Having attended the Scottish launch of Mazda’s new CX-5, I was keen to try in on my home patch. I didn’t manage to drive an all-wheel-drive version, so the press office kindly sent one north for me to try over an extended period.

This is the third-generation model and retains the familiar shape of its predecessor, while advancing Mazda’s Kodo design language and using the latest Skyactiv technology, something we first saw with the original CX-5, way back in 2012.

Mazda says that connectivity and usability have been elevated through reimagined HMI. The new 12.9- or 15.6-inch centre display delivers smartphone-style interaction with customisable menus. For the first time in a Mazda, the all-new CX-5 has Google built-in. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and streamlined steering wheel controls help ensure essential information is delivered clearly. Higher grades also include a 12-speaker Bose® sound system.

Sadly, there is a move away from dedicated buttons, and at a time when some manufacturers are reintroducing them due to customer dissatisfaction with having to constantly use a screen, even for some basic functions. I am not a huge fan – too much time with eyes off the road trying to do basic functions.

New proportions and the extended wheelbase enhance road presence, stability and interior and boot space, increasing overall practicality for daily use. Designed for family life, the all-new CX-5 now has an additional 61 litres of boot space, wider-opening rear doors and a 40:20:40 split-folding bench for extra versatility.

The cabin offers a spacious and calming environment crafted with fine materials. A simplified layout that wraps around the entire front, contributing to a driver-focused yet family-friendly atmosphere. Key features include a new centre console with enhanced storage and, on higher trims, a panoramic sunroof. My Exclusive-Line model was thus equipped.

The all-new CX-5 is offered in four grades – Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line, and Homura – each with distinct interior finishes and equipment. Interior options include black or tan leather (Homura) and a two-tone black-and-white artificial leather and suede-like finish (Exclusive-Line).

Underneath the bonnet, the all-new CX-5 is powered by a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G 141PS petrol engine, paired with 24V Mazda M Hybrid technology with a brake-by-wire system, replacing the previous 2.0-litre base unit. Paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, performance is leisurely, demonstrated by the 0-62mph sprint time of 10.9 seconds. The addition of power to all wheels, whilst aiding traction considerably, doesn’t help in this regard.

In normal driving, refinement is fine, but go for a quick overtake and you’ll need lots of revs. Then you will discover that the engine is not the most tuneful when extended, rather spoiling the ambience. I found the gear changes were not the smoothest at times either. I know I now spend much of my time in hushed EVs with instant acceleration, but even so I found the CX-5 a tad disappointing.

The all-new CX-5 benefits from chassis and suspension updates, said to enhance ride comfort and road holding. I’m not sure either are a huge step forward over the outgoing model. Ride quality is good and handling safe and secure, though perhaps a tad uninvolving.

Equipped with a comprehensive suite of updated ADAS features, the all-new CX-5 has gained a Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating. As is generally the case these days, the lane departure does need to be turned off, unless cruising on a motorway. Otherwise, the constant steering corrections are rather tiresome and, in some cases, downright dangerous.
Prices start at a very reasonable £31,500, with my AWD Exclusive-Line model costing £39,250 including £700 for the optional paint finish.

Mazda quotes around 38mpg for the combined cycle and I recorded just over 36mpg during the loan. This didn’t seem to vary much, whether the car was being driven briskly or gently. A gentle right foot might indeed achieve 38mpg, respectable figures, though it is comfortably outperformed these days by the growing army of PHEVs.

It is interesting to note that sales of the CX-5 in the UK have now passed 100,000 units, and it remains Mazda’s best-selling model here. With so much choice, and many buyers now making the move to fully electric motoring, it will be interesting to see how well the new car sells. It is still early days.

There’s no doubt existing CX-5 owners will be pleased to upgrade to the all-new car, but whether it is appealing enough for a conquest sale, I’m not so sure. My pick of the range would be an entry-level Prime-Line model, ticking that option box for Mazda’s lovely Soul Red paint finish. I would leave the AWD box unticked unless you live rurally or regularly tow.

However, waiting in the wings is the new CX-6e, an all-electric, mid-size SUV which I hope to be testing before the year is out. It is all part of Mazda’s sensible strategy to offer a choice of cars for both private and business users. It’s a busy year for the Japanese brand.

Fast Facts (as tested)
• Mazda CX-5 Exclusive-Line AWD
• Price: £39,250 (as tested)
• 141PS 2.5 litre engine
• 6-speed automatic gearbox
• 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds
• Top speed 115mph
• Combined economy 37.7-38.2mpg
• Emissions – 169g/km CO2
• Warranty – 6 years/100,000 miles
• Towing limit 2,000kg (braked)