15 Oct 2012

Mazda CX-5 has crossover appeal

Mazda1

Our silver metallic test model arrived with Mazda’s base-level trim package and a 2.0-liter, direct injection, four-cylinder, 155-horse- power engine. The same engine is found on all three of the CX-5’s trim levels. Our front-wheel-drive version had a six-speed manual transmission. An all-wheel-drive model is available with an automatic transmission.

The CX-5’s fuel economy figures are impressive in the compact crossover class. Our manual six-speed and front-wheel-drive test version combined for 26 mpg city/35 mpg highway.

The Mazda’s performance specs may not stand out on paper, but driving the compact crossover around the city told a different story.

Thanks to the six-speed transmission, the CX-5 does a lot with a little, and I found an abundance of power from under the hood.

Steering, braking and overall handling exceeded my expectations.

Mazda’s “hill launch assist” feature, which kept the vehicle frozen as I took my foot off the brake and released the clutch pedal while starting on an incline, was a great feature.

While I felt the CX-5’s manual transmission enhanced the vehicle’s driving performance, it was difficult at times to find the right gear when shifting through the six speeds packed into a tight gear box.

The no-frills, but smart unibody exterior rests on 17-inch alloy wheels and the CX-5’s interior comfortably seats five.

The cloth-trimmed sport seating, six-way adjustable driver’s seat and ample backseat leg room made for a comfortable interior.

Mazda’s subtle use of simulated alloy trim on the door handles, steering wheel and center console enhanced the straightforward, well-built interior. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat created a deep cargo space accessible via a rear lift-gate door.

Overall, I was impressed with the Mazda CX-5, but I would like to see several upgradable options, such as heated seats and a more sophisticated media center.

It’s a lean-on-luxury vehicle that is loaded with value.

 

Courtesy of Boston Herald