Based on the MINAGI concept car from this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March, the CX-5 will arrive at Mazda dealerships in early 2012. It’s claimed that, as well as the mechanical advances, it will give a first glimpse of the brand’s new design language, with a more prominent grille and swooping body lines.

But it’s the mechanical advances that the manufacturer is keenest to point out. The CX-5 debuts a new 2.0-litre petrol engine which, Mazda says, will be more efficient than the outgoing 2.2-litre diesel. Fitted with a manual gearbox and front wheel drive, the new 2.2-litre diesel engine should emit less than 120g/km CO2, making it an attractive car for fleets.

SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY covers more than just the engines, however. The manual and automatic gearboxes are all-new, while the body is designed to be more rigid to improve crash safety and sharpen the handling. Mazda has even worked this into the chassis, for better roadholding without giving a harsh ride.

The CX-5 debuts alongside a facelifted version of the Mazda3, redesigned to feature higher quality materials, improved handling and lower emissions than the outgoing version.