New Mazda SUV

Mazda has taken the wraps off its Land Rover Freelander rival – which will sit below the full-size CX-7 SUV – and says it will be the first car to use its SKYACTIV eco technologies. This means low CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km.

The styling is inspired by the Minagi concept – which debuted at March’s Geneva Motor Show – with the design team doing a good job of retaining that car’s neat look.

The CX-5 showcases Mazda’s new KODO design language, which incorporates a fresh family face and more purposeful stance, which bosses claim it will be extended to the car’s cabin.

Under the bonnet is a choice of the new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine and a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre diesel. The latter comes in two power outputs, with the lesser 173bhp option claiming the lowest CO2 figure – although this refers only to the front-wheel-drive version with a manual gearbox.

In comparison, the most efficient two-wheel-drive VW Tiguan provides 64bhp less power and still puts out 139g/km. Among the other SKYACTIV tweaks are new manual and automatic transmissions, while the body and chassis have been developed to be as light and rigid as possible.