There’s a new addition to the Mazda family — the all-new 2013 CX-5 compact crossover SUV. It’s the first vehicle to fully incorporate all of Mazda’s new wave-ofthe- future SKYACTIV technologies.
Mazda claims the CX-5 delivers the best highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in North America at 35 mpg on the highway. The CX-5 replaces the Mazda Tribute as the smallest vehicle in the Mazda crossover lineup, which also includes the CX-7 and CX-9. The CX-5 is based on a new platform and includes new suspension, brakes and interior, and shares a new engine and transmission with the 2012 Mazda 3.
SKYACTIV Technology is the new Mazda philosophy aimed at draining more power, torque and miles per gallon from a vehicle without sacrificing economy, design or safety. The CX-5 is the first Mazda global vehicle to receive all of the SKYACTIV Technology components.
Weighing just 3,208 pounds, the CX-5 is one of the lightest vehicles in the segment. The CX-5 wheelbase measures 106.3 inches, making it longer than the 2012 Honda CR-V and the 2013 Ford Escape. On the inside, it’s roomy and comfortable, and rear seating can accommodate three six-foot passengers. Cargo space is ample, especially with the triple-section split fold-flat rear seat in the down position.
The instrument panel is stylish and functional and the gauges easy to read.
The CX-5 is nicely finished, functionally laid out and offers such options as Bluetooth, a Bose sound system with HD radio, backup camera, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and blind-spot warning system.
Under the hood, the CX-5 has Mazda’s newest powerplant, a high-compression 2- liter four-cylinder engine that makes 155 hp and 150 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Later this year, a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine will be available as an option.
A six-speed manual transmission on front-drive versions yields EPAestimates of 26/33 mpg, while the six-speed automatic delivers 26/32 mpg. All-wheel drive is available only with the automatic and rates 25/30 mpg. The towing capacity is rated at 2,000 pounds.
The CX-5 has a new five-point “signature wing” front grille that commands the front fascia and wraparound eagle-eyed headlights extend outward to give it something of an angry look. Dark plastic along the entire lower section adds to the machismo of the vehicle.
Standard safety offerings include 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 guidelines.
Base pricing on the 2013 Mazda CX-5 ranges from $22,095 to $28,295.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
