An updated version of the Mazda CX-5 has been announced, with the crossover gaining a turbocharged 2,5-litre petrol engine (as was rumoured) in the Japanese market.

With this update, Mazda’s 2,5-litre SkyActiv-G engine has been added to the powertrain line-up, with the brand promising “a powerful and refined driving experience”. It's unclear at this stage whether the turbo engine will make it to South Africa.

In the automaker’s domestic market, though, this forced-induction four-cylinder makes 169 kW (at 4 250 r/min) and 420 N.m (at 2 000 r/min). Performance figures have yet to be announced.

The 2,2-litre turbodiesel remains, although it is now also offered (in Japan, at least) with a six-speed manual gearbox in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations.

Another mechanical tweak to the Mazda CX-5 is the debut of the brand’s G-Vectoring Control Plus system (an updated version of the current G-Vectoring Control arrangement) that the firm says “improves handling stability at high speeds and during emergency manoeuvres, while suppressing sudden, unintended movements”.

Other updates include the addition of night-time pedestrian detection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and a change of colour for the 17-inch alloys wheels (now offered in a new Grey Metallic hue).

Inside, Mazda says the CX-5's climate control panel, switches and dials have been redesigned for “better feel and operability”, while the surface material of the A-pillar trim has been changed from resin to fabric (with tweeters added at the base of the pillar).

Original article from Car