Mazda has revised the line-up of its CX-5 family-sized SUV for 2019 and introduced a lavish GT Sport Nav+ range-topper which costs as much as £37,195.

The new halo car for the globally-popular CX-5 range mirrors the recently-launched Mazda6 GT Sport Nav+. On the outside, the key differentiator is 19-inch bright-finish alloys, but there’s much more to mark it out inside.

Rich Nappa leather seats turn up the decadence levels, as does satin chrome and real wood trim for the dashboard. The rooflining is black and LED illumination is bright white, and Mazda’s fitted a bespoke steering wheel with chrome centre and premium stitching.

The Mazda CX-5 GT Sport Nav+ gets a special TFT instrument display too, the only model in the SUV range to do so. Other extras include ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats and a sunroof.

Mazda has pushed the range upwards with the GT Sport Nav+ because, according to Mazda Motor UK MD Jeremy Thomson, “over 80 percent of CX-5s sold in the UK are Sport Nav+ trim, [which] shows that our customers value… our high-grade models.

“With the introduction of the GT Sport Nav+, we now have a new model that offers even more exclusivity and interior comfort.” It’s fitting, he adds, because a growing number of CX-5 customers are actually being lured from premium-badged rivals.

2019 Mazda CX-5

All 2019 Mazda CX-5 also now get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and the climate control panel has been revised to make it easier to use.

Mazda’s done work below the surface to make them better to drive, too. The front anti-roll bar is thicker and the rear bar is thinner: with other minor tweaks to suspension components, handling is crisper but the ride more plush.

The torque vectoring system, called GVG Plus, now has what’s called direct yaw control, which Mazda says helps high-speed stability.

Every Mazda CX-5 comes well stocked straight out the box. Even the basic cars get LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, sat nav and folding door mirrors. Prices for the entry-level 165hp SE-L Nav+ petrol start from £25,595 and deliveries of the 2019 range begin in February.

2019 Mazda CX-5 prices

SE-L Nav+

• 2.0 165 2WD: £25,595 (auto: £27,195)
• 2.2D 150 2WD: £27,295 (auto: £29,195)

Sport Nav+

• 2.0 165 2WD: £28,695 (auto: £30,295)
• 2.2D 150 2WD: £29,895 (auto: £31,795)
• 2.2D 184 AWD: £32,895 (auto: £34,795)

GT Sport Nav+

• 2.0 165 2WD: £31,095 (auto: £32,695)
• 2.2D 184 AWD: £35,295 (auto: £37,195)

It’s that time of the year again when magazines, television channels and websites roll out their ‘greatest hits’ of the past 12 months. Those carefully curated lists of ‘top this’ and ‘best that’: prime fodder for when you’re suffering from mince pie fatigue and the Christmas sherry has turned your brain to mush.

• The best new cars we have driven this year

Which is why we’re getting in on the act. Ladies and gentlemen, may we present to you, our most-read stories of 2018. Delivered, in time-honoured fashion, in revere order.

Click the headlines to read more.

20. 2019 Suzuki Jimny: what you need to know

The Suzuki Jimny has owned 2018. While this preview piece creeps into our year-end round-up, the other Jimny articles – including our first drive in Germany – are all hovering just outside the top 20. Not bad for a sub-£20k 4×4 that is yet to hit the streets. It’s worth noting that the Jimny review is second only to the McLaren 600LT on the list of most-read new car reviews.

19. Blues and toes: Britain’s wildest new police cars revealed

In June, we visited the National Association of Police Fleet Managers show to see what a motor show for police officers is really like. Based on this evidence, we can’t get enough of a good police car, unless one happens to be filling your rear-view mirror.

18. The biggest and most flamboyant American cars

John Redfern loves a good American land yacht, and many of you seem to share his passion. If this feature is anything to go by, size does matter. Some wood helps, too.

17. Revealed: the biggest car brands in the world 2017

A straightforward top 25 list of the biggest car brands in the world, based on overall registrations in 2017. Thanks to the Corolla, RAV4 and Camry, Toyota sat at the top of the sales tree. We predict it will retain its throne when we repeat the gallery in 2019.

16. Diesel particulate filters: why are they a problem?

A relatively new piece on a rather common problem. If you drive or are considering buying a modern diesel car, you need to be aware of the DPF and what impact it could have on your bank balance.

