2018 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport (4×4) review
I absolutely love my new car. It's easy to get into, and I don't have to bend my neck down. It took some time to discover all the bells and whistles, but I managed to with a thorough reading of the manual.
- Appearance
- Reliability
- Interior
- Bells and whistles
- AWD and bigger engine
- None
I went in to buy a top-of-the-range Mazda 3, but when I saw the CX-5 I changed my mind. Thank god I did.
I bought the car because at the age of 76, I wanted to buy what I expected to be the last car I would ever buy. So, whatever I bought would have to impress me. I love white cars, so when I saw one in the dealership I immediately fell in love with it. I love the fact I can push a button and fold in my rear-view mirrors, making it easier to enter my single garage.
I love its appearance, plus the huge boot space. I love the interior appearance. Everything about the car is classy. Mine is an auto with the 2.5-litre petrol engine – very quiet and smooth. I only use 98-octane fuel in my vehicles anyway, but I'm sure my new car appreciates it.
Dislikes? I went to have a head-up display fitted, but it couldn't be fitted in front of the driver because of the curved dash. It had to be fitted in the centre of the dash, so I have to look slightly left to see it.
I can't think of anything else I dislike with the car, although I am obviously biased. So far it has been very reliable.
Prior to the purchase, I had been comparing the Mazda 3, Hyundai i30 and Toyota Camry, even though they are completely different vehicles. However, I fell in love with the CX-5 at first sight. The price was great and what I expected. The salesman knew his product but did nothing to pressure my purchase. In fact, I test-drove a Honda CR-X at the same dealership. The bigger engine in the CX-5 pushed me towards it.
I have no regrets whatsoever in my purchase, and I never even got to test-drive the Hyundai or the Toyota. I made up my mind after test-driving the CX-5. Thank god I did.