Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
After a number of controversial stabs at finding a clear cohesive identity, Japan’s sportiest carmaker has truly found its form in the new “KODO – Soul of Motion” design language. The 6 is my personal favourite, easily the best looking of the mainstream midsize sedan lot, followed closely by the new 3 in both sedan and hatchback configurations. Likewise, Mazda’s new CX-5 is a styling hit, the five-point grille transferring over to its taller SUV body type perfectly, and all of the design philosophy’s gently flowing lines making it as elegant as it’s sporty.
Inside, the CX-5 offers a straightforward business-like approach that’s decidedly Japanese.
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
The GT gets a good assortment of advanced electronics too, starting with proximity sensing remote access and pushbutton ignition, followed up by great sounding
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
A Technology package is available that wasn’t included on my tester, featuring navigation, adaptive HID headlamps with automatic leveling, and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). I would have liked to try this last feature, which uses a laser
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Along with all the GT-specific features mentioned, this top-line CX-5 also gets everything not already replaced from the GS line. GS features that carry over to the GT include automatic on/off headlights with a dusk sensor, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, Bluetooth hands-free with steering wheel-mounted controls and audio streaming, HD radio, SMS text messaging, a rearview camera, heated front seats, a tilt and slide powered glass sunroof, a rear seat centre armrest with cupholders, rear privacy glass, more functional 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
This engine delivers greater output than the base 2.0-litre four at 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque compared to 155 and 150 respectively, whereas the benefit of a standard six-speed automatic should please most drivers in this class. Just the same, the base model gets a six-speed manual that would certainly help the GT feel more exciting to drive, but alas it’s not available. Alternatively base models can be equipped with the automatic, and due to standard front-wheel drive this configuration offers the best urban fuel economy in the CX-5 lineup at a claimed 8.9 L/100km city and 7.3 highway compared to the same 2.0-litre engine and front-drive setup with the manual, which gets an estimated 9.0 city and 6.8 highway.
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
The CX-5 GT also delivers great driving dynamics, but you probably won’t notice how adept it is unless you really push it through the corners. Just running around town it feels light and agile, easy to negotiate through tight city streets and a breeze in congested parking lots. Open it up from a stoplight and the 2.5 shoots away from slower moving traffic with ease, while the ride is comfortable even over grooved pavement and otherwise unruly pavement irregularities. The gearbox shifts
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
No doubt the GT’s 19-inch wheel and tire package helped keep it locked down to the tarmac, but nevertheless it was easy to feel the inherently well designed undercarriage keep everything under control when all of the SUV’s mass was asked to quickly change direction. Its brakes were also up to the task, showing little fade after repeated panic stops yet the kind of smooth application during regular use that has brought so many performance fans to the Mazda brand. I’m not going to pretend that the CX-5 can run circles around an MX-5 or even keep up on a serpentine stretch of road, but as far as compact crossovers go, it’s a deft handler.
From
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Pricing for the 2014 Mazda CX-5 starts at $22,995 for the base front-wheel drive GX and goes up to $33,495 for the GT I tested, plus freight and pre-delivery prep. It’s a lot of CUV for the money, with great styling, an upscale interior with plenty of features, strong performance and excellent economy. No wonder they’re showing up just about everywhere.
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