AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD
BRADLEY HUBBARD
Mazda is very excited about
their new 2013 Mazda CX-5. Gone is
the CX-7. It is two inches shorter than the CX-7. Similar in size to the size
of the Kia Sportage. I love this new vehicle for many reasons. One is use of
the best high strength steels to give lower weight while giving better
torsional rigidity. That means better performance and handling.
Mazda states and we have not
had the chance to prove their statement that their new compact crossover SUV
offers the best highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in North America. They also claim that the CX-5 gets 35 miles per gallon (mpg), and
features class-leading overall fuel economy performance versus its direct
competitors again stated by Mazda and not us.
"The 2013 CX-5 is the
vehicle compact SUV shoppers have been asking for - that only Mazda can
build," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American
Operations (MNAO). "Poised to join a fast-growing and increasingly
competitive segment, the all-new CX-5 offers more than just flash and features.
Consumers also receive the performance and driving dynamics that have become
synonymous with the Mazda brand. With its SKYACTIV underpinnings and
best-in-class fuel economy, CX-5 proves that 'fun' needn't be sacrificed for
efficiency and that 'compact' doesn't mean compromise."
Mazda has already received
industry awards for being the best in its segment - 2012 Drivers' Choice Award
for "Best Small Utility Vehicle" from MotorWeek and "2012 Crossover of the Year" from Autobytel.com.
Mazda stated that the CX-5
was developed from a clean piece of papers. From sketch book to showroom floor, CX-5 began with a
philosophy. Jinbai ittai, the
oneness between car and driver, is instilled within every Mazda.
Regardless of purpose - from the large-on-fun, small-in-size Mazda2 to the
three-row, tow-the-kids-and-the-in-laws family hauler CX-9 - all Mazdas certainly
have a distinct feeling behind the wheel.
Developed as part of Mazda's
"Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" strategy, SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY was developed
based on creating overall vehicle efficiency, and perfectly complements the
car-and-driver marriage of performance and passion. The Mazda CX-5 truly
answers the questions of more space, more utility, better handling, better
safety, increased performance and increased fuel economy.
Developed solely by Mazda,
SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY is not a package or trim level but an all-encompassing,
deeply imbedded philosophy that obtaining more power, more torque and more
miles per gallon does not mean sacrificing fuel economy, design or
safety. Its first North American application was in Mazda's best-selling
vehicle, the Mazda3, which was refreshed for the 2012 model year with a
SKYACTIV engine and transmissions. CX-5 is the first global vehicle to
receive all SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY components.
Under the large hood lies
the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Developers of the SKYACTIV-G
engine were aiming for a lightweight design that produced more from less.
At 13:1, SKYACTIV-G features the world's highest compression ratio for a
mass-produced car. Coupled with a new 4-2-1 exhaust system as well as
redesigned pistons and other components, challenges associated with high
compression were resolved.
SKYACTIV-G is 10 percent lighter, delivers more torque, improves fuel economy
and lowers emissions when compared to the MZR 2.0-liter gasoline engine.
CX-5 produces 155 horsepower
at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. With a svelte 3,208-pound body (FWD,
SKYACTIV-MT models), CX-5 is one of the lightest vehicles in the segment.
Transmissions in the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed
automatic, a 2,000-pound towing capacity and an optional all-new
all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, the 2013 CX-5 truly offers a little of everything
for everyone.
The SKYACTIV-MT six-speed
manual transmission (Sport models) MAZDA states deliver crisp, tight shifting
and direct, sporty feeling of the MX-5 to the CX-5. To accomplish this,
not only was the shift-lever stroke shortened by about 10 percent compared to
the current six-speed manual transmission but other technologies were applied
as well: a down-type system that uses the forces of gravity to ease upshifts,
lock ball-type synchronizer for smooth gear changes, shift load canceller to
make the lever action lighter, slide ball bearing and locating 2nd
and 3rd gears on a common shaft that drastically reduces the size
and weight of the unit. SKYACTIV-MT is lighter by approximately 4.4
pounds, while still achieving a quicker and precise response feel. Only
Mazda would go to this level of detail on a manual transmission in an SUV, but
only in the details can the depth of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY's engineering
philosophy truly be seen.
The SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed
automatic transmission combines the best features of today's transmission
technologies by integrating the key advantages of a conventional automatic
transmission, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Dual Clutch
Transmission (DCT). At low speeds, SKYACTIV-Drive acts like a
conventional torque-converter automatic, with all the benefits of easy and
smooth speed control that these conventional systems offer. At higher
speeds (more than five to eight mph), the torque converter is locked and the
transmission operates with all the benefits of a dual clutch - fast shifts,
minimal power-delivery interruption and rev-matched downshifts.
Additionally, SKYACTIV-Drive is smaller and lighter, and contributes a fuel
efficiency increase of approximately four to seven percent over conventional
transmissions.
Both SKYACTIV-MT and
SKYACTIV-Drive were developed at the same time, and both were
clean-sheet-of-paper designs, which enables Mazda to design the two units to be
built on a common assembly line - the only manufacturer in the world to build
manual and automatic transmissions on a common line. This leads to
drastically increased efficiencies in production.
MAZDA states that the best
highway fuel economy of any SUV in North America, the 2013 CX-5 offers an EPA
estimated 35 mpg on FWD models and 31 mpg on AWD models.
Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models equipped with the standard SKYACTIV-MT are EPA
rated with an estimated fuel economy of 26 city/35 highway/29 combined
mpg. When equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive, CX-5 FWD models
receive an mpg rating of 26 city/32 highway/29 combined. SKYACTIV-Drive
is standard on AWD models, which return an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of
25 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg. The combined city and highway fuel
economy of 29 mpg on FWD models and 28 mpg on AWD also are best-in-class when
compared to non-hybrid competitors. When we do a week long test we will compare
our figures with those of MAZDA’S.
The CX-5's SKYACTIV-Body and
SKYACTIV-Chassis ensure a vehicle structure as reinforced and quiet as it is
rigid and absorbs impacts.
Mazda did improvements to
the suspension and steering systems in the CX-5. With lightweight construction
of the SKYACTIV-Chassis includes a front strut suspension and a multi-link rear
format along with an assortment of design changes.
The SKYACTIV-Body is
comprised of 61 percent high-tensile steel, creating a lighter, stronger body
with superior handling. As a result, the overall structure is eight
percent lighter than previous Mazda models. The all-new CX-5 also has the
distinction of being the first vehicle ever to utilize 1,800MPa ultra-high
tensile steel in manufacturing. Located in the front and rear bumper
beams, they are 20 percent stronger and 10.6 pounds lighter than previous generation
bumpers.
The Mazda CX-5 has six
airbags (front, side and full side-curtain), four wheel disk brakes, anti-lock
brakes (ABS), daytime running lights (DRL), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a
Traction Control System (TCS) and a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS). Also available are a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system, Adaptive
Front-lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling bi-xenon headlamps and a rear
view camera with distance guide lines.
A new system
called “smart city brake support” uses an infrared sensor to identify objects
in the path ahead and automatically stop a vehicle traveling at speeds of up to
15 mph and to significantly diminish closing velocities above that speed.
A new five-point
"signature wing" front grille commands the front fascia. Its
black elongated trapezoidal pattern adds masculine depth while eagle-eyed,
wraparound headlamps extend out, seemingly flirting a head-turning
"hello" to passersby.
KODO, or "Soul of
Motion," is a design language inspired by nature, which evokes how both
startling beauty and immense power can be captured within a single
motion. First unveiled in 2010 on the MAZDA SHINARI concept car, a
long-and-lean, four-door sports coupe, and then on the MINAGI concept SUV, from
which the CX-5 is based, KODO exemplifies the direction of Mazda's future sheet
metal strokes. An early indication with CX-5 is that all-new production
offerings from Mazda will be nothing short of striking.
