Mazda
MX-5
Still going strong after almost a decade on sale in this form (it’s the ‘ND’ model to Mazda geeks) the MX-5 got a light update in 2024 (including infotainment tweaks and a new stability control system). However, what’s truly great about it remains the same: lemon-juice-sharp steering, beautiful chassis balance, rev-happy engines and the best manual gearshift of them all. It’s the last affordable sports car standing and an all-time motoring great. Thankfully, Mazda has confirmed that a successor is coming.
What’s truly great about it remains the same: lemon-juice-sharp steering, beautiful chassis balance, rev-happy engines and the best manual gearshift of them all
CX-80
Mazda’s biggest model is a large SUV with seats for six or seven (depending on how you spec it) and the choice of plug-in hybrid or six-cylinder diesel power. Yes, you read that last part right. The PHEV model will be the choice for company car buyers, and it’s a decent all-round performer, but our choice would be diesel. It’s good to drive too, but make sure you go for the classier, darker cabin finish of the Homura specification.
Mazda2
The Mazda2 is a small five-door hatchback at the base of the range, but it punches above its weight with high quality and an eager driving experience. Saying that, the petrol models require a little effort to extract their performance as they do without turbocharging. It’s worth the exertion though, especially if you actively like driving. Confusingly, the hybrid version of the Mazda2 is a completely different vehicle to the petrol ones, being in effect a rebadged Toyota Yaris. And there’s nothing wrong with that, as it’s an exceptionally good car, in terms of how it drives and its remarkable efficiency.
CX-30
Sitting below the CX-5 in Mazda’s lineup, the CX-30 is the smallest of the firm’s conventional crossovers (we don’t consider the MX-30 to be in any way ‘conventional’), but that doesn’t mean it’s cramped in any way. It’s more practical than the Mazda3 and we also happen to think it looks smart. The interior is typically Mazda in that it’s solidly built and doesn’t bow to technology fads, though the petrol-only engine options do limit its appeal to the mass market.
CX-5
The CX-5 has always been an SUV chosen by those who enjoy driving, and the same can be said for the current model. It also happens to be one of the best-looking cars of its type on the market despite having originally launched as the second generation way back in 2017. The car has been tweaked and updated along the way of course, and it’s still a viable option today before a new model arrives in the next year. Choose from petrol or diesel engines, though there’s no longer an all-wheel-drive option.
CX-60
Mazda must have invested a fortune in the engineering that underpins the CX-60 and its longer CX-80 sibling. They’re big bold SUVs based on a proprietary rear-drive platform and using a range of new engines. The CX-60 is the five-seat model and – as long as you stay away from the chintzy light-coloured cabin – it has a high-quality interior with plenty of space. Power comes from a choice of plug-in hybrid or diesel engines and, while the hybrid may be more affordable to buy and run, the six-cylinder engine is the more satisfying to drive.
MX-30
Look up the word “quirky” in the dictionary and it may as well say “see Mazda MX-30 for details”. This compact crossover has tiny rear-hinged back doors and real cork used as a material inside. It launched back in 2021 with electric power – and a daringly small battery. Mazda has since added a range-extender option using an unusual rotary engine to take over when the battery charge drops. We like it but admit it’s probably a little too oddball for the mass market.