Mazda CX-5 review

Remarkably, this is also the quietest engine in the range. But the CX-5 does suffer from wind noise, as well as a bit of road rumble – though you might forgive it that for the way it handles, with a well controlled body, precise steering and, even in two-wheel drive form, plenty of grip.

That in turn makes it a good, safe car, with City Braking among the high-tech items looking after you and yours. The fact that it’s a Mazda does that, too – the company has a good record when it comes to reliability.

You’re equally well taken care of around the cabin, with excellent legroom all round and a vast luggage space which gets yet more vast (and still almost flat-floored) when the seats drop down.

That level of packaging is matched by a bountiful toy box, whichever model you go for. How does sat-nav, cruise, dual-zone climate, Bluetooth, 7” touch screen, all-round parking sensors, auto lights and wipers and 17” alloys sounds? That’s entry-level kit on the CX-5.

It’s housed in a stylish looking dash console that’s finished with touch-feely upper surfaces. Everything is easily to hand and there’s plenty of adjustability in the seats, so you’ll never feel awkward behind the wheel.

And of course you won’t feel awkward about what it’s all costing you, either. The CX costs from £22,995 to £29,395 new, though dealers will knock the thick end of two grand off some models if you work them hard.

That’s good money for what you get. And when you buy one of these, the savings have only just begun.