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As revealed back in February, the Mazda 5 has indeed been given the SkyActiv treatment, and the enhanced MPV has been launched in Malaysia at Sunway Pyramid.

Replacing the non-SkyActiv model's 142 hp/180 Nm 2.0 litre MZR four-cylinder engine and five-speed Activematic auto are a 149 hp/190 Nm 2.0 litre SkyActiv four-cylinder engine with dual variable valve timing and direct injection (12:1 compression ratio) and a six-speed SkyActiv auto.

It also gains the i-stop start/stop system, and with this setup, Mazda claims a combined EC fuel economy of 6.6 litres per 100 km. It does the century sprint in 11.4 seconds before reaching a 194 km/h top speed.

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On the outside, it looks pretty much identical to the non-SkyActiv Mazda 5 - even the 205/55 R16 alloys are carried over - but the eagle-eyed amongst you would spot the wing mirror indicators, central screen and two headrest monitors which were not on the original car that was launched back in 2011. Mazda Malaysia says these were quietly introduced to the Mazda 5 sometime in between.

The central screen incorporates navigation, a reverse camera as well as CD, DVD, MP3, AUX and USB sound piped through four speakers. Kit-wise, you get auto headlamps and wipers, single-zone auto air-con (with blower control for 2nd row vents), a sunroof and dual-powered sliding doors, amongst others.

There's still the unique Karakuri seventh seat in the middle of the 2nd row - the 2nd row armrest first folds up to form the backrest, then the cushion of the seat on the left is flipped forward to reveal the centre seat cushion that folds out to fit between the two 2nd row seats.

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The right-2nd row seat hides a tray with two cupholders and a storage net under its cushion - this can obviously be deployed for use. Under the flip-up cushions of both 2nd row seats are 6.3-litre storage compartments (when they're not full of seat or tray, obviously). 3rd row seats are split 50:50.

Where safety is concerned, you get dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, DSC, TCS, reverse sensors and 2nd-row Isofix. Aluminium, Jet Black, Crystal Pearl White and Metallic Grey body colours are available.

Fully imported (CBU) from Japan, the Mazda 5 SkyActiv is priced at RM153,019, OTR without insurance (or RM157,279 with insurance). Included is a three-year/100,000 km warranty and three years' free maintenance. At its launch in 2011, the non-SkyActiv Mazda 5 was priced at RM150k, OTR without insurance.