rivals: expect 40mpg from the front-wheel-drive 2.0-litre and 35mpg from the four-wheel-drive 2.5.
