Australia's favourite SUV is set for a boost in December, with the Mazda CX-5 adding the acclaimed SKYACTIV-G 2.5T turbocharged petrol engine to the line-up.

With technology, suspension, safety, equipment and premium trim upgrades to boot, the updated Mazda CX-5 offers even more value and choice to customers, further bolstering Mazda's comprehensive SUV stable.

SKYACTIV-G 2.5T becomes the fourth engine option for Mazda CX-5, sitting alongside SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and 2.5L petrol engines and SKYACTIV-D 2.2L diesel engine, to broaden the list of available variants to 14.

Packing 170kW of power and 420Nm of torque, the prodigious 2.5T engine delivers smooth, linear acceleration and a premium performance driving feel, more than matching the expectations it has set under the bonnet of Mazda CX-9 and Mazda6.

Powerful, efficient and running on 91 RON petrol, the 2.5T has one of the highest compression ratios of any four-cylinder turbocharged engine, at 10.5:1, achieved through a series of innovative SKYACTIV technologies. These include an oil pump with continuously variable displacement, multi-hole injectors, Mazda's Dynamic Pressure Turbo and cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), all working to maximise combustion efficiency and minimise energy losses.

Mazda CX-5 also introduces G-Vectoring Plus (GVC Plus), an evolution in SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS that enhances vehicle stability for a more assured ride, using the brakes to add direct yaw moment control. As the driver steers out of a corner by returning the steering wheel to the centre position, GVC Plus applies a light braking force to the outer wheels, providing a stabilising movement that helps restore the vehicle to straight line running.

Suspension refinements contribute to a more premium ride feel. Measures have been taken to improve the performance of front and rear dampers and stabilisers, greatly enhancing the ease of control during low g-force manoeuvres, and smoothness and stability during high g-force manoeuvres. The result is a smoother, superior ride that produces more linear damping forces, even with quite subtle inputs from the road, while steadily suppressing jounce caused by large inputs.

Further supporting the driver and boosting occupant safety, Mazda CX-5 deploys more standard i-ACTIVESENSE safety technology to the line-up, including Smart Brake Support (SBS), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), High Beam Control (HBC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane-keep Assist System (LAS).

Complementing its refined underpinnings, Mazda CX-5 has also seen interior and exterior design and equipment upgrades that enhance the sophisticated styling and comfort of the SUV.

More elegantly appointed inside, the range-topping Akera has been thoroughly revised, adding sumptuous Dark Russet Nappa leather trim, real wood dash and door inserts, front seat ventilation function, heated steering wheel, a sleek frameless rear-view mirror and rear outer heated seats.

Enhancing these premium touches on Akera is the addition of ambient LED lighting throughout the cabin, glove box and cargo, including foot lamps and overhead lighting for front and rear seats.

Akera also sports new wheels, with the unique 19-inch alloys now offered in a brilliant dark finish to further define the stylish SUV on the road.

Across all grades, HVAC controls have been relocated to a single climate control panel, increasing the number of switches aligned horizontally to create a sharper, cleaner aesthetic. The sides of rotary switches, such as the commander control, now feature a finely textured surface, contributing to a more refined look and a more pleasing operating feel.

Mazda CX-5 also adds Apple® CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ as standard equipment, allowing driver or passenger to connect their mobile device to the MZD Connect infotainment system. Via integration to steering wheel controls and voice activated commands, the user can send and receive calls and messages, listen to music, follow directions – all without compromising focus on the road ahead.

On the outside, all models add white LED license plate lighting for a cleaner and sleeker look, and Maxx Sport and Touring benefit from refreshed wheels, with the 17-inch alloys changed from dark silver to grey metallic finish.

As the second update for Mazda CX-5 in 2018, following a round of engine and equipment upgrades in April, Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi, said the new model gives greater appeal to the top-selling SUV.

"At every opportunity, we refine and improve our vehicles anticipating the needs of our customers and enhancing the ownership experience; Mazda CX-5 is a prime example of this," said Mr Bhindi.

"The addition of the celebrated 2.5T engine not only gives breadth of choice to the much-loved Mazda CX-5 line-up, but it further extends the appeal and diversity of our SUV offering in Australia."

With the addition of more advanced technology and equipment, Mazda CX-5 remains a value-packed and affordable SUV, with the price tag only marginally increasing on the previous model. The top-selling Maxx Sport and GT grades get around $2,000 worth of extra value, but only add $880 to the Manufacturer's List Price.

There are 14 varieties of Mazda CX-5 on offer, available with a choice of four engines, in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. A 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission is available on Mazda CX-5 Maxx, paired with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine, while all other variants are offered with a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission.

Updated Mazda CX-5 is available from late November.

-ENDS-

Manufacturer's List Pricing: