Mazda CX5, Civic 1.5 VTEC Sport, Kia Sportage or Mazda 3

[TheJimi]

I have drawn the above shortlist for my girlfriend's next car.

As far as I can tall, there's no major pitfalls on any of these. I'm currently leaning towards either the CX5 or the VTEC Sport, but what would choose, and why?

I'd appreciate feedback from anyone who's owned or driven these for any length of time

[BenS94]

The 3 and CX5 have the best gearbox and will have better economy not being turbocharged.

The 3 represents cracking value now for the latest model - hard to recommend a CX5 if you won't need the extra space often.

[TheJimi]

Her current car is a Volvo C30 D5. Which is a cracking car, especially with lovely 5cyl engine.

We need more practicality, and the likes of the CX5 would offer that bit extra space for when we need it (like having the luxury of chucking the paddle boarding gear in on a whim) that and the fact she fancies something with some decent ground clearance.

I'm trying hard not to go too far backwards in terms of the performance, economy and NVH that the Volvo has.

[BenS94]

TheJimi said:

Her current car is a Volvo C30 D5. Which is a cracking car, especially with lovely 5cyl engine.

We need more practicality, and the likes of the CX5 would offer that bit extra space for when we need it (like having the luxury of chucking the paddle boarding gear in on a whim) that and the fact she fancies something with some decent ground clearance.

I'm trying hard not to go too far backwards in terms of the performance, economy and NVH that the Volvo has.

In that case, personally, I'd look at other options. She'll find all mentioned a bit gutless.

[TheJimi]

She doesn't care too much about performance as long as it's not actually slow.

[BenS94]

In that case then, the CX5.

[WPA]

If you don't need the space of the CX-5. look at a CX-3 or CX30 depending on budget

[andburg]

Another suggestion, Suzuki vitara Boosterjet s

Probably the mid ground in size/styling while still being decent to drive, the little 1.4 Boosterjet engine is really surprising

[rosejem]

Not sure what your budget is , but just to give you a heads up the Mazda 3 if you are looking at a new car for the 2025 model year will come with a 2.5 instead of the current 2.0 petrol on the entry level models . Now 140bhp instead 120bhp and more torque lower down.

[Red9zero]

We have had a CX5 for the last two years and I'm quite impressed by it. Ours is a 2.0 petrol Sport Nav+, so is quite well specced although not a rocket ship. It will hustle along if you use the revs though and has just done a 1200 mile round trip to Scotland with no trouble whatsoever. MPG seems to be 37, no matter how I drive it, which isn't bad for an SUV with a non-turbo engine. I have never had a Mazda before, but will definately be looking at another when this one needs replacing.
Edit: Just remembered, don't get a diesel. Owners groups are full of people with problems with them.

Edited by Red9zero on Tuesday 24th September 18:34

[ZX10R NIN]

What's your budget?

[TheJimi]

ZX10R NIN said:

What's your budget?

Her budget is anything from £12-18k.

[Coldplaya]

I have a 1.5 civic sport manual, its anything but gutless and is a very good steer overall, you sit fairly low and it genuinely does feel sporty. Its also very economical my average mpg is 44 from a mix of short journeys and 40 minute each way A road commute.

[Torquey]

I was torn between the civic and a mazda 3 earlier this year.
Ended up buying the Mazda 3 (gt sport) based on the looks and a suitable car being available at the time. Economy is good, very comfy and endless technology included. However the amount of toys puts me off. Most are unnecessary and turned off. Plus it does lack a little power.

I really wish I test drove the civic. There's a good chance I'll swap the Mazda for a civic or kia ceed gt line, within a year.

[ZX10R NIN]

Kia XCeed 4 spec:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408092...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408072...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407161...

GT Line:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409053...

Mazda3 Hybrid GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406180...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309011...

The Sportage with it's more torquey drivetrain which suits better than the N/A in the CX-5:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409053...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409103...

[CrgT16]

Got a Civic 1.5 T, done 90k miles in 4 years.

It’s a great car to drive, economic mine average is 52mpg but I do a lot of motorway. It’s not gutless with 180hp it’s a decent car. Cheap to service. Spacious inside with a good boot.

It has one downside for me which it can be a little noisy on the motorway. Apart from that can’t fault it for the money.

[Coldplaya]

ZX10R NIN said:

Kia XCeed 4 spec:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408092...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408072...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407161...

GT Line:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409053...

Mazda3 Hybrid GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406180...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309011...

The Sportage with it's more torquey drivetrain which suits better than the N/A in the CX-5:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409053...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409103...

Those Xceeds really do look like cracking buys in this market considering the 2023 will still have 6 years warranty left!

My partner has a 2020 Ceed 1.4 auto and me the civic 1.5. Overall I prefer the civic to drive as the Ceed is very much just a plain boring car but the tech and comfort are fine and i’d happily have one. The 1.4 with the auto again never feels gutless and is perfectly fine for modern driving.