2017 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport new car review

The biggest problem with having the most popular car is replacing it.

Obviously car makers don't want to mess with a winning formula, but if they don't change enough they risk being leap-frogged by their rivals.

That was the conundrum facing Mazda when the time came to renew the CX-5. Not only was it the best-selling model in its class but it is the most popular SUV in the country.

So while the company calls the latest CX-5 a "new generation" it is in reality more of a subtle evolution. Every panel is new but the silhouette is unmistakably familiar to the out-going model and it is a similar story inside and under the bonnet.

So has Mazda done enough to keep it fresh in the mind of modern families?

What do you get?

Mazda is sticking to its existing model range but has added one new trim level. The model walk consists of the entry-level Maxx, Maxx Sport , new Touring, GT and range-topping Akera.

We're testing the most popular Maxx Sport model here, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. But it can also be had with a 2.0-litre petrol with front-wheel drive and 2.2-litre turbo diesel with auto and all-wheel drive.

Our test car is priced from $37,390 plus on-road costs and comes well equipped. All CX-5 come with autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reversing camera, keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio and app integration for Pandora, Stitcher and Aha.

The Maxx Sport also gets 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, dual-zone air-conditioning, navigation and black cloth trim seats.

Servicing is covered by Mazda's capped price servicing program. However, service intervals are every 12 months or 10,000km, which is less than the standard 15,000km offered by most rivals. Each visit costs either $304 or $333 so over the first three years you will spend $941 on maintenance; as long as you don't exceed 10,000km per year.

What's inside?

Like the exterior the interior is similar but different. The whole cabin is similar in appearance and layout but every detail has been freshened up and is more stylish than before.

The 7.0-inch infotainment screen now sits atop the centre of the dashboard, instead of the previous model which integrated the screen into the dash, and the air-con vents are now more stylised, pentagon in shaped and with a chrome surround.

They are only small touches but they improve the presentation of the cabin greatly.

The back seats, previously a weakness of the CX-5, are now more spacious both in terms of knee and headroom. There are also rear air-con vents in the Maxx Sport (although the Maxx still misses out).

Boot space has also been increased slightly, from 403-litres to 442L, improving another weakness from the old model.

Under the bonnet

The engines have been largely untouched despite the "generation" change with the 2.5-litre petrol only get a 2kW and 1Nm improvement.

But the Skyactiv range of engines is still relatively young by modern engineering terms, being introduced in the last decade, so it still does an admirable job.

Producing 140kW of power and 251Nm of torque it does a commendable job of moving the CX-5 along. But it does need motivation to get going with peak torque not hitting its straps until 4000rpm and peak power doesn't arrive until 6000rpm.

It is helped by a slick and intuitive six-speed automatic transmission that is well matched to the engine. It gets the best out of it off the mark (without any of the jerkiness of a dual-clutch unit) and is smooth cruising along.

Strangely fuel consumption has increased, albeit only very slightly, hitting 7.5-litres per 100km up from 7.4L/100km.

On the road

Mazda has built its reputation on its 'Zoom-zoom' philosophy and the dynamic qualities of the previous CX-5 were one of its most endearing features.

And Mazda hasn't changed that character. In fact, it doesn't feel that different on the road at all. The steering is still nicely weighted and direct and the CX-5 holds on well in the bends.

As was the case before, the ride remains firmer than some of its peers, so while that has a positive impact on the way it handles the bends, it translates to a sharper ride at times as bigger bumps can jar the suspension.

Perhaps Mazda's biggest issues on its recent models has been noise. With the new CX-9 (the CX-5's larger sibling) it seemed to have overcome that, offering a quieter experience inside the cabin.

But the CX-5 is still noticeably impacted by outside sounds - from the engine, tyres and even wind noise. In may be fractionally quieter than the old model on a sound meter but from the driver's seat it doesn't have the same breakthrough result as the CX-9.

Verdict

So, has Mazda done enough to retain the appeal of the CX-5 and keep it on top of the sales race? The answer is clearly yes, because the Japanese brand hasn't really done all that much to the CX-5.

It certainly doesn't feel like a major generational change, more like a significant mid-life update. The only real change is the styling while the mechanical components get a minor tweak here and there.

But that's not a bad thing because it certainly looks sharper and the way it drives obviously appeals to plenty of buyers.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport pricing and specifications

Price: $37,390 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power: 140kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 251Nm at 4000rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 7.5L/100km

The Competitors

Volkswagen Tiguan 132TSI

Price: From $41,490 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 132kW

Torque: 320Nm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 7.5L/100km

Our score: 6.5/10

Hyundai Tucson Elite

Price: From $39,750 plus on-road costs

Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 130kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 265Nm at 1500-4500rpm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 7.7L/100km

Our score: 6.5/10

Toyota RAV4 GXL

Price: From $38,450 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power: 132kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 233Nm at 4100rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 8.5L/100km

Our score: 6.5/10

• For more information, visit our Mazda showroom.