The 2013 Mazda CX-5 represents a whole new approach for the Japanese carmaker in the way it goes about producing vehicles. With their new SKYACTIV-Chassis construction philosophy, Mazda claims to have reinvented the way they design and build cars, and the first model they built this way is the Mazda CX-5.
The Mazda CX-5 is a small crossover SUV, which certainly isn't revolutionary, but it is quite handsome. The vehicle features attractive exterior styling that keeps with its Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9 siblings, but also looking forward, with a nod to Mazda's KODO "soul of motion" design mantra.
At the heart of the Mazda CX-5 is its advanced powertrain. Mazda's new SKYACTIV-G 2.0L 4-cylinder engine features variable valve timing, advanced direct injection to stabilize combustion, an impressive 13:1 compression ratio and an innovative piston cavity to improve combustion efficiency. The result is good for 155 hp and 150 ft-lb of torque, with 10 to 15 percent more low and mid-range torque, as well as 15 percent lower fuel consumption and emissions than the company's previous 2.0L engine.
Power runs through a 6-speed transmission--either manual or automatic. The manual is called SKYACTIV-MT and offers the shortest shift throws in its class for sporty driving. When equipped with the manual, the Mazda CX-5 is EPA rated at 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The automatic is called SKYACTIV-Drive and incorporates a torque converter and clutch in one unit to deliver smooth, direct shifts, along with an advanced control module. The result is a 4- to 7-percent increase in fuel efficiency.
The Mazda CX-5 comes in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Sport offers the manual transmission as standard, as well as halogen headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, remote entry, 4-speaker CD/MP3 stereo, cloth seating and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat. Touring adds niceties such as halogen fog lights, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, 6-speaker stereo, 6-way power driver's seat, premium cloth seating and a 40/20/40 dual split one-touch folding rear seat. Grand Touring offers even more, with standard rain-sensing wipers, power moonroof, heated side mirrors, 19-inch alloy wheels, Bose 9-speaker surround sound stereo with Sirius XM satellite radio, an 8-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and leather trim.
A Bluetooth Audio Package available on Sport models adds Bluetooth, HD radio and a 5.8-inch monitor. The Moonroof and Bose Package on Touring models adds the power moonroof and Bose stereo, while a Touring Technology Package adds Adaptive Bi-Xenon HID headlights, TomTom navigation, and more. A similar package is also available on the Grand Touring.
Safety is paramount in the new Mazda CX-5 and standard features include a bevy of front and side airbags, anti-lock braking, and stability control. Blind Spot Monitoring and a rear backup camera are optional on Touring and Grand Touring.
Maneuverability And Handling
Excellent Fuel Efficiency
Sporty Design
Available 6-speed Manual Transmission
Standard Safety Features
The Mazda CX-5 is a new model in the Mazda lineup of sporting crossover SUVs, slotting in beneath the larger Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9. The Mazda CX-5 seats five adults and derives its 155 horsepower from a new 2.0L 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. The engine can be paired with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.
The Mazda CX-5 is a showcase for Mazda's new SKYACTIV-Chassis technology, which blends maximum efficiency with the sporting performance for which Mazda has always been known.
The small crossover segment is a crowded one, and the Mazda CX-5 sets itself apart thanks both to its attractive styling and its efficient technologies. The company's SKYACTIV-G engine and transmissions have been designed from the ground up to deliver typical Mazda sporting performance, while also maximizing fuel and mechanical efficiency The Mazda CX-5 (along with the popular Mazda3) is the first vehicle to showcase this new philosophy. With room for five adults, a sport-tuned suspension, impressive 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway fuel economy and loads of available comfort and convenience technologies, the Mazda CX-5 is a great alternative to the rest of the crossover field.
The Mazda CX-5's base price starts under $21,000.
