IT pays to expect the unexpected with Mazda.

Back in the late-1970s it stunned the car industry with the rotary engined RX-7 sports car. More recently, as almost every engine designer was stepping away from diesel, the Japanese firm launched the plush CX-60 SUVâ¦powered by a gutsy 3.3-litre diesel.

So, it's no great surprise that the independent Hiroshima-based manufacturer has replaced its hugely successful mid-size SUV, the CX-5, with a model that cuts across convention.

As most makers race to the showrooms with hybrids, plug-ins or self-chargers, the third generation CX-5 arrives with the mildest of hybridisation and a big 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit matched to an automatic six-speed gearbox.

The popular 2.2 diesel is gone, as is the long-standing 2.0-litre petrol. A four-wheel drive option is available for the few who feel the need for greater traction.

Immediately recognisable as a CX-5, the new car is slightly longer, taller and wider and has gained an appropriately more contemporary appearance. More significantly, the extra few centimetres have gone into extending the wheelbase, benefiting passengers' legroom.

The CX-5 has never been short of cabin space throughout its lifespan, and the latest version is even more generously proportioned with bags of shoulder room and acres of space in the rear to stretch out.

The boot has also grown with no less than 583 litres of cargo space, some 61 litres more than previously. The rear seat splits and folds 40-20-40 for extra versatility.

The redesigned fascia has a clean uncluttered look with the large touchscreen dominant. Quality materials are utilised but there are a few scratchy surfaces within reach which reduce the feel-good factor.

Many owners will lament that Mazda has followed the trend to put almost every control on the large touchscreen, inevitably a distraction to the business of driving. This was actually an opportunity for the firm to stubbornly stick to its guns and defy fashion. Shame.

Driving a Mazda is always a highlight. Balance, sure-footedness and well-tuned ride are by-words for its range, and the latest CX-5 continues this tradition. Hustled along windy Scottish roads and through sweeping curves, it feels well planted and secure with sufficient feedback being passed back to the helm.

The ride is compliant enough to absorb most road ruts and ripples yet cornering roll is restrained. A near-perfect compromise for a family car. We found that the front drive version feels more athletic and manoeuvrable than its four-wheel-drive brother.

The new engine pulls well considering it pumps out a fairly meagre 139bhp - not a lot to haul such a sizeable body. Push it hard, however, and send the revs towards the red and the fourpot engine sounds a tad coarse as noise levels rise.

With acceleration to 62mph in 10.5 seconds, the new model trails quite a few rivals, yet in reality this statistic is easily masked by the car's general competence and driver-orientated qualities.

Obviously, with so little help for electrification, a largish body and a bigger than average engine, economy isn't going to be its forte. However, over the challenging 100-mile plus test route we managed 40.8mpg. Emissions are given as 157g/km.

With a price tag starting at just under £32,000, the new version is marginally cheaper than the out- going carâ¦there's a rarity! The range extends to around £40,000.