Mazda welcomed in the New Year with the announcement of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 which is available to order now and sees the introduction of a new GT Sport Nav+ model grade.

In addition, subtle revisions across the range are designed to ensure the popular SUV continues to offer class-leading levels of driver appeal, quality, equipment and style.

Since the launch of the original Mazda CX-5 in 2012 more than 48,000 have found homes in the UK, while sales of the second-generation model have passed the 13,000 mark, ensuring that the CX-5 is now Mazda UK’s biggest selling model.

Launched in June 2017, the current CX-5 was updated in the summer of 2018 with additional standard safety equipment, the introduction of a petrol automatic model and a power increase for the high-output 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine.

Featuring an unchanged range of Skyactiv engines, and building on last year’s updates, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 now features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the range, while the keen eyed will spot a revised climate control panel. However, as you’d expect for a car that is less than six-months on from its last update, the CX-5’s bold and elegant styling remains unaltered.

Always an SUV praised for its dynamic ability, Mazda’s unremitting commitment to driver engagement has seen subtle tweaks to the CX-5’s suspension set-up to further refine its well-regarded balance of agile handling and comfortable ride quality. A thicker front-anti roll bar, smaller rear anti-roll bar and revised front stabiliser bushings combine with new urethane material in the rear damper top mounts and amended damping valve structures to deliver the improvements.

In addition, the 2019 CX-5 features an updated version of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control system – GVC Plus, which now features direct yaw control to enhance stability at speed.

Available with a choice of front-wheel drive 165ps petrol and 184ps all-wheel drive diesel drivetrains, the new range-topping GT Sport Nav+ brings the same level of interior luxury and equipment found in the Mazda6 GT Sport Nav+.

Marked out externally by 19-inch bright alloy wheels, it’s inside that the new flagship CX-5 really stands apart. Real wood and satin chrome on the dashboard and door trim inlays are matched to standard Nappa leather and black roof lining to deliver the most luxurious Mazda SUV cabin yet, while white LED illumination and a frameless rear-view mirror are further examples of high-end features in the cabin.

Also unique to this new flagship trim is a 7-inch colour TFT dial display and an exclusive steering wheel design with a chrome centre bezel and high-grade stitching.

As you’d expect for a luxury SUV, the new GT Sport Nav+ features a host of equipment highlights over and above the well-equipped Sport Nav+ including front seat ventilation, heated outer rear seats and sunroof. In addition to the extensive safety kit tally found across the range, the GT Sport Nav+’s standard Safety Pack includes Adaptive LED Headlights, Driver Attention Alert, Rear Smart City Brake Support and 360^o View Monitor.

Commenting on the launch of the updated 2019 CX-5, Mazda Motors UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson said: “The CX-5 showcases how Mazda can make an SUV that’s stylish, great to drive and capable of luring customers from premium badged rivals. The updates last year introduced new levels of sophistication to our large SUV, and the 2019 model ensures Mazda’s love of driving is even more apparent in the CX-5’s outstanding balance of ride and handling.

“The fact that over 80 per cent 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.”

All 2019 Mazda CX-5s feature LED headlights, auto power-folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control. Highlights on Sport Nav+ cars include a reversing camera, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Smart keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, plus a power lift tailgate and a windscreen projecting head up display that features Traffic Sign Recognition.

Standard safety equipment across the range includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic alert, Smart Brake Support, High Beam Control and Lane Keep Assist.

Available to order now, deliveries of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 will begin in February.