FIVE million cars and the accolade of the brand's top seller worldwide underlines exactly why the family-focused CX-5 is such an important model to Mazda.

In fact the hugely popular SUV isn't just AN important car to the Japanese company, it's THE most important.

Now the CX-5 is leading a new model assault on the UK market that will see three newcomers enter the fray in the space of six months.

The fully electric Mazda 6e and CX-6e are due during the summer and autumn but first it's the all-new third generation CX-5 that is the centre of attention.

And rightly so because this cornerstone of the brand's offering - accounting for around a quarter of Mazda's UK sales - has maintained its appeal to UK drivers throughout a period of considerable change in buying habits.

The huge increase in the popularity of SUVs means that today the CX-5 sits alongside the Mazda CX-60, CX-80, compact CX-30 and soon to be launched Mazda CX-6e BEV.

Prices start at a competitive £31,550, a figure that undercuts the outgoing model, and four trim grades called Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line and top spec Homura are up for grabs.

Cars are expected to arrive in UK showrooms during the next few weeks.

All feature an optimised version of Mazda's 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G petrol engine, paired with 24V M Hybrid technology - replacing the previous 2.0-litre base unit.

It produces 141ps and 238Nm of torque, giving the front-wheel drive variant acceleration of 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds.

Higher end Exclusive-Line and Homura models can be specified with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while every model features a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Mazda is describing the new car's design as ‘redefining the familiar' and while its size is slightly longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, not an awful lot has changed bar some minor styling tweaks.

Practicality, though, has taken a noticeable step forward as the extended 115mm wheelbase in particular ensures even more head, leg and shoulder room in the rear while the load floor length is also increased.

It means the 583-litre overall boot volume is 61 litres bigger than the outgoing car, while the 2,019-litre rear seats folded volume is a 381-litre increase over the second-generation car and a real boon compared to rival SUV models.

Inside, there's a new centre console with improved storage, and on Exclusive-Line and Homura grades, a panoramic sunroof. Exclusive to Homura models is ambient lighting on the front door trims and every model gets a 40:20:40 split-folding bench for extra versatility.

Interior options include black or tan leather (Homura) and a two-tone black and white artificial leather and suede-like finish (Exclusive-Line).

Connectivity comes via a 12.9-inch - or on Homura grade 15.6-inch - centre display providing smartphone-style interaction with customisable menus and, for the first time in a Mazda, the CX-5 also features Google built-in. There's also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

Our route, over 245 miles of scenic Scottish lowland from Edinburgh to the picturesque Roxburgh estate near Kelso, featured the mid-range Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line versions, one with front-wheel drive and the other with AWD.

And it's fair to say that the latest CX-5 is a car that grows on you. The further you go the more engaging the car becomes, its quite firm suspension really appreciating the undulating and twisty roads.

It is not the fastest SUV by a long chalk, though that's unlikely to prove a consideration for the majority of family motorists, but it is comfortable, offers good all-round visibility and appreciable support from the seating.

If there's a criticism it concerns acceleration, which is excessively revvy if you need to overtake at higher speeds. Otherwise this is an attractively styled, spacious, practical and smooth family SUV that looks set for a bright future.

Mazda remains committed to offering its buyers plenty of choice in what is a progressively electric era and, interestingly, the cars used in the launch exercise were running on 100 per cent biofuel - created from food and agricultural waste - completely free of fossil fuel. Using this fuel over the course of the event saved the equivalent of 6.5 tonnes of CO2.