MotorWeek’s best small utility vehicle for 2012 just so happens to be an all-new segment trailblazer for the folks at Mazda Motor Company. Scheduled to hit showroom floors in the spring of 2012, the 2013 CX-5 will be the next gateway utility for the brand and along with its arrival will be a wealth of new technologies and innovations. Taking full advantage of Mazda’s award-winning SKYACTIV engine technology, the little SUV will supplement the already proven CX line up and bring a little needed “Zoom-Zoom” personality to a far-too crowded segment.
“The 2013 CX-5 is entering the fiercely competitive SUV market with a very pronounced ‘knock’ on the door,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. Mazda clearly understands that the compact SUV market is one of the most difficult battles to win, so they pulled all the stops of the CX-5. Under the hood will be everything SKYACTIV: a brand first. This in-house developed engine technology uses the industry’s highest gasoline compression ratio (13:1), a 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, cavity pistons and dual sequential valve timing to produce efficiency usually associated with hybrid assisted powertrains. When equipped with front wheel drive and the surprisingly available six speed manual transmission, the CX-5 should average an EPA rated 35 mpg on the highway – the highest of any SUV available. A Mazda wouldn’t be a Mazda without a little scoot and the little utility looks to deliver with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0 liter inline four cylinder. Optional all wheel drive with an active torque split differential will allow the CX-5 to be driven with confidence and safety in the slush and rain. Two transmissions will be offered: a manual and automatic both of which feature six speeds.
Borrowing cues from the happily aggressive Mazda3, the CX-5 was designed with Mazda’s KODO philosophy in mind. Translating into “Soul of Motion”, the body lines were put together to evoke, as Mazda puts it, “both startling beauty and immense power.” The front is muscular and long, blending well into the wide and fluid fenders. Filling those wells can either be standard 17 inch wheels or large 19 inch options. Looking past the front and along the side, seemingly endless swoops and curves drawl attention to SUV’s attractive profile. At the rear is where things get even more interesting as the back hatch gives the appearance of a much larger vehicle. Inspiration from the CX-7 and CX-9 was clearly taken to form the back-end while the short overhang looks fitting and almost “rally car” worthy. Overall, the CX-5 looks as if it wants to bound down a twisty gravel road, turn around and try again.
“The CX-5 has both the looks and the fun-to-drive nature we’ve come to expect from Mazda,” said John Davis, host of MotorWeek. “Add in best-in-class fuel economy and available 19-inch wheels and you’ve got a compact crossover SUV that’s as practical to own as it is stunning to look at, making it a real winner.” There is no denying that the next Mazda will have to work hard if looks to stand out in its segment. Even still, it might just do it with efficiency, power and utility all at an affordable price. Starting MSRP for the front drive manual base model will be $20,695. Options such as all wheel drive, automatic transmission, navigation via a 5.8 inch touchscreen, Bose stereo, bluetooth phone pairing, Blind Spot Monitoring system, back up camera and xenon headlamps with adapative movement will be available. No matter how the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is equipped, it will be SKYACTIV powered, efficient and Zoom-Zoom fun.
Source: Mazda
