The 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.0 Auto in Sport Edition trim continues Mazda?s tradition of crafting crossovers that drive with surprising verve and look genuinely upmarket. With its flowing Kodo design language, the CX-5 has always been one of the most handsome SUVs in its class, and in Sport Edition guise, complete with gloss black trim, dark alloy wheels, and subtle exterior tweaks, it leans into a more assertive, athletic aesthetic without shouting about it. Under the bonnet, the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine delivers 165PS via a six-speed automatic gearbox. While it lacks the low-end torque of a turbocharged rival, it rewards smooth, considered driving and revs cleanly through the range. The auto ?box is well-mannered and unobtrusive, complementing the engine?s linear delivery. True to Mazda form, the CX-5?s handling impresses: body roll is neatly contained, the steering is communicative, and there's a fluidity to its ride that elevates it above most mainstream rivals. Step inside, and the Sport Edition continues to punch above its weight. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, head-up display, and a premium-feeling interior all come as standard. There?s a sense of careful craftsmanship here, a rarity in this segment, and everything feels well screwed together and pleasantly tactile. The CX-5 might not have the headline-grabbing tech or hybrid powertrain of some newer rivals, but it makes up for it with charm, composure, and an unmistakably driver-focused edge. It's an SUV that proves sensible doesn?t have to mean soulless.