The Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv mid- size crossover is designed to attract younger buyers it is certainly sharp looking. So what exactly is Skyactiv?
Basically it is a suite of ultra-efficient engines and transmissions and weight reduction measures designed to achieve fuel savings without resorting to hybrid or electric vehicle technology. For example, almost every component of the vehicle, the body, the chassis and suspension, the transmissions and the all-wheel drive system are now lighter and stronger than the components found in competing vehicles. The technology also extends to the engine including a 155 horsepower 2.0-litre gasoline engine with a race car- style high compression ratio of 13:1.
Model wise the GX entry level model starts at $22,995 offers as standard equipment including push-button start, variable speed windshield wipers, cruise control, 4-speaker audio system with CD, MP3, USB and auxiliary input jacks, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, trip computer, cloth seats with 6-way manual driver adjustment and 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks.
A convenience package” (17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and steering wheel mounted audio controls, privacy glass, colour display screen and HD radio), the GX tops out at $27,690 with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
GS models are priced at $27,895 for FWD and $29,895 with AWD. Standard additional equipment includes automatic transmission, glass moonroof with power tilt and slide, auto on/off headlights, fog lamps, rain sensing windshield wipers, 6-speaker audio with colour display screen, rearview parking camera, illuminated vanity mirrors, and premium cloth seating with heated front seats, six-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 40/20/40 split folding rear seatbacks.
The top level GT trim level offers leather wrapped seats, steering wheel, shift knob; brake handle and leather look door inserts priced at $32,495. The driver’s seat is 8-way power adjustable. Other GT offering include standard all-wheel drive, auto dimming rearview mirror, dual zone automatic climate control, Bose premium audio system with nine speakers and intelligent key.
The Mazda CX-5 GT can be outfitted with extra cost Bi-Xenon headlights, adaptive, auto-leveling front lighting system, navigation system and Sirius satellite radio. Mazda also offers blind spot monitoring and a back-up camera as options.
The responsive 2-liter engine generates a large amount of its torque from 2500 to 4000 rpm and proves very tractable. Use the manual version with its light clutch and you are rewarded with fast responsive shifts. Meanwhile, the six-speed automatic makes great use of its engine matching shift points and delivers enjoyable and well-balanced acceleration and performance.
Transport Canada fuel ratings for the Mazda CX-5 fuel consumption is 7.8 L/100 km (city) and 5.7 (highway) for the front wheel drive model with manual transmission, while the automatic with front-wheel drive is rated 7.7 city/6.1 highway and the all-wheel drive model 8.0 city/6.4 highway.
The figures actually make the CX-5 best in class and with its competitive pricing, the Mazda CX-5 is highly recommended.
2015 Mazda CX-5 priced from $22,995
Auto review by Veeno Dewan
