Updated Mazda CX-5 breaks cover

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has been revealed, just days after it was leaked online.

The significant mid-life update for the popular Mazda CX-5 brings significant chassis updates and new driver assist tech. And in some markets, all-wheel drive becomes standard across the range.

Few will spot the updated 2022 Mazda CX-5 unless it's parked alongside the current mid-size SUV. It's only then you notice the restyled front bumper that now sports a reshaped lower chrome surround for the grille.

Other changes include the introduction of a pair of new LED headlights, while beneath the grille there's a single wider elongated hexagonal-shaped air intake.

At the rear there's new slimline LED tail-lights and a redesigned bumper.

Finally, there's new alloy wheels and a Zircon Sand paint option.

New tech includes wireless phone charging and the car-maker's latest Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system that now offers a newly introduced Off-Road mode.

The large 10.25-inch infotainment system carries over unchanged but there's an updated version of its adaptive cruise control that brakes, steers and accelerates at speeds up to 60km/h in heavy traffic.

Mazda also claims that engineers have made changes to the bodyshell, chassis, suspension and seats to improve ride comfort on all models while slashing the amount of unwanted road noise entering the cabin.

The car-maker's six-speed automatic transmission carries over but has been updated to be more responsive.

In some markets, such as the US, Mazda has announced it will make its i-Active AWD four-wheel drive system standard across the range. However, it's unlikely the Australian market will follow suit.

Unlike our Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT and Akera model grades, the revised CX-5 range now kicks off in Europe with Newground, Homura and High+ trim levels.

Even the cheapest versions get aluminium treadplates, 19-inch alloy wheels and a reversible boot floor that features a water-resistant floorboard.

Mid-spec Homura variants feature a gloss black finish on the grille, bumpers, wheel-arches and mirror caps, plus red stitching on the black leather upholstery.

Top-of-the-range High+ trims still sport 19-inch wheels, but get Nappa leather and real wood on the dash and door cards.

Under the bonnet it's thought the powertrain range will carry over largely unchanged, with the line-up stretching from a 115kW/200Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine to a punchy 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo.

Following the launch of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 later this year, it's worth mentioning that an all-new third-generation CX-5 is set to follow in 2023.

Based on the Japanese car-maker’s new rear/all-wheel drive large vehicle platform, the more advanced replacement for Mazda's top-selling SUV will feature both six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, plus the car-maker's latest semi-autonomous driving aids.