-
Home
- TV Shows
- TV Schedule
- NASCAR
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
New Models
DRIVEN: Mazda’s New Compact CX-5
With some fun-to-drive quality dialed in, the 2013 crossover SUV proves enjoyable as well as fuel-efficient.
Mazda's new little SUV, the CX-5, adds a sporty entry to the popular compact segment. (Photo: Mazda)
The Mazda CX-5 has a tough job ahead of it.
This newcomer, replacing the forgettable CX-7 and the outdated Tribute lines, has to fight for attention in the very crowded small-SUV market, home of the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4 and many more. With such behemoths as Ford Expedition and Chevy Suburban no longer in vogue, the little SUV market has been a gold mine in recent years, and Mazda is looking to cash in.
Fortunately for Mazda, the 2013 CX-5 gets it all right, offering an inexpensive, practical vehicle that also packs a cool look and a fun driving experience.
Built from the ground up with no hand-me-down components, the CX-5 also offers a glimpse at where Mazda is headed as a company. It’s the first vehicle designed completely with the brand’s Skyactiv efficiency philosophy in mind, looking to maximize fuel economy without killing the fun of driving.
On this front, the CX-5 succeeds brilliantly. While only packing a 2-liter, 155-horsepower four cylinder, and saddled with more than 3,200 pounds of curb weight, the CX-5 nevertheless feels light on its feet.
While many small CUVs drive like glorified minivans, the CX-5 is quick off the line, with the impressive six-speed automatic transmission’s smooth, well-placed shifts milking every drop of power from the modest engine.
The CX-5’s skimpy 150 pound-feet of torque make for a slow drag up hills and freeway onramps, however. On more-level terrain, the CX-5 is a fun cruise.
As part of their Skyactiv push, Mazda has carefully tuned their modest engine to earn a 29-mpg combined gas mileage, which is a cut above the competition, which mostly hovers around the 25-mpg range.
In addition, the CX-5 features a stiff, lightweight chassis, which helps with that gas-mileage score and makes cornering quick and efficient, something else that’s typically lacking in the field. CX-5 is available with front-wheel drive, which we drove, or all-wheel drive.
The CX-5 also offers a look at the styling direction of the Japanese automaker. Gone are the long, swooping curves of the CX-7, replaced by a boxier, more-aggressive look. Though I’ll miss the big smiles that Mazda grilles have been sporting lately, this more straightforward packaging seems to be way of the future. Which isn’t a bad thing at all.
Coming in at two inches shorter than the CX-7, the CX-5 is about the same size as a Kia Sportage, but it feels roomier inside. Unlike many in it class, the cockpit of the CX-5 offers few blind spots, making it easier to drive and less claustrophobic inside.
This newcomer, replacing the forgettable CX-7 and the outdated Tribute lines, has to fight for attention in the very crowded small-SUV market, home of the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4 and many more. With such behemoths as Ford Expedition and Chevy Suburban no longer in vogue, the little SUV market has been a gold mine in recent years, and Mazda is looking to cash in.
Fortunately for Mazda, the 2013 CX-5 gets it all right, offering an inexpensive, practical vehicle that also packs a cool look and a fun driving experience.
Built from the ground up with no hand-me-down components, the CX-5 also offers a glimpse at where Mazda is headed as a company. It’s the first vehicle designed completely with the brand’s Skyactiv efficiency philosophy in mind, looking to maximize fuel economy without killing the fun of driving.
On this front, the CX-5 succeeds brilliantly. While only packing a 2-liter, 155-horsepower four cylinder, and saddled with more than 3,200 pounds of curb weight, the CX-5 nevertheless feels light on its feet.
While many small CUVs drive like glorified minivans, the CX-5 is quick off the line, with the impressive six-speed automatic transmission’s smooth, well-placed shifts milking every drop of power from the modest engine.
The CX-5’s skimpy 150 pound-feet of torque make for a slow drag up hills and freeway onramps, however. On more-level terrain, the CX-5 is a fun cruise.
As part of their Skyactiv push, Mazda has carefully tuned their modest engine to earn a 29-mpg combined gas mileage, which is a cut above the competition, which mostly hovers around the 25-mpg range.
In addition, the CX-5 features a stiff, lightweight chassis, which helps with that gas-mileage score and makes cornering quick and efficient, something else that’s typically lacking in the field. CX-5 is available with front-wheel drive, which we drove, or all-wheel drive.
The CX-5 also offers a look at the styling direction of the Japanese automaker. Gone are the long, swooping curves of the CX-7, replaced by a boxier, more-aggressive look. Though I’ll miss the big smiles that Mazda grilles have been sporting lately, this more straightforward packaging seems to be way of the future. Which isn’t a bad thing at all.
Coming in at two inches shorter than the CX-7, the CX-5 is about the same size as a Kia Sportage, but it feels roomier inside. Unlike many in it class, the cockpit of the CX-5 offers few blind spots, making it easier to drive and less claustrophobic inside.
The Lyonheart K
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTOMOTIVE
-
GREEN: Porsche Adding All-Model Hybrids
Gas/electric plug-versions of its entire lineup – including… -
AUTOS: Porsche Boosts 918 Spyder Power
The upcoming supercar will produce 887 horsepower from its gas/electric… -
AUTOS: Acura NSX Details Revealed
The rebirth of the mid-engine sports car – now an all-wheel-drive… -
DRIVEN: Jaguar’s Many-Splendored XJ
The British luxury sedan comes in 10 different flavors, with plenty… -
AUTOS: Lamborghini Egoista Launched
The wild single-seat concept car is unveiled at the end of the epic… -
AUTOS: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hot Pontiac G8
NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick helped his driver modify the 2009… -
VINTAGE: A Fast Historic Tour Of France
Vintage race and touring cars compete in the 22nd annual Tour de… - More News
