To say the Mazda CX-5 has been a successful model for the Japanese manufacturer would actually be understating just how good the mid-size SUV has been for Mazda.

Roundly praised by journalists and actual owners alike, replacing such a popular and well-liked car is always a risky proposition for any manufacturer.

So when the first images of the new CX-5 appeared a lot of people were somewhat underwhelmed by the seemingly mildly changed styling. It seemed Mazda wasn’t taking any chances whatsoever with the new CX-5.

But then you see one in the metal and it quickly becomes obvious just how different the new car is from the old one, particularly if an old one happens to be nearby. Then the changes are startling.

When viewed in the metal, the sleek and modern looks are really a big step up from the previous model. The way the headlights blend into the outside tip edges of the grille is a nice touch and the new car is immediately visually a CX-5 (and a Mazda), yet distinctly new and different.

Move inside and the differences are even more apparent. The new CX-5 has a beautifully built and impressively comfortable interior, with high quality materials throughout. Nicely laid out and sensibly designed, the inside of the CX-5 is a deeply impressive place.

Although the seats are comfortable, they are a touch too broad and unsupportive, while the protruding screen on the dash looks like an afterthought, even though it isn’t. And the fact that it’s only touchscreen when the car isn’t moving is an irritant.

While the diesel CX-5 may impress with its big torque, the 2.5-litre petrol in this car is actually a far better engine to live with. Smooth, refined and impressively frugal, it is also powerful and nicely responsive, while the transmission is slick and well programmed.

Out on the open road, the CX-5 boasts a beautifully resolved ride that is complimented by nimble, responsive handling, making it a superb cruiser that is also capable of attacking corners with supreme competence.

While the diesel-powered CX-5 was the star of the launch when Mazda’s latest SUV first appeared locally a few months back, with its big, torquey grunt and effortless cruising abilities, it was always going to the the 2.5-litre petrol models that would make up the bulk of sales.

So it is probably a good thing then that the petrol CX-5 is actually a far better vehicle to live with on a day to day basis.

Why is this? Because around town (where the vast majority of vehicles spend the vast majority of their lives) the petrol’s refinement, flexibility and amiable nature win out every time.

Everything about the new CX-5 is a massive improvement over what was already a deeply impressive car.

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Body type        Five-door SUV
Drive         All-wheel drive
Engine type     Inline 4-cylinder petrol
Engine capacity     2.5-litres
Max power        140kW @ 6000rpm
Max torque        251Nm @ 4000rpm
l/100km (Combined)    7.5
C02 emissions    175g/km    
Boot capacity    455/1355 litres
Spare tyre        Space saver
ANCAP rating     Not tested yet

Price        $55,495