is looking sharp!

The smooth, four cylinder 2.5 litre 194 PS Skyactiv G petrol engine (with no turbo to fail) cleverly switches seamlessly between four and two cylinder operation - you can see it happening on the information display screen. It can take you to over 120 mph and return between 35 to 40 mpg. It also has a magic button to press for off road road conditions. There would be no problems if snow fell in Glencoe.

This variant of the CX5 encapsulates what used to be called a ‘grand touring’ car. In times past the GT car was the wealthy person’s passport to high speed motoring. Not only did a GT car look sporty it was also pokey enough to blow away standard cars while attaining high speeds on unregulated roads.

Times change. Not only is the CX 5 GT Sport easily capable of bettering in every respect the performance of yesteryear’s GT cars - it does it without breaking into a sweat. It’s also safer, more comfortable, more accommodating, more flexible and in every sense more versatile. So you get an exciting drive and a relaxing one as you listen to the Bose sound system. I was impressed by the seamlessness of the auto box which conjures up drivetrain magic including 4x4 capabilities at a touch.

As the miles unwound, the big journey seemed so short as I enjoyed progress with comfort, style and security - never having to dip my eyes from the road thanks to the colour head up display. Undoubtedly the formula for GT motoring in the 21st century. Across the Erskine Bridge, along Loch Lomond and up into the Highlands to my destination.

As I arrived, I felt that the Mazda CX5 deserved a chorus of bagpipes to pipe it in. Despite the conviviality of the coffee shop folk evening, I was already hankering to get back behind the wheel. The CX5 exerts that kind of spell and is surely the most engaging mid-size SUV to drive. Mazda are ‘drivers’ cars.

by Syd Taylor