Some SUVs wear their practicality like a high-vis vest. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport prefers a sharper suit.

The KF-generation CX-5 landed as the benchmark family SUV for good reason. Mazda's KODO design language made it genuinely elegant in a class full of forgettable shapes, and the Maxx Sport trim stacked on the gear that makes daily life quietly better - leather accents, a powered sunroof, 19-inch alloys, and Mazda Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The kind of spec list that still impresses half a decade on.

The 2.5-litre SKYACTIV four-cylinder moves this thing with real composure. It doesn't shout - it simply gets on with it. Pair that with the smooth six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic and you've got a car that commutes without drama and stretches its legs on the weekend without complaint.

i-ACTIV AWD is Mazda's intelligent all-wheel drive system, and it works the way good AWD should - almost invisibly. Wet roundabouts, gravel driveways, country road diversions - the car reads the situation before you've noticed it needed to.

At 97,000 km, this CX-5 is well within its stride. Mazda's reputation for longevity is well-earned, and the KF platform has proven itself over many years of Australian roads. Heated front seats, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane-keep assist round out a safety and comfort package that punches well above its price point here.

Black on black - understated, timeless, and exactly right for Melbourne. Whether it's school runs, mountain drives, or airport transfers, this CX-5 handles the task and looks good doing it.

They say the CX-5 is the sensible choice. After spending five minutes in this one, you stop questioning your taste entirely.

All prices displayed exclude government charges. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, MM Carz recommends you confirm with one of our consultants to confirm specific specifications/features about the car. Please also note our vehicles may not always be on display, as they may be in for detailing--please contact us in advance to confirm availability before visiting our showroom.