Mazda is jumping into the compact crossover SUV segment with its new CX-5.
The CX-5 is a clean-sheet design with sculpted sides, and the first fully-integrated use of Mazda's engine system called Skyactiv. It provides good fuel economy without the expense of a hybrid, up to 35 mpg on the highway depending on configuration.
This is a segment exploding in popularity, led by Honda's CR-V, routinely the sales leader and the benchmark many other brands tend to shoot for.
Many buyers today want some utility along with good fuel economy. Mazda's plan is to appeal to the enthusiast driver by making the CX-5 a sporty offering. The Skyactiv engine only offers up 155 horsepower, about 30 less than Honda for example.
But power isn't everything. Mazda dialed in some nice road manners too.
With a lot of people wanting small crossover SUVs in this segment, there's sales potential for Mazda. But the carmaker is also counting on consumers who didn't know they want a small crossover, had a sporty sedan or a sports car, but now they need something bigger.
Mazda has a lot of loyal customers who might have something like the Mazda 3 compact, or perhaps a Miata two-seater. When those owners' lifestyles change, they can keep their sportiness and stay in the Mazda fold. A six-speed manual gearbox as standard on the sport model should help keep many of them there. Not just a manual, but one with the action of a sports car gearshift.
Courtesy of ABC News
The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 today was named to WardsAuto World's 10 Best Interiors list, as chosen by the publication's editors. A newcomer to the compact crossover SUV segment, at 35 miles per gallon (mpg), CX-5 boasts the best highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in North America - including hybrids - thanks to SKYACTIV®[1] TECHNOLOGY, the brand's innovative engineering philosophy on fuel-saving technologies.
"To separate itself from the competition, the 2013 CX-5 had to offer not just the same features and options as other compact crossover SUVs, but be better, stronger and smarter than those other offerings," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "For CX-5 to be honored with such a distinct award is a testament to Mazda's passionate attention to every detail - from dynamics and engineering to safety and design."
All new or significantly changed production vehicles are eligible for review by the editors of WardsAuto. Interiors are rated based on material selection, ergonomics, driver information, safety, overall value, touch points/comfort, fit and finish as well as aesthetics/design harmony. There is no price cap for vehicle entries. The 2013 CX-5 Grand Touring was entered this year.
Previously known as "Auto Interiors of the Year" as part of the Automotive Interiors Show held annually in Detroit, WardsAuto became the title sponsor in 2005, renaming the awards to Ward's 10 Best Interiors in 2011. The Mazda5 and MAZDASPEED3 were selected for the prestigious list in 2008 and 2010, respectively.
The 2013 CX-5 starts at $20,695[2] and features high-level standard interior equipment such as a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, cloth seat upholstery, power windows with a driver's side one-touch auto open/close, push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports.
As tested, the CX-5 Grand Touring adds standard luxury cabin amenities in the form of a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, leather-trimmed seat upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 5.8-inch in-dash color monitor with rearview camera, a power moonroof, 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio connectivity with steering-wheel-mounted controls, a Bose® Surround Sound System, HD Radio(TM) Technology and Sirius Satellite Radio.
A Technology Package is available for the Grand Touring model and includes an in-dash TomTom-based 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.
CX-5 Grand Touring models start at $27,045. The CX-5 Touring mid-level model starts at $23,895.
Recently named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), all CX-5 models boast best-in-class fuel economy. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models equipped with SKYACTIV-MT are EPA-rated with an estimated fuel economy of 26 city/35 highway/29 combined. When equipped with SKYACTIV-Drive, FWD models receive an mpg rating of 26 city/32 highway/29 combined. SKYACTIV-Drive is standard on all-wheel-drive (AWD) models, which return an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 25 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg.
Courtesy of Market Watch
"Very positive experience. Helpful and friendly staff along with a great price and an easy sales process." --Andreas Lorenz
"Mazda of Oakland has been providing service for my Mazda 3 for 3 years! I make an appointment online and when I arrive the day of my appointment it is a very easy process. It normally only takes 1 hour for maintenance service and they even wash my car!! Great service and friendly customer service agents!" --Bill