Mazda CX-5 at the Los Angeles Motor Show

The CX-5 is Mazda’s entry into the compact SUV market, and the car will compete against the likes of the new Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, both of which were also launched at the Los Angeles Motor Show, as well rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The CX-5 is the first Mazda to fully encompass the Japanese brand's SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, which is a suite of powertrains and chassis architecture designed to save fuel and reduce emissions while retaining a sporty drive.

"Entering an extremely competitive segment, the all-new CX-5 has to offer more than just flash and features, but also has to perform and provide consumers with the dynamic response they've come to expect from Mazda - and it does," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North America, who added, "With its SKYACTIV underpinnings and best-in-class fuel economy, CX-5 proves that fun needn't be sacrificed for fuel efficiency and that compact doesn't equate compromise."

The CX-5 will be launched with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter petrol engine that produces 155bhp and 203Nm of torque. Buyers will have a choice of two transmissions, the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic.