New Mazda CX-5 in June

The Mazda CX-5 has been a pretty key car for the brand in many markets since it was first launched, and in Ireland it is consistently the third biggest seller and responsible for a fifth of all Mazda registrations, writes Brian Byrne.

Which is why dealers are getting ready to have the new generation of the car on sale from 1 June, at a starting price of €28,995 on the road for the Executive 2.0 petrol. Available with 2.0 petrol of 165hp and 2.2 diesels of 150/175hp, it will also offer full automatic transmissions and an AWD version.

A 9-model lineup will offer three grades. There have been significant changes. The style is less bullnose, with a shift to a more defined version of the grille, sleeker lights, and a generally smoother look.

The interior materials are a step up from before, and the overall dashboard design is moved on from the style which pertained in the outgoing car, first launched in 2012.

There are changes under the skin. The platform has been refined and strengthened. The noise, vibration and harshness elements have been further toned down, especially the noise part.

Safety features include a standard automatic emergency braking system — smart city brake support — that fully stops the vehicle when the car's sensors note an imminent crash.

There's an active cruise control, and also new LED lights which fully adapt to prevailing light and driving conditions. A head-up display is also available at upper levels.

New seats include an option of heated rear seats, and there's also an offer of a powered tailgate, which can be operated by a 'kick' across the space underneath the rear.

Mazda Ireland is expecting to sell some 700 units in the first full year of the new model. There are about 2,500 owners of the current car in Ireland.