Car review: Mazda CX-5 2.2 Diesel SE-L Nav auto

Given the torrential Scottish weather during the launch of Mazda’s latest CX-5 compact SUV, one thing is certain — it is definitely waterproof.

Unlike, say, the Volkswagen Group, Mazda doesn’t go in for engine downsizing, so there is a choice of a 2.0-litre petrol with 155PS or 2.2-litre diesels with 150 or 175PS.

The second generation car doesn’t look vastly different from before, but its styling has been tweaked and the cabin now oozes quality. The company doesn’t want to tinker too much with a winning formula — the first CX-5 had global sales of 1.5 million and represents a quarter of Mazda’s sales. Priced from £23,695 to £33,195, most UK sales will be diesels. This is sensible as the petrol versions, especially with manual transmission, lack torque.

With 150 or 175PS the SKYACTIV-Drive auto gearbox suits the car particularly well, proving responsive and very smooth. The higher- powered diesels are available only in Sport Nav trim, but if you pick SE-L trim you won’t feel too deprived. Sport Nav also gets you a reversing camera, heated seats and steering wheel and head-up display.