3rd - 2013 Mazda CX-5
This diminutive crossover is a monster. Why? Because in one swift move, it killed its nearest competitor quite literally: Its showroom partner -- the CX-7 -- has bitten the dust, and this has happened for a good reason.
The all new 2013 Mazda CX-5 is a remarkable little package. In no time flat, the highly anticipated diminutive zoom-charged CUV was all over the roads. In fact, we can’t remember anticipating an all new product as much as Mazda’s compact CUV. So, why the 3rd best spot? Blame Mazda.
There’s no real blame to be put on anyone. The fact of the matter is that Mazda wanted to introduce a dynamic looking vehicle that handled like the dickens and nursed fuel tanks forever. They scored big in the looks department.
Although nearly common today, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 still garners plenty of attention from both young and old. The youthful design scheme carries on inside, and all were pleased with the Mazda’s simple yet tasteful ergonomics. The driving position was appreciated by most, as was front- and rear-seat overall comfort.
Here’s where Mazda’s kind of to blame: The 155 hp 2.0L SkyActiv 4-cylinder engine manages fine when the CX-5 is unladen. When loaded, the 4-pot and its lazy, hesitant 6-speed autobox will make you wish for a swift end to the torture. This fact may be responsible for its worse-than-expected fuel consumption result.
Posting tied-for-worse acceleration times, the CX-5’s mill still works hard but it’s the transmission’s slow-wittedness that hampered performance. The throttle needed to be mashed in order to experience any type of real acceleration.
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 goes from lithe to overburdened and suffers from a suspension that has a very difficult time overseeing the masses and controlling road amplitude changes. This was not a very pleasant experience. Steering became light as the rear squatted under the weight.
When only a pair of adults were onboard, the firm ride was appreciable with good turn-in, controlled body-roll and decent brakes. Trunk space is excellent given the vehicle’s compact outer dimensions.
Overall, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 gets by on its good looks and newness. We really liked it, but can’t help but dream about the coming of the SkyActiv diesel 2.2L 4-cylinder engine. It’ll fix everything.
This diminutive crossover is a monster. Why? Because in one swift move, it killed its nearest competitor quite literally: Its showroom partner -- the CX-7 -- has bitten the dust, and this has happened for a good reason.
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| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
The all new 2013 Mazda CX-5 is a remarkable little package. In no time flat, the highly anticipated diminutive zoom-charged CUV was all over the roads. In fact, we can’t remember anticipating an all new product as much as Mazda’s compact CUV. So, why the 3rd best spot? Blame Mazda.
There’s no real blame to be put on anyone. The fact of the matter is that Mazda wanted to introduce a dynamic looking vehicle that handled like the dickens and nursed fuel tanks forever. They scored big in the looks department.
Although nearly common today, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 still garners plenty of attention from both young and old. The youthful design scheme carries on inside, and all were pleased with the Mazda’s simple yet tasteful ergonomics. The driving position was appreciated by most, as was front- and rear-seat overall comfort.
Here’s where Mazda’s kind of to blame: The 155 hp 2.0L SkyActiv 4-cylinder engine manages fine when the CX-5 is unladen. When loaded, the 4-pot and its lazy, hesitant 6-speed autobox will make you wish for a swift end to the torture. This fact may be responsible for its worse-than-expected fuel consumption result.
Posting tied-for-worse acceleration times, the CX-5’s mill still works hard but it’s the transmission’s slow-wittedness that hampered performance. The throttle needed to be mashed in order to experience any type of real acceleration.
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 goes from lithe to overburdened and suffers from a suspension that has a very difficult time overseeing the masses and controlling road amplitude changes. This was not a very pleasant experience. Steering became light as the rear squatted under the weight.
When only a pair of adults were onboard, the firm ride was appreciable with good turn-in, controlled body-roll and decent brakes. Trunk space is excellent given the vehicle’s compact outer dimensions.
Overall, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 gets by on its good looks and newness. We really liked it, but can’t help but dream about the coming of the SkyActiv diesel 2.2L 4-cylinder engine. It’ll fix everything.
 |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
| 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 1LT | 2013 Ford Escape SE 4WD | 2012 Honda CR-V Touring | 2012 Kia Sportage EX Luxury | 2013 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD | 2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4WD | |
| 0-100 km/h (sec) | 9,4 | 9,7 | 9,3 | 9,2 | 9,7 | 9,9 |
| 1/4 mile (sec. @ km/h) | 16.6 @ 134 | 16.8 @ 132 | 16.5 @ 136 | 16.6 @ 135 | 16,9 @ 132 | 16.9 @ 137 |
| Braking 100-0 km/h (m) | 43 | 42 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 41 |
| Fuel economy (L/100km) | 9,2 | 11,3 | 9,2 | 10,8 | 9,3 | 11,1 |
| Engine @ 100 km/h (rpm) | 1 800 | 2 050 | 2 000 | 1 800 | 2 000 | 2 200 |