Mazda CX-5 practicality and boot space

• Interior will seat four comfortably, five a bit of a squeeze
• Plenty of storage spaces with neatly hidden USB ports
• Larger boot than previous model with 506-1,620 litres on offer

Up front, there's plenty of room to get comfy in, although the high centre console makes the cabin feel a little more snug than some rivals, such as Ford's Kuga, but it doesn't make the CX-5 feel cramped or claustrophobic. Opting for the stone-coloured leather will make it feel that bit airier. 

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It's tighter in the back, where two average sized adults will find plenty of room, but a third is going to have complaints on a longer journey. Not only is the centre-rear seat narrower, there's less space for feet and legs due to the centre console's shape and the raised floor in the middle.

Elsewhere, the Mk2 CX-5 has several revisions to accommodate smartphone and tablet charging  – the storage spaces in front of the gearlever and the cubby under the driver’s elbow are both larger than in its predecessor, while the latter features a tray to hold your phone above any tins of travel sweets or loose change.

There are two 12-volt sockets in the front plus a USB socket and a pair of cupholders, and the glovebox is now big enough to fit a 10-inch tablet device inside. In the back you get two reasonably sized door pockets plus an armrest in the fifth seatback that neatly conceals two USB sockets and heated seat controls (depending on specification). Magazine-sized pockets are also stitched to the front seat backs.

How big is the CX-5's boot?

The boot is sensibly shaped with 506 litres available up to the cover, which rises when the tailgate is lifted. Usefully, there isn’t much of a lip to lift heavy items over, although it’s not quite flush with the floor. Fold the seats down and pack the car up to the rafters and there is 1,620 litres of space.

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A new boot floor and reorganised tool layout means the under-floor storage has increased from 10 to 30 litres, while cargo net hooks have been added to help tie things down.

Is the CX-5 safe?

• Front-facing camera boosts safety credentials
• Improved adaptive cruise control plus emergency braking
• Six airbags and new LED headlights complete the mix

Euro NCAP crash-tested the second-generation CX-5 in 2017 awarding it a full five-star rating, with an impressive 95% score for adult occupant protection. The big news here is the addition of a front-facing camera (plus the existing radar), to bolster the safety features offered by the Mazda CX-5.

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Adaptive cruise control can now work down to a stop while adaptive LED headlights are brighter than the norm and automatically dip to avoid dazzling other drivers. Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and traffic sign recognition can also be specified for the first time in a CX-5.

There’s also a lane-keeping assistant/departure warning plus blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert. Other more conventional safety systems include anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, traction control and hill start assist – plus six airbags.

Watch: Mazda CX-5 Euro NCAP crash test video