15. Why you are UNABLE to tax a car this weekend

Back in August, the DVLA carried out ‘essential system maintenance’, which meant anyone buying a car was unable to tax it and drive it home. This wouldn’t have been a problem when VED was transferrable. Cue lots of online chatter about the good old days…

14. How you can declare SORN instead of paying car tax

Speaking of tax, a month ago, Ethan wrote an informative piece on how to declare SORN when taking your car off the road for the winter. It secures 14th place on the list of our most-read items of 2018.

13. Jeremy Clarkson has named his car of the year

There are two names guaranteed to generate clicks: Jeremy Clarkson and Kim Kardashian. Imagine a headline containing both Clarkson and Kardashian. That’s guaranteed to break the internet.

12. Fifth Gear returns to TV on Quest

Wonders will never cease. A short news item on the return of Fifth Gear was read more times than the piece about Clarkson’s favourite car. Good news for Tiff, Jonny Smith and VBH.

11. The most economical new cars in 2018

Nobody loves wasting money, so if you fancy spending less time at the pumps in 2019, these are some of the cars you might want to consider. Alternatively, if you enjoy visiting petrol stations, why not buy a Monaro? Or a Bentley.

10. The cost of a car the year you were born

It’s an old piece, but it continues to deliver the goods. This nostalgic feature contains some rather evocative press photos, including a black and white shot of a Rover Vitesse and a Ford Lotus Cortina on three wheels. Hashtag clickbait.

9. Top 25 cheap classic cars to invest in

First published in January 2016, this feature on cheap(ish) classic cars remains relevant at the end of 2018. Most of the cars remain relatively affordable, but you’ll have fewer to choose from.

8. New Discovery rear end ‘transformed’ by a £1,200 number plate kit

Would you spend £1,200 on a number plate kit for the new Land Rover Discovery? Based on the number of times this piece from the summer has been read, there are plenty of people who would.

7. Waze and Google Maps now in Apple CarPlay with iOS 12 update

Forget dreaming of a white Christmas, it would appear that many people were simply waiting for Apple CarPlay to add Waze and Google Maps functionality. Next year, we expect Apple CarPlay to include a Santa tracker.

6. Audi A4 1.4 TFSI 150 (2016): long-term review

Richard spent six months with an Audi A4. Fittingly, his long-term review secures sixth place on our list.

5. Can you drive your car after an MOT fail if the old test hasn’t expired?

If there was a prize for the longest headline, this would be in with a shout.

4. Ferrari, Cobra worth $4 million found in condemned NC garage

Back in January, John Moroney told the tale of a small collection of cars that were driven into a North Carolina garage in 1991 and then forgotten about for the next 26 years. It struck a chord, because the internet loves a good ‘barn-find’.

3. The must-visit events for car enthusiasts in 2018

This one is of no use to you now, but rest assured, we’re preparing a new version for 2019.

2. How to find the cheapest petrol and diesel near you

The articles in first and second position couldn’t be further apart in terms of content. One is about finding cheap fuel…

1. The world’s fastest SUV will be a 200 mph Lister

While the other is focused on a 200mph SUV. News of the Lister LFP was by far and away our most-read story of 2018 and, by some margin, the one with the most comments. To be fair, you might need to know where to buy cheap petrol if you drive a 200mph SUV.

Happy New Year, and thanks for reading the words of Motoring Research in 2018.

McLaren F1 designer Professor Gordon Murray has been awarded a CBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honours, for services to motoring.

Murray’s honour of Commander of the Order of the British Empire comes after a 50-year career in automotive design.

South African-born Murray is still actively involved in the industry via his automotive design company Gordon Murray Design Limited.

“It is extremely humbling to receive a CBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours,” said Murray.

“I’ve spent more than 50 years doing what I love, working with a wealth of highly-talented and creative people around the world, but primarily in the UK.

“From the competing during the heyday of Formula One, to designing the world’s fastest supercar, I’ve loved every minute.”

Murray joined the Brabham Formula One Team in 1967 and, as technical director, won two world championships, in 1981 and 1983. He then moved to McLaren, winning another three world championships, in 1988, 1989 and 1990.

But Murray is perhaps most famous for his work at McLaren Car Limited, creating the legendary McLaren F1 road car. It later went on to race, winning the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1995 and two world sports car championship titles.

Gordon Murray Design was founded in 2005 and has designed, engineered, prototyped and developed several innovative vehicles. It is recognised for the “innovative and disruptive” manufacturing technology iStream.

