Mazda CX-5 sporty SUV with curb appeal
When Mazda introduced the new CX-5 last year, it showed that a compact SUV can also be a lot of fun to drive.
A day at the racetrack showed that the new SkyActiv suspension design that was first incorporated in the CX-5 provided both a comfortable ride and superior handling that would quickly bring a smile to your face. The 2014 CX-5 retains all that and adds power and safety features to this already popular vehicle in the Mazda lineup.
This five-passenger hatchback is available in three trim levels. The GS package is offered in front-wheel and all-wheel drive with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, a sixspeed manual transmission as base equipment and a sixspeed automatic optional. This is the model that will achieve the best fuel economy, with a highway rating of 5.7 L/100 km.
Both the GX the GT models are equipped with the larger 2.5 L SkyActiv engine and six-speed automatic transmission in both the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-versions. The addition of the larger engine for 2014 should quiet some of the critics who thought the 2.0-L engine was a little underpowered when the CX-5 was loaded, although I found the performance was fine. With direct fuel injection, double overhead cams, variable cam timing and a long list of internal engine features that reduce friction, increase power and maximize fuel economy, the 184 horsepower moves the CX-5 along smartly. Part of the performance comes from a four-into-two-into-one exhaust header and 13-to-1 compression ratio that runs on regular fuel.
We tested the GT all-wheel drive model with the optional Technology Package. This package includes Bi-Xenon headlamps with adaptive lighting beams that move side to side as you turn corners, TomTom based navigation system with a 5.8-inch touch screen, SiriusXM satellite radio and the new Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). SCBS is Mazda’s new low-speed collision avoidance system. Using a laser sensor mounted by the inside rear-view mirror, the system is active from about five to 30 kph and is capable of automatically braking the CX-5 to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 15 kph. At higher speeds the system will minimize the damage of a collision. This is a first in a vehicle in the price range of the CX-5.
Standard features of the GT model include intelligent key entry and push-button starting so the keyfob never has to leave your pocket, a power moonroof, fog lights, automatic rain-sensing wipers, automatic dual-zone climate control, backup camera with onscreen guidelines, leather upholstery with heated front seats, Bose audio system, 19 inch alloy wheels and blind-spot monitoring. The blind-spot monitoring system flashes a warning light in the outside mirrors if another vehicle is in a potential danger spot and will sound several beeps if you signal to change lanes when another vehicle is there.
On the highway, the interior noise level is very quiet, with almost no wind noise and only slight tire noise. Around town, the suspension soaks up rough roads well while providing a responsive feel to the steering and sporty grip on corners. The all-wheel drive system has active torque splitting, sending power to the front wheels during cruise but anticipating traction needs to apply power to all four wheels as needed.
The driver’s seat is eightway power adjustable and provides a good exterior view. The compact size of the CX-5 exterior makes it easy to run errands and park around town. There is 966 litres of space behind the rear seats and the rear hatch makes loading a family load of groceries a breeze. The rear seat is a 40/20/40 split where just the centre can be lowered to carry long skinny loads and still leave room for passengers. Additional pull handles in the rear cargo area enable the seats to be conveniently lowered from the rear hatch and open up the cargo area to 1,852 litres of space.
With an aerodynamic exterior shape that looks great and an interior with soft touch material finishes, attractive gauge display and versatile passenger and cargo space, the CX-5 has a lot of curb appeal. Take it out for a drive around a few corners and you may think you are in a sports car rather than a compact SUV, which makes it even more attractive.