What’s not?
- The 144g/km CO2 emissions mean the Mazda CX-5 2.2 SKYACTIV-D 175PS AWD Sport Nav falls into the 24% company car tax band for 2014/15. The lesser powered 150PS version without four-wheel drive is a better option for business drivers, with its more competitive 19% figure.
- There’s a stylish well-made feel to the updated CX-5’s interior, but it doesn’t feel different enough from the pre-facelift model, the fake stitching around the new infotainment screen looks pretty cheap.
- Dynamically refined, although the ride on the bigger 19-inch alloys can feel unsettled on some pot-holed roads. Plus, there’s too much road noise.
Verdict on the Mazda CX-5 2.2 SKYACTIV-D 175PS AWD Sport Nav
The CX-5 was already an excellent SUV choice and wisely Mazda has mostly left well alone. However, the new infotainment system and added technology add polish to a fine package.
However as a business buyer, the 175PS all-wheel drive version in top Sport-Nav trim we’ve driven here, is not the best option for company car drivers. Good for business owners who might want to run it personally or for self-employed, but not so good for company car drivers.
Instead, like Mazda expects, we’d opt for the two-wheel drive, with the lower power 150PS version of the same 2.2-litre diesel engine and the same Sport-Nav trim. The 150PS version boasts low 119g/km CO2 emissions, 19% P11D value and reduced running costs (61.4 mpg).
