Finished in its vibrant (and $200 cost-optional) Soul Red metallic paint, the Series 2 Mazda CX-5 Akera I've just been handed the keys to remains a good-looking mid-size SUV, with the right mix of curves and harder lines.
Black 19-inch alloys with low-profile 225/55-series tyres hint at the CX-5's bent, while the updated 'pure' white leather interior trim provides airy contrast. With its well-thought out packaging, solid build quality and up-to-date technology, it remains easy to see why the updated Mazda CX-5 has sold over 2000 units in its first full sales month of February, outstripping its nearest class rival, the Nissan X-TRAIL, by over 300 units.
While the facelift could be described as mild, dig into the detail and there's a lot to like. A reversing camera is now standard across the range, as is MZD Connect. The latter works in conjunction with the 7.0-inch touchscreen and offers internet connectivity and extended Bluetooth capability that can receive text messages. Internet radio is also available when a smartphone is connected.
Attention has also been paid to an area of weakness that appears to afflict much of Mazda's current range: high NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
Mazda claims an NVH reduction of approximately 10 per cent over the previous CX-5 at highway speeds. This is achieved via the use of sound absorbing materials that block the noise pathways generated from the driveline. Suspension resonance is also better controlled, and touches such as the extra layer of dash insulation, thicker rear door glass and widened under-cabin insulation have all contributed to the reduction.
Other updates include the move to an electric handbrake and the introduction of Drive Selection for petrol models which offers a 'sport' mode. This adjusts throttle response and will make more of the lower gears of the six-speed automatic transmission.
Seating has also been improved with new designs and an increase of 30mm in rear seat cushion length.
Safety hasn't been ignored, either. The CX-5 includes Mazda's first use of its Adaptive LED headlight system which further improves night visibility. Lane-keeping assist 'supports' the driver by providing steering torque assistance where required.
Driver Attention Alert is another new Mazda function that prompts for rest breaks and the Smart City Brake Support system is enhanced with rearward detection. The options list also includes Smart Brake Support and Mazda Radar Cruise Control, though both are standard on the top-spec Akera.
Of course, the new CX-5 will be eligible under Mazda Service Select. It's a simple program that does away with dates, only requiring the car to be serviced every 10,000km (which lags behind some competition's 15,000km intervals). As an example, the Akera petrol AWD tested has a first interval service priced at $299, with the more thorough 20,000km job hitting $326.
Overall, it appears Mazda has listened to owners and industry feedback, and it has to be commended for this.
Translating the updates onto the road, the CX-5 Akera truly impresses, and it begins with the noise suppression inside, which is tangibly superior to the previous model and allows occupants to better enjoy conversation, or the tunes coming from the nine-speaker BOSE audio system, which is an Akera standard.
Seating (eight-way electrically adjustable for the driver, six-way for passenger) is also noticeably more comfortable throughout, and the new white leather trim looks good, though I wouldn't want to clean it once dirty-handed toddlers have been through the cabin a few times...
The 7.0-inch touchscreen is clear and easy to use and the electric handbrake increases centre console space.
Where the petrol CX-5 falls down is in its power delivery, especially when considering the choice of either larger-capacity naturally-aspirated or turbocharged options in the segment.
With only 250Nm peak torque, the Akera needs revs to accelerate well, and though throttle response is exceptional and real-world fuel economy in the mid-8s is solid, the CX-5 is at its best with the 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel powerplant and its 129kW/420Nm outputs.
Dynamically, though, the petrol engine with its lighter weight over the front axle means this Akera has a cornering ability to rival many a medium sedan. Throw in the adaptable all-wheel drive system and damping changes and the latest Mazda SUV corners with little roll, employs great traction and rides comfortably, though on the sporty side for a medium SUV.
Indeed, its on-road dynamic leanings appear at the expense of even light off-road work, the combination of big alloys, relatively low-profile 55-series rubber and a hunkered ride height means the CX-5 can't tackle offroad approaches with the same veracity as, say, a Jeep Cherokee.
Regardless of this last point, the market has clearly answered how it wants its SUVs. And it comes in the shape of a Mazda CX-5.
2015 Mazda CX-5 Akera AWD (petrol) pricing and specifications:
Price: $47,410 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 138kW/250Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.4L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 172g/km (ADR combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP