Poster child of overlooked crossovers CX-5 so good that competitors will want to buy Mazda
Mit’s my imagination, but it seems that the government is a little too eager to let large companies gobble up other large companies to the point where freedom of choice is an illusion.
Suppose you need a new piece of luggage for that summer vacation. Sure, the American Tourister is inexpensive, while a Samsonite is somewhat nicer for a little more money. Then there are pricier options like Tumi and Hartmann. But it’s a false choice; Samsonite owns and manufactures them all, not to mention a handful of other brands.
As for consumers, my bet is they don’t care as long as they can afford the products that their friends, family, neighbors and co-workers will know and admire.
Ask them what new compact crossover SUV they recently bought, and more often than not, they’ll mention a Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Jeep or Ford.
Never mind there are many more tempting choices that go criminally overlooked. Exhibit A: the Mazda CX-5. Consider it the poster child of overlooked crossovers. It’s truly an automotive Rodney Dangerfield with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, even though Mazda’s redesigned CUV accumulated its share of accolades, including being named a 2018 World Car of the Year finalist and one of Car and Driver’s 10 Best Trucks and SUVS for 2018.
However, while automotive journalists have long sung its praises, consumers look at the CX-5, sniff and buy a crossover with sporty pretensions with a nasty continuously variable automatic transmission — a concession to the drudgery of EPA regulations, rather than the SCCA, the Sports Car Club of America. It’s like choosing to watch the Hallmark Channel.
OK, the CX-5 is no sports car. It hastoomanydoorsandtoomany seats, not to mention a ride height that’s more adept at laughing off inclement weather than tackling the track. Nevertheless, its ability to conquer switchbacks, carve through corners and treats twisting roads with disdain makes for a truly rewarding experience.
It’s light, tossable and fun to drive. Body roll is largely absent thanks to G-vectoring Control, which slightly reduces engine torque in corners to tighten suspension response and improve control. It’s standard on all 2019 CX-5S.
Equally refreshing is the Mazda’s CX-5 array of engine choices, which tailors its personality to your driving preference and wallet.
Offered in ascending Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and new top-tier Signature trim, the first four models come