Mazda CX-5 GT Diesel AWD (2012)

The market, it seems, has recognised the virtues of the new model that replaces CX-7. CX-5 features two new engines – a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre common rail turbo-diesel, both with Mazda’s Skyactiv stop/start fuel-saving technology.
 
Our test vehicle was the top specification diesel all-wheel drive Grand Touring with Tech Pack. The diesel proved responsive both off the line and once under way, and there’s minimal turbo lag. We reckon it’s a better performer than the petrol model.
 
The Skyactiv-D stop/start was mostly smooth in operation, only occasionally feeling a little bumpy on restarting. The six-speed auto was smooth and a good combination with the engine. Pleasant and accomplished road manners are the order of the day, with the CX-5 delivering composed ride and dynamic handling that make it one of the class leaders.
 
Standard features and safety equipment rank well and include six airbags, stability control and reversing camera on all variants. The Tech Pack, available only on Grand Touring versions, adds the advanced safety benefits of lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring and high beam headlight control (automatically changes between high and low beam).