Trying on for size

Mazda CX-5 £30,195 OTR/£31,555

The CX-5 has been so well received in the Norris household that we are considering making it our family car, so I thought I’d try a manual AWD one in the interest of balance. I wanted to test the petrol but it only comes in FWD, so diesel it has to be.

Four-wheel drive does make it more sure-footed around wintry London for sure, and surprisingly the mpg doesn’t seem any diferent, even though it’s a manual and has that extra 4x4 mass to lug around. I was very impressed with it. But I wouldn’t swap my auto ’box for the stick shift. Doing mostly town work, the laziness of it really helps. And you can keep that red paint too. I’ll stick with the white, thanks very much. Just add AWD, and it’s about perfect for the Norris clan.