Against
- Wind noise from a round big door mirrors
- Diesel rumble can break through when cruising
- Despite controlled nature of ride, it can get slightly choppy over irregular surfaces
- Apart from a deep centre console bin and good sized glovebox, other storage facilities are sparse.
Mazda CX-5 2.2 SE-L Nav 150 auto 2wd – the low-down
| P11D Value: | £24,520 |
| Monthly Rental: | From £360 (3yrs/30,000 miles) |
| Tax Bands 2011/12 to 2013/14: | 21%, 22%, 23% |
| Benefit in kind 2011/12 to 2013/14: | £5,149, £5,394, £5,640 |
| Engine: | 2.2 4 cyl turbocharged diesel |
| CO2 Emissions: | 139g/km |
| Power/torque: | 150PS/380Nm |
| 0-62mph/top speed: | 10.0 secs/123mph |
| Economy: | 53.3mpg |
Verdict
Mazda boss Jeremy Thomson speaks of the Mazda CX-5 being a new start for the company, particularly with SKYACTIV technology to improve fuel economy and lower company car tax. And we can see why he is so excited.
The car is a very fine achievement – in no small part thanks to new SKYACTIV technology. The fuel economy is exceptional for a car in this class. The interior is much more premium in feel – the best we’ve seen from Mazda – and the interior refinement, thanks to new sound deadening material, makes it a very relaxing car to drive in.
We’d like to drive it on UK roads to understand fully whether the ride has more choppiness that would be uncovered by the state of our pock-marked roads. But that aside, the car is a pleasure to drive, and an easy car to drive, too.
For a company car driver, the car to go for is this SEL NAV model but minus the auto box to really make sure you have the most company car tax efficient model in the range – use our company car tax calculator to help you. We tried a manual version the shift is short and precise, the clutch light in action, too. If your driving involves a lot of town work, then the auto is an obvious choice is our company car driving advice.
For small business owners, though, we’d go for the four-wheel drive model with auto box and the more powerful 175ps engine in Sport NAV guise. The combination gives an effortless drive, additional security, and an upmarket finish in good quality leather. For just short of £29k, the Sport NAV auto won’t have the cachet of an Audi Q3 or Range Rover Evoque, but there again it won’t cost you so much as its more upmarket rivals. And you’ll still be driving a plush and refined compact SUV with the ability to cover business mileage quickly and efficiently.
