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2018 Mazda CX-5 2018 Mazda CX-5

2018 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 is Mazda's entry in the popular and highly competitive compact crossover segment. It seeks to distinguish itself with class-leading highway fuel economy as well as the nimble and enjoyable handling dynamics that have become a hallmark of the Zoom-Zoom brand. Recent changes Mazda added more standard features for the latest model year. They include a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert plus leather upholstery on the steering wheel and on the shift knob. KODO style Outside, the CX-5 features the purposeful look of Mazda's KODO design language. In place of the automaker's once-ubiquitous "smiley face" grille is a new trapezoidal unit flanked by eagle-eyed, wraparound headlamps, while elsewhere the taut-yet-organic sheet metal and crisp surface detailing hints at the crossover's sharp handling. The cabin boasts a driver-focused layout with a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, three large instrument binnacles and unusually high-quality materials for the segment. Soft touch materials abound, while even hard plastics are uniquely finished. Cargo capacity is 34.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which feature 40/20/40 split folding capabilities to accommodate further cargo. The CX-5 is the first vehicle to be designed from the ground up using Mazda's SkyActiv technology philosophy. This approach employs careful engineering to reduce weight while upping rigidity, which reaps benefits in fuel economy, performance, handling and safety. SkyActiv powertrains The CX-5 uses a SkyActiv 2.5-liter four-cylinder that's good for 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It spins the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available at an extra cost. Fuel economy checks in at 25 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 28 in a combined cycle when buyers select front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive lowers those figures to 24, 30, and 26, respectively. Innovative structure The CX-5 crossover makes Mazda the first-ever automaker to specifically develop and incorporate automotive components using 1,800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel. Although high-strength and Boron steel are already fairly widely used in modern vehicles, Mazda says this particular variation is brand-new in the automotive realm, and it will make its debut in the form of just two components: the front and rear bumpers. By using this new (to the application) steel, Mazda says it was able to gain 20 percent strength and shave off about 10.5 pounds of unwanted weight in two of the most crucial areas: the furthest extensions of the vehicles' overhangs front and rear, which detract from several aspects of vehicle performance. To accomplish this, Mazda says it had to dramatically alter the impact design of the vehicle due to the fact that the steel is not very pliant and in turn absorbs less energy in a collision. The solution was to create an all-new design that absorbs energy more efficiently, directing it into intended areas of the vehicle and not into the passengers or passenger compartment. Standard and optional features The CX-5 is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring Trim levels. Standard features on the Sport model 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama tires, power windows and locks, cruise control, air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system and push-button start. From there, the Touring model continues with fog lamps, Bluetooth, power adjustment for the driver's seat (with upgraded cloth), a six-speaker audio system, leather for the steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a blind spot monitor and a rear-seat armrest. Touring models are available with a package that bundles together a moonroof and a 225-watt, nine-speaker Bose audio system, and a Technology Package that adds TomTom-based navigation, an auto-dimming/Homelink rearview mirror, automatic and adaptive Xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and an anti-theft alarm. SiriusXM satellite audio is a standalone option for the Touring. For hedonists, the CX-5 Grand Touring adds 19-inch wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, a mooonroof, heated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose audio and SiriusXM. A Technology Package builds on the Touring's similarly-named group but adds passive entry keys. Occupant safety All CX-5 models come standard with dual front, side and full-length side-curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Mazda also includes a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert. Key competitors The sporty CX-5 faces competition from a host of rivals including the popular Honda CR-V, the Euro-chic Ford Escape, the reliable Toyota RAV4 and the feature-packed Hyundai Tuscon.

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