The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has been unveiled today at a special Mazda event, ahead of its premiere at the Los Angeles motor show this week.

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The second generation of the super-successful medium SUV is an all-new vehicle, in terms of design, body panels and interior fit and finish, however it does carry through the existing engine line-up of the outgoing CX-5. From the outside the design changes bring it inline with the recently launched CX-9 thanks to the thinner and lower headlamps, while the grille gains a new three-dimensional pattern. The rear has also had minor changes, but is instantly recognisable as a CX-5. Technical changes to the body include a lower centre of gravity (by 10mm) with a wider front and rear track. The A-pillars have been pushed back an additional 35mm for better visibility, further aided by the smaller side mirrors.

Mazda has also lowered the CX-5’s belt line and installed a single pane of glass for the back window. The body itself has gained 15.5 percent more torsional rigidity thanks to the use of ultra-high-tensile steel, which Mazda claims also aids in the new SUV’s steering response, now using a column-type electric power-steering system. The steering system itself has gained more rigid mounts that help provide more accurate steering response. As part of the update, the CX-5 also receives Mazda’s recently launched G-Vectoring control system, more on that rather complicated technology here.

Suspension is by MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link system in the rear. Technical changes include the use of larger-diameter front damper pistons and utilising liquid filled bushings for less floating sensation over rough roads, the company claims. The existing three engine line-up will carry over, with the choices of SkyActiv-D 2.2 turbodiesel engine, SkyActiv-G 2.0 and SkyActiv-G 2.5 direct-injection petrol engines on offer. (No sign yet of the bigger CX-9's 2.5-litre turbo engine...)

For the interior, Mazda has gone for the floating infotainment screen, which measures either 4.6 or 7.0 inches in size depending on the model. Mazda says the 7.0-inch display use a special ‘optical’ bonding method that reduces the glass area for a clearer image. The new Mazda CX-5 can now also project navigation information on the windscreen as part of the Active Driving Display system. As for audio system, the new CX-5 gains tweeters in the redesigned A-pillars while utilising Harman (which will soon be bought out Samsung) technology for its connectivity. The 10-speaker Bose system has been enhanced with noise cancellation technologies.

The Japanese brand has also redesigned both the front and rear seats (with better support and two-step reclining) as well air conditioning louvers and controls. More practical changes include raising the floor console so that the shift knob is now positioned 60mm higher than before (40mm in the manual) and able to use newly designed adjustable cup holders. Three interior colour options will be available from factory (pure white or black leather, or black fabric), though Australia-specific details are yet to be fully confirmed. Mazda promises the interior and body changes have resulted in notable noise vibration and harshness (NVH) improvements, with the new car now 1.3dB quieter inside than its predecessor at 100km/h when travelling on poorly surfaced roads.

An additional body colour, called Soul Red Crystal, will be used as the SUV’s launch colour. It has 20 per cent greater colour saturation and 50 per cent more depth than the well-known Soul Red that is currently the brand's hero colour. The all-new second-generation 2017 Mazda CX-5 will launch in Australia in the first quarter of 2017. MORE: CX-5 news, reviews, comparisons and videos

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