MAZDA'S popular CX-5 SUV has just been given a fresh new look for 2022 as well as a raft of technical and engineering improvements.

As a result the CX-5 has even more kerb appeal and it is also better to drive and more comfortable.

The CX-5 has been with us now for more than a decade and this is its third major change in that time.

It is a very important vehicle in the Mazda family as it accounts for 25 per cent of all its UK sales, so the latest changes have been designed to keep it competitive in a very tough market sector that has loads of choice.

Since its launch back in 2012 over 70,000 have been snapped-up by UK buyers and as a result the designers have elected to merely update its award-winning Kodo design with new front and rear bumpers, new headlight and taillight clusters and new grilles to give it a sharper and more modern look.

There are now no fewer than 20 models in the 2022 CX-5 line-up which features five trim levels: SE-L, Newground, Sport, Sport Black and GT Sport.

For the first time, individual model grades feature subtle styling changes to give customers the option of choosing a CX-5 with a unique character and focus.

As before, the entry point to the CX-5 range is the SE-L model, which is offered with either the 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol or 150ps Skyactiv-D engine. Prices start at £28,145.

Making its debut the Newground model is offered exclusively with the 165ps Skyactiv-G engine and features a slightly more rugged look with front and rear silver underguard trims matched to silver lower body side skirts, black door mirrors and 19-inch black diamond cut alloy wheels.

You will either like or loathe the lime green accents in the grille which are replicated inside with gaudy lime green air vent trims, while the Newground's black half leatherette seats also feature matching green piping.

Perfect for an active lifestyle, the boot features a reversible waterproof cargo board, while the Newground can also be ordered in the new and unusual Zircon Sand Metallic paint colour.

The biggest seller will probably be the Sport model which comes with a choice of 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol or 150ps and 184ps Skyactiv-D diesel engines. The higher output diesel is offered with a choice of front or all-wheel drive.

The new Sport Black trim is another model that offers customers a unique look, offered exclusively with the 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol engine and front wheel drive, it delivers a sportier interpretation of the CX-5's new look with gloss black detailing on the wheel arches, side moldings, door mirrors and signature wing grille surround.

Subtle red accents within the grille and 19-inch black alloy wheels finish the sporty look, while inside the black leather seats feature red stitching, which is also found around the cabin in areas like the door trim, centre console and steering wheel.

The GT Sport is the premium flagship model that sits at the top of the range and combines a unified one-colour exterior with a high-class interior that features smooth brown Nappa leather and genuine woodgrain trims.

The GT Sport also features a wide choice of engine, drivetrain and transmission choices matched to either two or AWD systems.

The 2022 CX-5 introduces Mazda Intelligent Drive select (Mi-Drive) on petrol automatic models, which enables the driver to select the most appropriate drive mode with one touch of a switch.

On 194ps petrol GT Sport models the i-Activ AWD system now benefits from an Off-Road Mode, which makes driving feel more natural on un-made and slippery surfaces.

Changes have been made to the bodyshell and suspension to improve the ride and reduce road noise while the seats have been altered to provide more support and comfort.

The 2022 CX-5 has also been boosted with even more safety equipment as standard and some new features.

When the newcomer was launched I spent most of the time in the GT Sport with the top 184ps diesel engine, six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel-drive which turned out to be ideal for the very wet and slippy conditions on twisting roads and hill climbs.

It is good for 129mph and takes 9.3 seconds to reach 62mph smoothly and offers stacks of grunt for overtaking. It is also not much thirstier than the smaller output diesel and is good for up to just over 50mpg on longer journeys.

As you would expect it offers bags of grip and the latest changes make it even better to drive with little roll, accurate steering and excellent stopping power.

The spacious cabin is superbly put together and offers room for four adults to travel in real comfort with plenty head, shoulder and legroom.

All the materials are soft touch and fine quality and the instruments and dials are easy to read and use. A rotary controller allows you to select the infotainment and other functions like satnav on the 10.25 inch screen without fuss.

The CX-5 is thankfully still very practical with a large 522 litre boot which can be increased to 1,638 litres if you collapse the 40:20:40 split rear seats.

The CX-5 may be classed as a mainstream product but it is truly premium in any specification and represents fine value for money.

Commenting on the arrival of the 2022 Mazda CX-5, Jeremy Thomson, managing director, Mazda Motors UK, said: "The Mazda CX-5 is an incredibly important car in Mazda's history. From the launch of the original first-generation car in 2012 it has been a hugely popular choice for UK SUV buyers, who have loved its style, quality and driver engagement.

"It's the car that established Mazda as a maker of genuinely sporty SUVs, which deliver class leading quality and high levels of standard equipment. And with the launch of the 2022 Mazda CX-5, more than ever the CX-5 is an SUV that's stylish, great to drive and capable of luring customers from premium badged rivals".