Following the introduction of the third-generation Mazda CX-5 last year, it has recently gone on sale here. Total UK sales of the all-new model have passed 103,536, and it remains Mazda’s best-selling model. The new car is available to order and configure now.

Offered across four trim grades, Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura, all models feature the company’s 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G 141ps petrol engine. This replaces the previous 2.0 litre engine and is paired with 24V hybrid support.

The range is available in both front-wheel drive across all trim grades while the two top models also offer all-wheel drive. The review model is the top specification Homura and features all-wheel drive. In this guise it produces 141ps and 238Nm of torque with drive through the 6-speed automatic gearbox to all four wheels. This returns a 0-62mph time of 10.9 seconds with a given top speed of 115mph.

The new CX-5 is marginally longer, wider and higher than the previous model, adding to road presence and interior space. On road, and the 6-speed automatic transmission steps well through the gears helping to maintain pace with the option of manual override. This is via the gear select lever across the range but the Homura trim uniquely has the additional steering mounted change paddles. All models feature Mazda Mi-Drive, which allows switching between Normal and Sport drive modes, as well as off-road – with changes made to the throttle response and shift logic of the gearbox. To further reduce fuel consumption, the engine incorporates a cylinder deactivation system that shuts down two of the four cylinders under low-load conditions.

Suspension has been improved from the earlier models and adds to the agility of the vehicle while all-wheel drive increases cornering performance as well as more competently dealing with weather and terrain challenges.

The interior offers maximum luxury with the review model finished in black leather. A sports tan leather seat trim is a no cost option. For the driver, there is a raised 10.5 inch instrument pod with digital speed readout and fuel gauge, while the head up display also features navigation details. The 15.6 inch central display is neatly positioned in the main dash panel with more easily accessible touch switches underneath.

The roomy cabin provides excellent 5-seat accommodation with the boot now offering 583 litres, extending to 2,019 litres with the rear seats folded.

This all-new Mazda CX-5 achieved the maximum five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests. The new arrival introduces a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Smart Brake Support (SBS), with sensors that monitor upcoming traffic conditions and auto-brake to help avoid or mitigate collisions, has been updated to detect the end of traffic jams earlier. It now also supports low-speed manoeuvring by limiting the engine output to assist when parking in tight spaces. Also standard are Blind Spot Monitoring, Cruising and Traffic Support, and Driver Emergency Assist.

In terms of running costs, combined fuel consumption on this all-wheel drive model is given as 37.2mpg with a CO2 emission of 169g/km, putting it in the highest BIK band for company car users. Over a few hundred miles on roads across Northern Ireland, I recorded 35.3mpg. This top model is listed at £40,950 with a 6-year, 100,000 mile warranty.