I will shortly be handing back the keys to our long-term Mazda CX5.  It now has 12,500 miles on the clock and had its first service at our local Mazda dealer. I have covered a few thousand miles now and, overall, I am impressed. It has been a pleasure to drive. Its sporty, sculptured features are visually appealing, the interior is stylish and I enjoyed the elevated driving position which allows you to see more of the road ahead. The interior is spacious and most functions are logical and can be  operated without the need for the manual. 

After a considerably mild start to the winter season, however, a couple of frosty mornings had me seeking out the button for the heated wing mirrors. I couldn’t find it and the manual fails to mention them. Frustrated, I turned to Google and concluded that they were activated when turning on the rear window defroster.

I found the suspension fairly unforgiving. Items placed in the boot will not be found in the same position they were left in, even after a short journey. The boot space (503 litres), however,  is a real asset. For a Christmas holiday, we  travelled to the airport. Loading large suitcases and hand luggage is usually a real struggle, but it all fitted into this boot with ease.

Leanne Patterson