I was delighted to be handed the keys to the Mazda CX5 in early November. To have an SUV over the winter months would surely be a blessing, living in a small village outside Peterborough. So far, however, November has seen record warm temperatures. I am sure I will reap the benefits though, once the bad weather is upon us.

Overall, my first impression is positive; the Mazda CX5 is a real pleasure to drive.

Mazda claims it is one of the most aerodynamic compact SUVs around. It has a sleek, sporty look; it holds the road very well and offers a responsive driving experience. The interior oozes quality. Our model is largely black, with accents of brushed steel. The dashboard is logical and you instantly feel at home in the driver’s seat, which is hugely beneficial when you are changing cars regularly. The multi-media system is straightforward to use with a touchscreen and a driver-friendly control knob on the centre console. The three-dial dash is slightly less appealing, though. It is quite dark, making it problematic to read. The electronic parking brake is a welcome addition.

Leanne Patterson