All-new Mazda CX-5 based on Skyactiv technology
Making a good first impression is always important and the 2013 Mazda CX-5 did just that earlier this year when I got a first glimpse of it in California. I also had a chance to take it out onto the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, a spectacular track that features some challenging turns.
You wouldn’t think an automaker would choose a racetrack to show off a new compact crossover, but the CX-5 handled itself quite well.
We also got to test the CX-5 in normal conditions, and I was equally impressed with it then.
But with only few short hours behind the wheel, it was difficult to get a full feel for any vehicle. So with summer settling over Montreal, I got behind the wheel of a bright-blue CX-5 GT for a week. And those positive first impressions I had? They were only reinforced after some more quality time with the vehicle.
Even my wife, who can be a harsh critic of Japanese and Korean brands, came away fully impressed and loving the look.
And the CX-5 is the first vehicle that uses the automaker’s new design language, which is based on the Kodo: Soul of Motion language introduced with the Shinari and Minagi concept vehicles.
The biggest change is the new appearance of the front grille, which is representative of the new face of the company.
The five-point grille and a new signature wing design — a chrome line that runs through the grille and under the headlights — gives the CX-5 a more refined appearance. Its wider front end also allows it to reflect a more imposing stance.
From the side, the CX-5 is just as attractive, thanks to shapely side panels and protruding wheel wells that give it a more sporty appearance.
While the looks are important, what is under the hood is perhaps more impressive. The CX-5 is Mazda’s first vehicle designed entirely under the SkyActiv philosophy, which centres around a new, more fuel-efficient engine technology. The engine made its debut in the Mazda3 here in North America, but the CX-5 takes the evolution one step further.
It is powered by the SkyActiv-G (G for gasoline, while a diesel is known as SkyActiv-D) 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 150 footpounds of torque.
The crossover can be matched with a six-speed manual (standard on GX trim only) or sixspeed automatic transmission (standard on GS and GT trims).
Mazda’s all-wheel-drive system is standard on the GT, and optional on the GX and GS trims.
So what makes this engine so efficient?
The secret is a higher compression ratio in the engine — 13:1 with regular unleaded gasoline, making it the highest compression production gasoline engine in the world.
Mazda explains that they got around the engine knock problem with this kind of compression ratio by engineering a new exhaust manifold — one that is much larger than a traditional set- up. This allows the exhaust gases to travel farther, thus reducing the chance of some re-entering the combustion chamber.
In the GT SkyActiv with allwheel drive, like the tester, fuel efficiency is rated at 8.0-litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.4L/100 on the highway. I averaged no better than 9.6L/100 km in a mix of driving conditions, however.
Nevertheless, the CX-5 is a pleasure to drive. I found it had good power, a smooth transmission and a comfortable passenger cabin that seats five in comfort.
Something I am seeing more of, and a feature I’m growing to like, is the automatic folding rear seats. While not powered, pulling a lever in the cargo bay releases a section of the rear bench and automatically folds it flat. What is nice about the CX-5 is that, on the GS and GT models, the back bench has a 40/40/20 split, giving you three separate sections to lower for optimal utility.
But dropping that rear bench isn’t always needed since the CX-5 has 34.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the bench. With all three sections lowered in the GT, it opens up 65.4 cubic feet of room. Not bad for such a compact vehicle.
The all-new CX-5 has plenty of positives, f rom the looks, new engine technology, a good list of standard features and a nice ride quality. It is up against some established players like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape — both of which have recently been redesigned — and the Nissan Rogue, but the new kid on the block should have no problem fitting in.