Updated Mazda CX-5 includes new suspension and range-topping GT Sport Nav+ trim

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On sale in February, the mild revisions follow a facelift in summer 2018 that saw added standard safety equipment, the introduction of a petrol automatic model and a power increase for the 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine.

This update has no changes to the design or engine line-up, but instead focuses on minor technology updates including the aforementioned Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a revised climate control panel.

There are also subtle tweaks to the CX-5’s suspension set-up, intended to “further refine the CX-5’s well-regarded balance of agile handling and comfortable ride quality”, according to the car maker.

The CX-5 features a thicker front anti-roll bar, smaller rear anti-roll bar and revised front stabiliser bushings, as well as an updated version of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control system, GVC Plus, which now has direct yaw control, promising to boost stability at speed.

The addition of the range-topping GT Sport Nav+ trim to the CX-5 line-up is in reaction to the po[CENSORED]rity of the current top-of-the-range Sport Nav+ trim.

Mazda UK boss Jeremy Thomson said: “The fact that over 80% of CX-5s sold in the UK are Sport Nav+ trim shows that our customers value the superb blend of luxury and equipment offered by our high-grade models. So with the introduction of the GT Sport Nav+, we now have a new model that offers even more exclusivity and interior comfort for discerning SUV buyers.”

The new trim is available in both front-wheel-drive 163bhp petrol and 181bhp all-wheel-drive diesel powertrains. Marked out by 19in alloy wheels, the trim's biggest difference over lesser versions is found inside.

Wood and satin chrome on the dashboard and door trim inlays match the standard leather and black roof lining, and there is white LED illumination and a frameless rear-view mirror.

Also unique to the flagship trim is a 7.0in colour dial display and a unique steering wheel design. There is a host of other equipment too, including front seat ventilation, heated outer rear seats and sunroof.

The new CX-5 starts from £25,595, a price increase of £800 over the outgoing entry-level model. The range-topping model costs from £37,195. The top-of-the-range Ford Kuga, a CX-5 rival, costs £37,135.