I'm surprisingly underwhelmed by new Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 launch drive by Steve Rogers

It’s a brave move to launch a new model these days with neither self-charging nor plug-in hybrid options but you can rely on Mazda to do their own thing.

The company has been rebelling for decades whether with rotary power or, more recently, big petrol and diesel engines when all around were downsizing and dumping diesel.

It is content to stick with the combustion engine and has dropped a 2.5 litre petrol into the new CX-5 replacing the more powerful 2-litre. So what’s going on?

I could be flippant and say answers on a postcard but better to let Mazda’s UK boss Jeremy Thomson explain.

In a nutshell Thomson says the company still has faith in the combustion engine and ‘remains committed to giving customers real choices’.

Mazda has been lagging behind the pack on electric models and seems to be adopting a ‘what’s the rush’ approach yet the next two models will be the electric Mazda 6e, which has just won the world design award, and at the end of the year the CX-6e SUV.

We are now into the third generation of CX-5 since its launch in 2012 and it has consistently been the company’s best selling car not just in the UK but around the world which goes a long way to explaining why Mazda has resisted making too many changes to its biggest success story.

There is some minor reshaping with the main concentration on making it bigger - 115mm longer, 30mm taller, 15mm wider and with 61 litres more luggage space than the old model, and smartphone style connectivity using Google.

So a big step forward then? Not so sure about that, more a sideways move from what I can see. It is cheaper than the outgoing model, which is good, but has lost some key features that gave it the edge over a shedful of rivals.

It is no surprise Mazda has adopted the Chinese minimalist approach to cabin design, we have seen it in the upcoming electric Mazda6e, so those neatly laid out switches for heating and other everyday features have gone replaced by a much larger touchscreen, 12.9in or 15.6in on the top Homura model.

This becomes the command centre so we are lamenting the loss of the rotary controller that allowed drivers to pay attention to the road rather than dabbing at a touchscreen. There are quick keys ranged across the base but that is no substitute for what was an excellent, safe set up.

Equally disappointing, not to mention surprising is what has happened in the cabin. At first glance it looks luxurious with quality coverings along the dashboard but what’s happened to the soft touch padding? Everything is bone hard while the door cappings are now cheaper looking plastic. Someone trading up to the new model could fairly say Mazda has dialled back on quality.

The move to a larger mild hybrid 2.5 litre engine goes against the grain when the majority are downsizing with turbo charged petrol self charging and plug-in hybrids.

This is a mild hybrid with a 24V starter generator and cylinder deactivation to help economy but loses 24bhp to the 2-litre and doesn't gain any performance apart from a little extra mid range torque. Without a self charging hybrid option exhaust emissions are fairly high and economy is some way off self-charging or plug-in hybrid rivals. Acceleration through a six-speed automatic gearbox is adequate rather than sparkling, and the engine becomes harsh as it pushes up the rev range. You notice it more because they have done a good job suppressing road and wind noise.

Mazda showed with CX-5 that SUVs don’t have to be dull and came about as close as you can get to hatchback dynamics. This time round the suspension has been softened a touch to make it more comfortable and if it has lost a little of its sporting edge it is still better than most demonstrating agility on miles of demanding Scottish roads. This is still a rewarding car to drive with or without all wheel drive.

CX-5 is a desirable SUV but I came away surprisingly underwhelmed. I prefer switches for everyday controls and these have gone, even the volume control knob. The rotary controller is history, quality has dipped and the single engine option has not moved the car forward in performance or economy yet its handsome body, spacious cabin, huge boot and competitive price still make it a strong contender for larger families.

Fast facts

CX-5 5-dr SUV

£31,550-£40,950

Range: Pure, Centre, Exclusive, Homura

2.5 litre petrol mild hybrid; 139bhp

0-62mph 10.5secs; 116mph

40.4mpg combined

159g/km. 1st VED £1,465

Boot: 583-2019 litres

Towing: 2,000kg