Murray is also understood to be working on a brand new supercar. 

Other motor industry people honoured in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours 2019 include Kevin Fitzpatrick, one of the original 22 people who set up Nissan’s factory in Sunderland. Currently Nissan’s senior vice president for manufacturing in Europe, he has been awarded a CBE for services to manufacturing and engineering.

Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason has also been awarded a CBE, for services to music. Mason is a well-known car enthusiast, regularly competing at Goodwood with his amazing collection of cars which includes a Ferrari 250 GTO.

For more than a decade, Mason has been president of the Guild of Motoring Writers, the world’s largest organisation for professional motoring journalists.

The 2018 Formula One season has arguably been one to forget for Williams Racing, with an 8th place in Azerbaijan the team’s best result.

But if the achievements of the Grove-based outfit in the virtual racing world are anything to go by, the team need not be overly glum.

Despite only being formed in May 2018, the fledgling Williams Esports squad has amassed a substantial haul of race wins and even championship titles.

Ready, player one

With the esports world growing at a dramatic rate, this is far more than teenagers playing video games in their bedroom.

Many of the championships feature popular games such as Gran Turismo Sport and Forza Motorsport. But esports racers compete against each other in dramatic arenas, using expensive gaming chairs and high-end steering wheel and pedal setups.

The Williams Esports team features a roster of 26 sim racing drivers, hailing from 10 nations across the globe. This year the squad has competed in a total of 20 different championships, including the FIA-sanctioned Gran Turismo Sport World Championship.

Where real and virtual worlds meet

Williams sim racing driver Igor Fraga became the first-ever FIA Esports winner this year, taking victory in the inaugural GT Sport Nations Cup event in Monaco.

His success in this year’s GT Sport event meant attending the FIA Gala in St Petersburg, and receiving a trophy just like the winners of other major FIA championships.

For the 20-year-old Brazilian, competing in virtual racing is just another part of his motorsport career. He has previously competed in the real-world USF2000 series, and Formula 3 races in Brazil.

This fits neatly with the plans for the Williams Esports team, who have already explored the links between real and virtual racing. Nine of the 26 drivers on the roster have come from motorsport backgrounds, and have had the chance to experience the simulator used by actual F1 drivers.

For 2019, Williams Esports is looking to expand further by recruiting more drivers to the squad. This will mean an even wider array of championships to explore. Hopefully next year can bring success for the Williams team in both virtual, and real-world, racing.

A freedom of information request by the RAC has discovered more than half a million potholes were reported to authorities for repair in 2017.

This represents a staggering increase of 44 percent in pothole reports in just two years.

The situation could be worse still, adds the RAC. Not all authorities provided data: extrapolate the numbers to include them, and the number of pothole reports in 2017 reaches almost 675,000.

• Revealed: the worst cars for potholed roads

“It is shocking to see the number of reported potholes in Britain has risen by nearly 50 percent in two years,” said RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes. 

“Our own analysis of breakdown data shows the damage suffered by motorists is a constant source of frustration and expense, but the scale of the problem is obviously far greater than the numbers show.”

Lyes added motorists are now more inclined to report potholes than in previous years, “but we believe the sheer size of the increase is further proof the condition of our roads is worsening.”

English authorities saw the biggest increase in pothole reports, with a 55 percent rise. Wales increased 22 percent and Scotland rose just 2 percent between 2015 and 2017 (but 52 percent from 2014). 

Surprisingly, although pothole reports in London rose 21 percent between 2015 and 2017, they actually FELL 13 percent between 2014 and 2017.

Potholes: did you know?

Cuts to local authority budgets means regular inspections of roads is occurring less frequently than in previous years.

However, said the RAC’s Lyes, “when users report potholes, the onus is on the authority concerned to fix them or risk suffering subsequent compensation claims as a result of not doing so.

“For that reason, we urge everyone to report potholes, so that motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists and other road users don’t suffer the consequences.”

Local authorities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all have easy-to-use pothole reporting tools. Simply click on the links below, enter a postcode and follow the instructions.

• How to report a pothole in England and Wales
• How to report a pothole in Scotland
• How to report a pothole in Northern Ireland

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has created yet another bespoke model, designed to celebrate the past successes of the Woking-based marque.

This time it is the 720S supercar which has been subject to MSO modifications, made in honour of one of the greatest race tracks in the world. The three lucky owners of the 720S Spa 68 Collection will get the chance to share in commemorating one of the iconic moments in McLaren history.

