Mazda has revealed an upgraded Venture version of its 5 people carrier, with improvements to styling and equipment levels.

Available in both petrol and diesel form, the enhanced Venture edition is marked out by new 17-inch wheels in a `bright alloy' finish, four new paint colours, black mirror covers and chrome exhaust trim.

Its door mirrors are also now electrically foldable and its rear-view mirror dims automatically at night, while on the inside a new cloth upholstery style with red stitching gives a more premium, sportier feel.

Further luxury comes with a Sanyo TomTom satellite navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and rear parking sensors, all fitted as standard.

Climate control, a USB audio input port and a sports style body kit were all already fitted to the Venture before this new upgrade, and remain standard.

Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK, said: "One of the best handling family cars available in the UK, the Mazda5 Venture features attractive styling and delivers a dynamic and engaging drive, with strongly performing petrol and diesel engines, plus finely tuned suspension and steering, and a top quality spacious and practical interior.

"Its competitive fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, together with Mazda's outstanding Japanese-style build quality and legendary reliability, the Venture models make great ownership prospects for active families."

Customers buying a Mazda5 Venture model have a choice of two engines. A 2.0-litre, 148bhp MZR petrol engine is the cheaper of the two, costing £19,995 while a 1.6-litre 113bhp diesel asks £21,290. Both are fitted with a six-speed manual transmission.

The diesel model's fuel economy can average as much as 54.3mpg, while its CO2 emissions are rated at a tax-friendly 138g/km.