Car pool: Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport

The car: Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport diesel

The price: $39,470 plus on road and dealer costs

Vital statistics: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel; 129kW/420Nm; 6-sp auto; 5.7L/100km and 149g/km CO2; AWD

Why we're driving it

It has just won best SUV under $40,000 in Drive's Car of the Year awards and is already a best-seller in its class.

Likes

Engine has plenty of pulling power and is quite refined for a diesel. Fuel consumption is class-leading. Fantastically smooth stop-start system. Engaging driving dynamics. Comfortable ride. Standard equipment includes satellite navigation, reversing camera, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, and auto wipers. Popularity should help come resale time.

Dislikes

Question marks over numerous reports of diesel mixing with oil in the engine, although Mazda has just announced several changes that it claims fix the problem. This is the cheapest diesel CX-5 you can buy, and the petrol version is $3000 cheaper. Rear space is tight, and there are no rear aircon vents. Boot space is smaller than its key rivals.

Would I buy one?

I would strongly consider it. But I would also consider the Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V if I needed a bit more space and practicality.