Company founder and namesake Bruce McLaren took the first ever Formula 1 win for the McLaren team at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix. Held at the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, the venue and brand have been intertwined ever since.

Remembering June 1968

That success in 1968 marked an important milestone for the McLaren team, and one which has seen the outfit becomes the second-most successful constructor at the Spa circuit. With 14 wins in the Belgian hills, only Ferrari has managed more F1 wins there.

To celebrate this, and Bruce McLaren’s historic 1968 victory, the three Spa 68 Collection examples of the 720S all wear the same Anniversary Orange paintwork, created by MSO.

This is, of course, a similar of orange to that worn by the race-winning McLaren M7A half a century ago. Carbon fibre sill covers feature the inscription of “1st McLaren F1 victory Belgian Grand Prix 9th June 1968 – Bruce McLaren”, ensuring there is no doubt as to what is being celebrated here.

The master of Spa-Francorchamps

The 720S Spa 68 Collection features more than just orange paint though. An outline of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit – in the 14km layout as conquered by Bruce McLaren in 1968 – features ahead of the rear wheel arch.

The same outline also appears embroidered on the headrest of the sports seats inside each 720S. Anniversary Orange appears again on the ignition key, whilst a unique dedication plaque commemorates each of the three individual cars to be built.

A further use for Anniversary Orange comes in the contrasting thread used throughout the cabin. Externally, a set of twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels in satin black make the exterior paint look even more dramatic.

Fifty years of Belgian success

Should you want to own a piece of McLaren history, you’ll need to be quick. Two of the three cars have already been sold, leaving just one example available from McLaren Brussels.

Whatever the age of McLaren customer, there is undoubtedly a Spa victory that resonates with them. Whether it is that initial 1968 win with Bruce McLaren, through to Jenson Button standing on top of the podium in 2012, each generation will have their own memory.

However, one of the greatest wins must be that from 2000. Mika Häkkinen’s amazing three-wide overtake of Michael Schumacher at 200mph will forever be one of the most incredible moments in F1.

We can only await the release of the Häkkinen edition 720S with bated breath.

Land Rover has confirmed the all-new Defender will be revealed at last in 2019 – and used the announcement to showcase fresh images of the new heavy-duty SUV hidden under camouflage. 

In a surprise announcement, Jaguar Land Rover North America uncovered the new Defender’s 2019 reveal date: it will once again go on sale in the U.S. and Canada in 2020.

The original Land Rover Defender had an on-off relationship with North America, which favoured the homegrown Jeep Wrangler. It was withdrawn for good in the late 1990s.

Land Rover engineers are currently testing the new Defender around the world, and landed in North America earlier in December for validation tests (and photoshoots).

• Chemical giant hopes to revive the Land Rover Defender
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• New 2020 Land Rover Defender spied in testing

The firm is driving it in areas as cold as -40 Farenheit (-40 Celsius) to +120 Farenheit (almost 50 Celsius), and testing it across terrain as high as 13,000 feet above sea level.

“There are a handful of automobiles that are beloved around the world and stand for a brand, a country and a distinct way of life,” said Kim McCullough, vice president of marketing for Jaguar Land Rover North America.

“The Land Rover Defender is such a singular vehicle.

“On behalf of Land Rover and our retailers, we are proud to announce the voices of American and Canadian customers has been heard: The all new Defender will be for sale here starting in 2020.

“This announcement is a holiday gift to our Defender fans in North America and a hint of what’s to come in the New Year.”

Land Rover promises the new Defender will still be recognisable as an authentic Defender, although it will carry an all-new exterior and interior design. The latest connectivity and driver assistance features will be built in, too.

“The next-generation Defender will be a revolutionary product for Land Rover with even broader public appeal.”

JLR North America adds the ‘NAS-Spec’ Defenders have, in the decades since they were sold there, appreciated significantly and are now highly desirable collectors’ vehicles.

Land Rover finally withdrew the Defender from the North American market ahead of the 1998 model year. Production of the original model ended at the Solihull, England plant in 2016.

Hyundai is launching world-first smart fingerprint recognition technology on the 2019 Santa Fe SUV, allowing owners to use their finger to unlock and start the vehicle. 

A fingerprint sensor on the doorhandle unlocks the car, and another one on the ignition scans the finger again before starting the engine. A built-in fingerprint controller makes the match. 

