Here in Arizona we love our SUV's. And today as we wrapped up our test of the new 2013 Mazda CX-5, we are unabashedly in love with this one. On our cactus studded back roads we took the CX-5 on a journey to shake out how Mazda's new compact SUV really runs, and we were pleasantly impressed.
The all new design is eye catching inside and out. The exterior features Mazda's new Kodo design language which has artfully creased sheet metal that has a natural yet masculine form to it. The look is akin to a cloth draped over furniture, but still has an aggressive look that even truck-centric men can appreciate.
The interior is purposeful and buttoned-down in a way that BMW used to be known for. The dark charcoal leather seats and cabin trims of our Gran Touring test model were handsome and comfortable. The instrument panel, center stack, and controls were laid out with elegant simplicity. Even the touch screen Bose audio system was easy to use and understand.
The seats feel as if they were lifted from a sports car. They had aggressive bolstering that held you tight, even with the slippery leather trim. Adjustments and position were near perfect, offering a commanding SUV-like view. Due to the high seating position however, the shortest of drivers in our office had difficulty adjusting the seat to a perfect spot.
Driving the CX-5 was a pure joy. Of all the compact SUV's we have driven this year, the CX-5 has the sharpest and tightest handling. Steering is perfectly weighted and sharp in response. The chassis is unflappable and sure footed at all times, credibly producing Mazda's Zoom-Zoom theme. It was simply fun to drive in a way that has left most SUV's
The front-wheel drive CX-5 shares the same 155 horsepower 2.0 liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission we tested in the Mazda3 sedan earlier this year. The powertrain is highly efficient yet powerful at the same time.
The direct-injected four-cylinder engine offers more than enough power for the CX-5, therefore is the only engine option. No V6 or turbo-charged engine is available as some of its competitors offer. It has a nice sound once warmed up, a bit rough when cold. The six-speed automatic transmission was smooth and predictable, also offering a manual shift mode.
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 as we tested it, is rated at 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, with 29 mpg combined. Our observed fuel economy was dead on the EPA rating, seeing 29.1 mpg in our week of testing. This is a phenomenal number for an SUV, and is only better with the standard six-speed manual which can achieve up to 35 mpg on the highway.
Off road in our Arizona desert we did wish for all-wheel drive on steep un-paved hills. On gravel roads, like most front-wheel drive SUV's, traction was not optimal. The good news is that the CX-5 resists the jittery wheel hop that many of its competitors have in these rougher than shopping mall surfaces. We recommend you option all-wheel-drive if you actually leave the pavement often.
Despite the few small issues we noted, the Mazda CX-5 ranks as one of the vehicles we would buy for our own. It has a near perfect mixture of design, power and handling prowess combined with a killer instinct to sip fuel. We found its sporting feel and driving experience to be refreshing in its class too.
Pricing is also a strong point. Our fully loaded tester, a front-wheel drive 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring model came in at a total of $27,840 including destination. The Grand Touring includes a number of notable features like the top end Bose audio system, leather interior, 19” alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rear view camera, and heated seats.
Good news is that even if you choose the more frugal base Sport model which starts at $20,995, you still get the great sport inspired interior with cloth seats, solid handling, and the stellar power train. For once, the base model isn't a penalty box.
Courtesy of examiner.com
No comments:
Post a Comment