The CX-5's sculptured body
features taut, compact lines. Shapely front and rear fenders hug the
sporty SUV's 17- and 19-inch rubber-and-rim pairings, projecting a wide,
low-slung stance. Seventeen-inch aluminum alloy wheels outfitted with
225/65R17 Yokohama all-season tires are standard on Sport and Touring models.
Grand Touring models feature 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped with
225/55R19 Toyo® A23 all-season tires.
MAZDA states that the sweeping
swoosh line bridges the four corners with sleek, artistic expression.
Topside, a pronounced crease begins at the A-pillar and darts sharply across
the side panels, eventually wrapping itself around stylized tail lamps.
The sharply raked A-pillar is matched by the angles of the fastback design of
the C-pillar and rear window, topping an aggressive profile, which, at the same
time, affords all occupants one of the widest fields of a view in the segment.
The CX-5's exterior design
was developed to create optimal airflow, making the overall shape as smooth as
possible. Additionally, all models are equipped with a rear spoiler
sporting side fins, which aids in aerodynamic performance but also complements
the aggressive stance of the vehicle.
With a 0.33 coefficient of
drag, CX-5 is one of the most aerodynamic compact crossover SUVs currently on
the market.
Black is the base color
throughout the cabin with sculpted, body-embracing seating available in two
colors with a choice of two cloth fabric patterns or genuine leather. The
black-on-black layout is the traditional go-to color scheme for luxury, sporty
and refinement. The sand-on-black layout offers a vibrant,
color-contrasting option. Both interior options present the well-tailored
fit-and-finish of the cabin with defined luxury and excellent comfort.
Mazda is proud of the
interior. It has a lot of soft materials on the door trims and upper dash
panel. Piano black accents and satin chrome finishes make the interior
stunning. The instrument cluster has meter lighting that makes the gauges
equally visible in the daylight as they are easy-on-the-eyes in the
darkness. The three-spoke steering wheel features a tilt and telescopic
column as well as steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls as standard
equipment.
The CX-5 has a 106.3-inch
wheelbase, seats five and offers a cabin that is undeniably flexible in order to
accommodate the demands of today's active lifestyles of all work and all
play. Mazda PR states that the rear cargo room is not only cavernous but
clever. The CX-5 offers the
40/20/40-split rear seats that fold-flat.
Amongst the roomiest of
cabins for the segment, legroom for the second row is ample at 39.3 inches with
an equally generous knee clearance of 2.6 inches. The wide cavity under
the front seats also offers abundant rear passenger foot space and can be used
as additional cargo room to hide personal effects. Rear headroom is a
roomy 39.0 inches.
Up front, both the driver
and passenger can enjoy 40.1 inches of headroom (39.0 inches when equipped with
a moonroof), 57.5 inches for the broadest of shoulders and 41.0 inches to
stretch long limbs. Six- or eight-way power-adjustable seats are standard
on all but the Sport model.
An all-new 5.8-inch in-dash
touch screen becomes the center of attention with intuitive phone, audio and
navigation functions (when equipped). Streamlined steering wheel controls
also enable a more straightforward operation of the infotainment system.
Standard push-button start and an optional advanced keyless entry system get
the CX-5 going.
Other available features
include Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity and iPod® audio playback.
USB and auxiliary jack connections are standard and located in the center
console storage bin. iPod information can be accessed via the
infotainment screen (when equipped).
A nine-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System with
AudioPilot® was jointly developed with Mazda to please even the most discerning
music enthusiast. The all-new 225-watt sound system uses premium
lightweight materials and components yet offers sound clarity and performance
similar to larger, bulkier sound systems. CX-5 also is available with HD
RadioTM Technology, a subscription-free digital AM and FM broadcast
radio service which provides crystal-clear sound, on-screen information and
additional programming choices via HD2 and HD3 channels.