This, reckons Hyundai, makes traditional car keys redundant. 

The new tech is much more secure than existing smart keys. The chance of misrecognising a fingerprint is 1 in 50,000. That makes it five times as secure normal car keys, says the firm.

The system uses capacitive recognition to detect different levels of electricity in the fingerprint, which “effectively prevents forgeries and faked fingerprints”. It is also self-learning, so becomes more accurate the more it is used.

• American Hyundai driver clocks up 1 million miles in just FIVE years
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Once a fingerprint is recognised, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe will also auto-adjust seat positions, door mirror angles and other connected car features.

“In the future, Hyundai plans to further expand the application of the technology to allow the adjustment of temperature, steering wheel position and many other features which will be tailored to the driver’s preferences” said Albert Biermann, the firm’s president and head of R&D. 

It has been a record year for the number of vehicles declared off the road, with 5,134,244 registered as SORN in Q3 2018.

That’s up from 1,201,340 in the same period in 2018 – an increase of nearly 4,000,000.

• How you can declare SORN instead of paying car tax

A car must be declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) when it is taken off the road and it is no longer taxed or insured. If SORN, it must be kept in a garage, on a drive or on private land. Failure to declare SORN will result in a fine of £80.

Not all of the vehicles registered as SORN will be classic cars – many will be newer cars, either untaxed, uninsured, being broken for spares or kept off the road for other reasons. These could include the owner being out of the country or the car used for summer use only.

But as Footman James points out, a growing number of drivers are opting for off-road insurance, also known as laid-up insurance. This type of policy protects a car from fire, theft and damage.

David Bond, managing director at Footman James said, “It’s clear that many owners cancel their insurance policies when they declare their classic car as SORN. But while it’s not a legal requirement to insure a vehicle while it’s SORN, there are risks to not having cover.

“For Footman James customers, our laid-up policy provides peace of mind should the worst happen while they’re restoring, garaging or exhibiting their vehicle long term. Laid-up insurance is also often cheaper than a standard policy.”

‘A no-brainer’

Dave Richards, a classic car enthusiast who owns a fleet of eight vehicles, explained: “For me, taking out laid up, or off-road insurance, is a no-brainer. It’s so cheap and although it won’t make up for the loss of what are usually treasured vehicles, at least it covers the financial loss if there has been theft or damage.”

As if to prove that the majority of vehicles registered as being off the road are not classics, the Land Rover Discovery Tdi is the most common car declared SORN, followed by the Ford Focus Zetec and Mazda MX-5.

SORN declarations by quarter:

• Q1 2018: 9,777,578
• Q2 2018: 4,875,568
• Q3 2018: 5,134,244

Click here for more information on how to declare SORN.

One Hyundai driver from Olathe, Kansas has covered an incredible distance in her 2013 Elantra in just five years.

Whilst the average American manages to achieve just 14,000 miles a year, Farrah Haines has averaged a staggering 200,000 miles per annum.

That’s an annual distance that outdoes even famous three million mile Volvo driver Irv Gordon. 

Farrah’s job involves delivering car parts and products, keeping her on the road throughout the day. What makes this more amazing is that her Hyundai Elantra has managed all this on the original powertrain.

Going the distance

For Hyundai USA, this achievement is a big deal, demonstrating the reliability of their products.

To make sure there was no cheating, Hyundai undertook thorough investigations to verify the distance covered by Haines. Service records were checked, engine numbers validated, and even wiring looms cross referenced.

Due to her work, Farrah was also able to produce the documentation recording the journeys she had made during the past five years.

One in a million rewards

In an age where cars have become just another disposable consumer good, this is an impressive display of brand loyalty. As such, Hyundai USA pulled out all the stops to help Farrah celebrate.

A special ‘1 Million Mile Emblem’ to add to the digital odometer was the first piece in the package of rewards. The special badge is now available to all Hyundai drivers who can prove they have crossed the 999,999 threshold.

However, Hyundai went one step further for Haines, surprising her with a brand-new 2019 Elantra to replace her well-worn example.

The new car took Farrah completely by surprise, with her being greeted by friends and family as she made what she believed to be another stop on her frantic daily delivery routine. Hyundai commissioned a video to capture the special moment.

Although the new car means beginning from scratch, Haines now claims she welcomes the “opportunity to hit a million-five” with the replacement model…

• Irv Golding, who drove 3 million miles in a Volvo, has died