Overall: Mazda has the smile-inducingfun-and-fuel-sipping part down in its CX-5; new -engine adds more power with no real fuel penalty.
SPECS : Drivetrain: Base 2.0-litre 155-horsepower SkyActiv four-cylinder joined by larger, more potent 2.5-litre with 185 horsepower.
Review: Mazda's divorce several years ago from Ford was probably the best thing for both partners, really. Rather than sharing their respective nextgeneration small wagons as had been done for a decade, they're now fierce competitors.
The attractively designed fivepassenger CX-5's mechanical bits are promoted under the "Skyactiv" name that made its initial appearance with the 2012 Mazda3. More than simply a marketing slogan, SkyActiv represents a holistic transformation of the powertrain plus various other components that help save fuel in addition to making Mazdas better driving machines. From a chassis and suspension perspective, the automaker's engineers have attempted to infuse the vehicle with as much MX-5 Miata-type sporty behaviour as possible, combined with highly efficient engines and transmissions. The base powerplant is a high-compression 2.0-litre fourcylinder that, due to its unique design, is able to run on low-grade 87-octane fuel. Output is rated at 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Mazda has also added an optional 2.5-litre four-cylinder for 2014. It has 185 horses and 185 pound-feet of torque and doesn't penalize much at the pump either, being rated only slightly worse than the 2.0. Both engines are available in front or allwheel-drive, but the 2.0 is the only engine that can be had with a manual transmission. The base GX includes the 2.0 and the usual air conditioning and power-operated items, along with cruise control and push-button start. Head up the line and you'll find the GS and GT models, both equipped with the 2.5. The top-end GT comes with a nine-speaker Bose-brand audio system, 19-inch wheels, standard allwheel-drive, dual-zone climate control and leather seats. New for the 2014 model year is active smart braking technology that can see stopped cars in front and slow you down before a collision.
Mileage: (L/100 km, city/highway) 7.8/5.7 (FWD, MT); 8.3/6.2 (2.5, FWD, AT) Specs: Four-door compact tall wagon 2.0-litre DOHC I4 (155hp) Optional: 2.5-litre DOHC I4 (185hp) Front-engine, front-/all-wheel-drive Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic Front, side-impact airbags anti-lock brakes stability control traction control 1,460 kg.
