Taking a number of styling cues from the CX-3 and the bigger not-for-South-Africa CX-9, the CX-5 receives a more prominent grille, thinner headlights, revised front bumper, wider wheel arches, redesigned A and C-pillars and new taillights.

Now 10 mm wider than before, the interior has also been refreshed with a new steering wheel, push button start, a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster, a seven-inch touch screen MZD Connect infotainment display and a ten-speaker Bose Premium sound system.

Underneath the skin, the CX-5's mechanicals have also been sharpened up with larger diameter front damper pistons and liquid-filled suspension bushings, a 15.5% increase in torsion rigidity and the standard fitment of Mazda's G-Vectoring Control on all models. Tech has also been upped slightly with the CX-5 now featuring Rader Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition as standard.

Engines options remain unchanged with petrol power coming from either a 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G unit, and diesel grunt from a 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D in various states of tune. Transmission are also unchanged with a six-speed manual or similar auto sending power either to the front or all four wheels.

Expect the refreshed CX-5 to make its local debut early next year.