Mazda CX-5 2015 Problems

It's becoming a broken record, because the CX-5 gets The Tick and is best in class. The new Vitara is roomy and well built, just flawed by an awful automatic gearbox.

The CX-5 is the sales favourite with people buying mid-range SUVs. It seems I’m recommending it every week but that’s because it is a great car that gets The Tick.

The Kuga is a good drive but, like Rob, you should get her to test drive the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson before making a decision.

The problem of the sump filling with diesel was not unknown on early CX-5 diesels. A leaking injector is possible, but the main cause of this was believed to be the car’s DPF regeneration process dumping large amounts of fuel into the engine, some of which finds its way past the piston rings and into the sump. Either way, a new engine is a large expense.

There’s every chance that Mazda won’t offer any help given the age of the vehicle, nor is this type of engine damage usually a cause for an insurance claim. It would definitely be worth contacting Mazda Australia’s customer service division, but don’t hold your breath.

Putting ride-handling up against comfort will mean a compromise on one side, as sporty-feeling SUVs tend to be a bit harsh in the ride with tyre noise as well. The Mazda CX-5 is the benchmark in the class, but the Honda HR-V could be more comfortable and flexible in the cabin.

For your needs, I would recommend the Subaru Forester. It is a great country drive, comfortable and safe, and gets The Tick. The Koleos is getting very dated.

I’m surprised that they couldn’t find the cause of the problem, but impressed that they are prepared to replace the car. I wouldn’t be too concerned about the problem happening again, but I would be upset that it will take four months for them to find you a replacement car. That’s unacceptable. I would expect them to move heaven and earth to get you a new car, after all they’ve got your money and now they’ve left you without a car. I hope that they have at least given you a courtesy car for the time you have to wait.

Kia and Hyundai are both good, with the Tucson currently ahead, but before he commits he should also drive a Mazda CX-5 as it's best in class today and gets The Tick.

The Qashqai is the right pick because of its bigger cabin, even if the Honda has lots of flexibility in its magic seats, but I would not commit without driving the Mazda CX-5, which is the class leader.

The CX-5 gets The Tick and is best in class, as is the CX-3 tiddler. But if you want something sized between them then I also give The Tick to the Honda HR-V.