The base Mazda CX-5 Pure loses its Maxx predecessors’ head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto and wireless smartphone charger, but gains more power and all-wheel drive as standard.

It also includes a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, a 10.25-inch electronic instrumentation display, wired-only Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth trim, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloy wheels.

There’s also a decent level of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and front as well as rear cross-traffic alert.

On top of all these, the next-grade-up Evolve reinstates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless phone charger, and then adds keyless entry/start, heated front seats, rear-seat air vents, heated and folding exterior mirrors and a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

From there, the Touring swaps out cloth for artificial leather/suede trim, and gains a powered driver’s seat with memory, a head-up display, heated windscreen, powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, roof rails and 19-inch alloys.

The GT SP includes adaptive LED headlights, fancier exterior lighting, a 360-degree monitor with under-car view, leather upholstery, a powered front passenger seat, heated rear outboard seats, a 12-speaker Bose audio upgrade, ambient lighting, rear USB ports and glossier trim.

Finally, the Akera flagship scores a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, paddle shifters, panoramic sunroof, vented front seats, gesture-activated powered tailgate and personalised driver settings memory.

The third-generation Mazda CX-5 interior is bigger than ever before, due to a longer, wider and taller body, extended wheelbase and increased track widths.

All apertures are larger and longer, with the rear doors opening close to 90 degrees to boost entry and egress. The seats have been redesigned for better support, the pillars are thinner and the windows are deeper for improved vision.

Completely redesigned, the dash is low, horizontal and more-minimalist in presentation than before, with either a 12.9-inch or 15.6-inch touchscreen (Akera only) dominating the centre section.

A software-based setup, the touchscreen encapsulates most vehicle setting, multimedia and climate control functionalities, losing the buttons and switchgear that helped make previous CX-5s a paragon in ergonomic efficiency. These require familiarisation and are a controversial move as they may distract the driver on the move.

Similarly, the excellent electronic analogue-look instrumentation dials have gone, replaced by simpler and less distinctive digital information.

On the other hand, storage is excellent, ventilation is ample and space is sufficient up front for most people, while the rear seat best makes use of the increased dimensions with significantly more room for knees, shoulders and heads.

Finally, due to widespread refinement measures aimed at curing a long-time CX-5 criticism, the cabin is significantly quieter at speed than before.

The Mazda CX-5 is fitted with a G25 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder twin-cam petrol engine.

Using regular 91 RON unleaded petrol, it will produce 132kW of power at 6000rpm and 242Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Stumping up for 95 RON premium unleaded petrol sees these figures edge up, to 138kW of power and 257Nm of torque.

Drive is sent to all four wheels using an on-demand AWD system via a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The third-generation Mazda CX-5 is a five-seater mid-sized SUV.

The front seats have been reshaped for greater support. The Evolve adds heating elements, the Touring swaps out cloth for artificial leather as well as a powered driver’s seat with memory, the GT SP’s front passenger seat also gets the powered treatment as well as real leather trim throughout, and the Akera’s front seats score ventilation.  

Moving to the three-person rear seat, the base is fixed but both portions of the 60/40 backrest recline slightly in two positions for added comfort. The larger of the two also contains a folding armrest with cupholders. Additionally, the outboard headrests can be reversed when the backrests are folded down to provide pillow-like head support for people up to 185cm tall who choose to lay out for a nap. Plus, the outboard positions are heated in the GT SP and Akera grades.

The Mazda CX-5 can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 10.8 to 11.0 seconds, according to specification, and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 185km/h.

The Mazda CX-5 averages 7.4L/100km of combined fuel use. This equates to carbon dioxide emissions of 173 grams/km. Expect an average range of around 780km between refills of the 58L fuel tank.