Mazda has joined with TomTom offering a technology-based in-dash navigation system also will be
offered and features premium North American maps, advanced lane guidance,
intuitive voice recognition and real-time traffic. The navigation module
communicates with the Sanyo display head unit in the CX-5 via a USB interface
and utilizes an SD card for storing map data. The SD card feature allows
consumers to input customized maps or regularly update TomTom mapping content and software via their
home computer.
The CX-5 Sport beginning
sales price is $20,695 MSRP. Paired with the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission,
the entry-level Sport model is equipped with high-level standard amenities such
as 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, daytime running lights (DRL), power side view
mirrors, automatic headlight shutoff as well as stylish exterior cues in a
body-colored rear spoiler, shark-fin antenna, door handles and outside mirrors
with turn lamps.
The comfortably-appointed
cabin offers cloth seat upholstery, push-button start, power windows with a
driver's side one-touch auto open/close, cruise control, a tilt and telescopic
steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, air
conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio with Automatic Level
Control (ALC) as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports - all standard.
The CX-5 Sport models
equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission
start at $22,095 MSRP. When equipped with Mazda's all-new active
torque-split AWD system (SKYACTIV-Drive models), the starting price is $23,345
MSRP. A Bluetooth Audio Package is available for an additional $400 MSRP
and includes Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch
in-dash color information touch screen and HD Radio Technology.
Moving up to the Touring
model, the Bluetooth Audio Package for Sport models becomes standard as are fog
lamps, privacy glass, upgraded cloth seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver's
seat, rearview camera (viewable via the 5.8-inch in-dash color monitor), an
upgraded six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio, a leather-wrapped steering
wheel and shift knob, steering-wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth and cruise
control functions, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system as well as a rear-seat
armrest with cup holders. SKYACTIV-Drive becomes standard on Touring
models, which start at $23,895 MSRP (FWD) and $25,145 MSRP (AWD).
Available options for CX-5
Touring are the Moonroof/Bose and Technology packages. The Moonroof/Bose
Package ($1,130 MSRP) adds a moonroof and the 225-watt Bose Surround Sound System. The
Technology Package ($1,185 MSRP) adds the TomTom technology-based in-dash navigation
module, an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink®, automatic on/off bi-xenon
auto-leveling headlights, a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS),
rain-sensing windshield wipers and an anti-theft alarm. Sirius Satellite
Radio, which includes a four-month complimentary subscription, is a stand-alone
option ($525) for Touring models.
The 17-inch aluminum alloy
wheels of the Sport and Touring models are swapped for 19-inch aluminum alloy
wheels. Other premium standard features include automatic headlights,
heated outside mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a moonroof.
Standard cabin amenities include leather-trimmed seat upholstery, heated front
seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support,
dual-zone automatic climate control, a Bose Surround Sound System and Sirius
Satellite Radio. Available in either FWD or AWD configurations, the Grand
Touring model starts at $27,045 and $28,295 MSRP, respectively.
A Technology Package,
similar to the Touring model, also is available on the CX-5 Grand
Touring. Priced at $1,325 MSRP, options include the in-dash TomTom navigation system, bi-xenon
auto-leveling headlights with a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS),
an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, an anti-theft alarm and Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry.
A $425 MSRP trailer hitch
(with harness and cover) option is available on all CX-5 models for consumers
to fully utilize the vehicle's 2,000-pound towing capacity.
Mazda engineers developed a
2.2-liter twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder that produces 170 hp at 4500 rpm.
That engine will be a mainstay in Europe, but we won’t see it in the U.S. for
at least 18 months. Mazda has
stated this engine could end up in the Mazda 6. This would be wonderful for off line acceleration, trailering and fuel economy.
Once we get a production model to test we will update with all our figures including fuel economy, acceleration, torque, horsepower and more.
AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
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