The 2018 Mazda CX-5 will go on sale in the UK on August 31, offering an upgraded powertrain lineup and more safety kit. For the first time, UK customers will be able to choose an automatic transmission for the petrol versions too.

The CX-5 is Mazda’s best-selling model in the UK, managing to find 3,612 homes since the second-generation model was launched last year. On a global scale, the Mazda CX-5 accounts for roughly 25 percent of the company’s sales volume.

Base petrol versions of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 are powered by a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G unit with 162hp (165PS) and front-wheel drive. This is also the first petrol CX-5 to be offered with Mazda’s six-speed automatic transmission, in addition to the standard six-speed manual.

Diesel models are powered by the 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D engine, offered with either 148hp (150PS) or 181hp (184PS). Mazda has updated the diesel engine with a modified combustion chamber, new piezo injectors, a revised two-stage turbocharger and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) System.

The more powerful 181hp version of the 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D offers 9hp more than the previous 172hp model. This was possible thanks to the turbocharger now adopting variable geometry that allows higher boost pressure from mid to high revs, as well as a higher compression ratio, among other.

The only exterior change of the 2018MY is a new set of 19-inch alloys on the Sport Nav+ trim level. Standard equipment levels are pretty generous, with every CX-5 getting LED headlights, auto power-folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, DAB radio and a 7-inch colour touch-screen display with Mazda’s integrated navigation.

Safety kit is also enhanced, with features like Radar Cruise Control, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic alert, Smart Brake Support, High Beam Control and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning now being standard across the range.

 

Pricing for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 in the UK starts from £24,795 for the base petrol version. The entry point in the diesel range will cost you from £26,695. If you want all-wheel drive, then your only option is the more powerful diesel version, which starts from £34,395.