MAZDA's macho CX-5 has been given a facelift to freshen up the stylish SUV.

Nothing too severe you understand, as Mazda owners love the dramatic style of the car anyway - as sales of more than 70,000 since its launch in 2012 prove.

But, as with humans, a few nips and tucks can work wonders and the 2022 CX-5 is now fresher and more eye catching.

Most noticeable are the changes to the front end where there's a new style bumper and new headlight cluster. There's also a new, more three-dimensional grille giving the car a more powerful appearance.

At the rear too the bumper design has been changed and comes with a new- look taillight cluster.

In launching the new 2022 version Mazda has gone to great trouble to ensure customers have more choice, so now there are 20 models in the line-up and five trim levels.

That choice means a wide range of both petrol and diesel engines with varying power outputs as well as a choice of either two or four-wheel-drive.

The car driven here is the top-of-the-range GT Sport model with a 181bhp diesel engine which offers impressive torque while at the same time averaging well over 42 miles per gallon.

As diesels go this is a particularly quiet and refined one during normal motoring although the 2.2-litre engine is noticeably noisy on cold start up. Give it a few minutes, however and the whole thing settles down nicely.

This high spec version comes with everything from heated and cooled front seats, heated and reclining rear seats and a heated steering wheel not to mention a head-up display, full Nappa leather upholstery and an opening glass sunroof.

Both driver and passenger seats are power adjustable and the driver's comes with memory settings to ensure there's no family fallouts when you change drivers.

The interior is crisp and clean cut with real wood inserts in the dashboard and doors to contrast with the black leather-look finish and there‘s a phone charging tray for those with latest mobile models.

The six-speed auto gearshift is set in a piano black panel alongside which is the control dial for the 10.25-inch centre-set information screen, Mazda opting not to go down the ubiquitous touch screen route.

The CX-5 offers sensible luggage space beneath the rear tailgate and now the boot floor is on the same level as the tailgate sill to make loading heavy items less arduous.

On the road the high driving position of the CX-5 generally means good all-round vision although the thickness of the A-pillars - the ones next to the windscreen and front doors - can be obtrusive at junctions.

The ride, however, is sporting and sharp - despite the high stance of the car - as you would expect of Mazda. The suspension is slightly on the firm side but certainly not at the expense of passenger comfort and long distance journeys are a breeze in this car.

Front and rear view cameras make parking easy too. Engage reverse and you get a split screen with one view of what's behind you and a birdseye view from above to ensure parking between supermarket white lines is a doddle.