New 2022 Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.2 diesel review

Verdict

We’ve already driven the 2.0-litre petrol facelifted CX-5 and despite the breathless engine we were impressed by the car as a whole. We were especially fond of its sharp-shifting six-speed manual gearbox. Now, we’ve also driven the 2.2-litre diesel automatic and, while it’s definitely a solid choice for those regularly covering long distances, there are better options out there. Our rating reflects the automatic gearbox’s price and performance.

It’s almost a surprise that Mazda decided to retain a diesel option in the facelifted CX-5’s line-up – especially given the brand’s current emission-cutting electrification drive, which will bring a slew of new eco-friendly vehicles to market by the middle of the decade.

Mazda has already swung into action. The new Mazda 2 hybrid has just hit the UK market, and the brand is already preparing for the launch of its first plug-in hybrid vehicle, the CX-60. The firm also plans to launch three new electric cars by 2025, along with a range of cleaner 48-volt mild-hybrid petrols. So why bother keeping diesel on the books at all?

Diesel is hanging around in the family SUV segment for two main reasons. The first is that, for now at least, it’s a good option for those that cover long distances regularly. The second is a matter of competition – mainstream brands such as SEAT and Skoda still offer the fuel choice in their CX-5 rivals, so Mazda is simply keeping up with the class.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder unit is available with a choice of two outputs. The more expensive model has 181bhp and 445Nm of torque, but this review focuses on the lower-powered option that produces 148bhp and 380Nm of torque.

Those figures sound great on paper, especially when you learn that Mazda’s diesel actually has an extra 20Nm of torque compared with SEAT’s equivalent 2.0-litre diesel Ateca. But the CX-5 feels slower than its output would suggest, which is mostly down to the company’s six-speed automatic gearbox. However, the same diesel engine is available with Mazda’s truly excellent six-speed manual gearbox, and we’d say you’re better opting for that.

10

Mazda’s 2.2-litre diesel has already done its best work by around 3,000rpm, but the automatic ‘box holds onto gears for too long, which makes the engine seem less punchy than it is. The extra ratio in the Ateca’s automatic transmission also more than makes up for the torque deficit – so much so, in fact, that it’s more than a second quicker from 0-62mph than the CX-5.

The diesel CX-5 is also more nose-heavy than the petrol model, and you can feel the difference in weight balance through the corners, as it doesn’t change direction quite as readily.

When it comes to efficiency, the CX-5 manages 46.3mpg on the combined cycle, while SEAT’s lower estimate for the Ateca’s combined cycle figure is 52.3mpg. Also, to put things into perspective, the manual version of the 148bhp diesel CX-5 has a claimed economy figure of 50.4mpg.

The CX-5 does feature new dampers, softer springs and more supportive seats – all of which aim to improve ride quality and filter out a little more road noise than its predecessor. The changes have certainly made the CX-5 a more comfortable cruiser, but the suspension tweaks have given the car a little more body roll as a trade-off.

10

The chassis updates are backed up by a handful of styling revisions, some more safety equipment and an updated trim line-up, which includes three new specifications: Newground, Sport Black and GT Sport. We drove the Sport model, as Mazda expects it to be the biggest seller in the UK.

Standard equipment is impressive, including LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and an electrically operated tailgate. The interior gets dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a very crisp 10.25-inch infotainment system.

And while the CX-5 is a bit more expensive than the equivalent Ateca or Nissan Qashqai, we think it’s a better finished product. Everything you touch in the cabin is covered in quality materials, while build quality is also solid.

10

There’s plenty of space, too, with more than enough room in the back for taller passengers to get comfortable – even with a tall driver at the wheel. The boot on the diesel model also measures 510 litres, which is six litres more than you get in the Nissan Qashqai. 

Overall, we’d say the 148bhp CX-5 diesel is a solid car, but the auto gearbox is not the greatest. Go for the manual, save yourself almost £2,000 in the process and keep reaping the benefits of its improved fuel economy. Your car will be much more engaging to drive, so it’s a win-win-win.

Now click here to read all the latest news about Mazda’s first ever plug-in hybrid SUV, the CX-60…