Well, if taken care CVT also can last long.
We got members going strong with the original CVT gearbox over 200k without issues and Subaru CVT use chain driven compare to others mostly just steel belt.
Mazda gearbox is also not god made, a lot of case now after warranty also gg as Mazda SC did not allow gearbox oil change within 5 years or 100k. If you always abuse it and drive hard be prepare to change the body valve after warranty ends or pandai pandai go outside and get other mechanic to help change the AT oil in between.

Well, personally seen new car got put cover over it during storage at motor image center, not sure if other center got follow.
Since manufacturer got 5 years warranty, any issue just claim with SC.

Well, personally seen new car got put cover over it during storage at motor image center, not sure if other center got follow.
Since manufacturer got 5 years warranty, any issue just claim with SC.

I've been saying it for a few times in other threads. The Hybrid does not make economical sense.
Its the same system from Prius performance wise, 122ps/hp and 140Nm torque. Compare that to the 1.8V regular petrol 139PS 170Nm torque.

You are paying more for less performance. All you gain is better fuel economy. In the highway its going to be similar while it will be great for urban. You need to do your own ROI. For me it doesnt even pay back, not to mention potentially battery replacement.

But, the NEW 1.8V (Petrol) CKD has all the full Toyota Sense bells and whistles. And 130k only. All that driving assist, perhaps only lacking in full time 4WD and really road handling.

I'm willing to bet Forester will surely win in handling, and perhaps in active safety such strength and crash impact maybe. I drove the Cross petrol and handling is not shabby at all if you don't go drifting or high speed cornering those kind of things. Day to day, bumps and humps all performed well.

Its ONLY ONLY lacking in space. As you noted between B and C, to me at the back is really that. Between B and C......it is really a shame to ask 3 adults to sit there for 2 hours and above. Relatively, I will not hesitate to ask the same 3 adults to sit in the CRV for 3hours.

My wife and I are kinda considering...we just really have 2 kids and perhaps it will be fine.....

Well it depends on how.long you want to keep the car.

The boxer 4 tend to be more expensive to maintain in the long term, as well as more parts for the AWD drivetrain.
For me, the only reason to get the Forrester is the XT turbo, which we don't get here. Otherwise I would lean on the CX5 if you don't need AWD.

2.0 high spec

Good luck with the new purchase.
Anyway for long term maintenance Mazda is also a mix bag.
If your ride got problem especially after warranty, their parts is not cheap to replace also.
Within 5 years should be worry free much.

Well, not accounted with the gearbox & also oil pump low pressure issue if unlucky (VVT issue usually follow with this), engine mounting also usually need to change after 100k. All these are not cheap tho to replace or fix after warranty ends, price is not average bro if went with original Mazda parts. Nowadays Mazda already consider as premium and near to continental part price already as they already push up their standards unless you go for China or other OEM parts.

Mazda nowadays using a lot of electrical control items even off the istop also similar outcome, the battery you need to purchase is Q-85 spec. battery which is not cheap. It is an open secret that Mazda battery wont last long, the most around 2 years already consider very lucky.

BTW battery & tires is not included in your free maintenance package, so you need to pay for it if warranty limit off. If not mistaken the warranty for the battery is around 1 to 1.5 year or around 20~30k range. After that is yours problem already.

If not mistaken there is a car brand which people can claim or help kautim new tyres within 2 years using so call wheel & tyre protection plan.
I dont want to name it, but many owners manage to get free tire set if they knew the person in charge.