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Call a doctor. The "zoom-zoom" brand has suffered a zoomectomy. The * *2013 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV achieves outstanding fuel economy, but at the cost of the sporty performance that defined Mazda for years. It is, at best, a one-zoom vehicle.
The CX-5 showcases a suite of fuel-saving features Mazda calls Skyactiv. They work, but the stylish crossover needs an injection of the spirited character that is the main reason people buy Mazdas.
The 2013 CX-5 five-passenger crossover SUV replaces the larger and peppier CX-7 in Mazda's lineup. It competes with models like the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.
For years, the best Mazdas -- the CX-7, MX-5 Miata convertible and 3 compact -- had an adrenaline-rush, go-fast character that distinguished them from duller models sold by bigger brands.
If Chevys, Fords and Toyotas made you drowsy, Mazda had just what the doctor ordered. Despite terrific steering and handling, the CX-5's anemic acceleration betrays that heritage. Poor voice-recognition also reduced the appeal of the SUV I tested.
Prices for the CX-5 start at $20,695 for a front-wheel drive model with a six-speed manual transmission. The manual is only available on the base model. Other CX-5s get a six-speed automatic.
All CX-5s use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque.
Moving up to a front-drive CX-5 with an automatic transmission raises the tab to $22,095. All-wheel drive CX-5s start at $23,345.
The top model is the Grand Touring, which comes with standard features that include blind-spot alert, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio compatibility and leather upholstery.
Prices for the CX-5 Grand Touring start at $27,045 for front- and $28,295 for all-wheel drive.
I tested an all-wheel drive CX-5 Grand Touring with a navigation system and other options. It cost $29,620. All prices exclude destination charges.
CX-5 prices are in the midrange of similarly equipped small SUVs.
The CX-5 has a roomy interior, attractive new styling and the best fuel efficiency in its segment.
The interior has more passenger space than all the competitors but the RAV4. The luggage compartment has more space behind the rear seat than the Equinox, CR-V, Tucson, Rogue and Tiguan.
The front seat has useful bins and cubbies to store sunglasses, phones, etc. The controls are legible and easy to use.
The CX-5's voice-recognition system only works with phones, unlike competitive systems that control navigation systems and other features.
I found it frustratingly inconsistent. It responded to every fifth or sixth command -- just often enough to fuel false hope and encourage me to try it again, rather than abandoning it to select numbers and contacts manually.
Mazda concentrated its technical resources on reducing the CX-5's weight and tuning its engine and transmission for maximum fuel economy. It succeeded, but at a cost.
The front-drive CX-5 manual scored an impressive 26 m.p.g. in the city, 35 on the highway and 29 combined in EPA tests. A front-drive automatic scored 26 city, 32 highway and 29 combined.
All-wheel drive CX-5s -- available only with the automatic transmission -- rate 25 m.p.g. in the city, 31 on the highway and 28 combined.
None of the competitors equal that. The EPA estimates an AWD CX-5's savings at the pump to be $250 to $600 a year, at current gasoline prices.
Mazda achieved this with a new four-cylinder engine, new transmissions and a lightweight structure.
The CX-5 I tested weighed less than any comparably equipped competitor. The CX-5's 2.0-liter engine runs at an unusually high compression ratio to reduce fuel consumption, and the automatic transmission has less slip than most competitors'.
Mazda developed the Skyactiv suite of features because it lacks the resources to create fuel-efficient hybrids, like larger automakers.
It's exceptionally good at chassis, engine and transmission development, so it concentrated on that. Mazda's previous hybrid, the Tribute SUV, was developed and built by Ford, which used to control Mazda.
Despite the CX-5's light weight and aggressive transmission lockup, its engine struggles. Acceleration is a chore, particularly at highway speed.
Their smaller size notwithstanding, I found myself wishing for a torquier little engine like Dodge and Chevrolet's turbocharged 1.4-liter or Ford's direct-injected turbo 1.6-liter every time I needed to pass or scoot into a gap in traffic.
The CX-5's dynamics are among the best in the segment. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback.
The brakes are firm and powerful, and the chassis holds drives and remains composed in enthusiastic driving.
The CX-5 is quiet at highway speed, with little road or wind noise.
The fine chassis and transmission give a strong foundation for Mazda's new technical prescription. A performance-enhancing zoom-transplant for the engine and improved voice recognition may cure the 2013 CX-5's remaining ills.
Contact MARK PHELAN at 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com.
More Details: 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD
All-wheel drive five-passenger crossover SUV
Price as tested: $29,620 (excluding destination charge)
Rating: * * (out of four stars)
Reasons to buy: Fuel economy, looks, passenger and cargo room
Shortcomings: Performance, voice-recognition
More Details: 2013 Mazda CX-5 at a glance
Vehicle type: Front- or all-wheel drive five-passenger crossover SUV
Engine: 155-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Price range: $20,695-$28,295 (excluding options and destination charges)
More Details: Key features on vehicle tested
Antilock brakes; stability control; emergency brake distribution and assist; blind-spot monitors; hill-start assist; front-seat side air bags; curtain air bags; engine immobilizer; 19-inch alloy wheels; rear defroster; rain-sensing front wipers; intermittent rear wiper; power doors, mirrors and locks; daytime running lights; twilight-sensing headlights; fog lights; power sun roof; tilt and telescoping steering column; leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary controls; leather seats; dual-zone climate control; 40/20/40 split folding rear seat; 5.8-inch color display; rear view camera; Bose AM/FM/CD audio; USB and auxiliary inputs; Bluetooth phone and audio compatible; eight-way power driver seat; heated front seats.
Options: Navigation system; high-intensity headlights; adaptive front lighting; Sirius satellite radio; keyless entry; auto-dimming rearview mirror; Homelink universal garage door opener.
More Details: Competitive EPA fuel economy ratings
(All-wheel drive, four-cylinder automatic transmission models. Regular fuel.)
Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD: 25 m.p.g. city/31 m.p.g. highway/28 m.p.g. combined.
Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD: 20 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway/23 m.p.g. combined.
Ford Escape SEL AWD: 22 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway/25 m.p.g. combined.
Honda CR-V EX-L AWD: 22 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway/25 m.p.g. combined.
Hyundai Tucson Limited 4WD: 21 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway/23 m.p.g. combined.
Kia Sportage SX 4WD: 21 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway/24 m.p.g. combined.
Nissan Rogue SL AWD: 22 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway/24 m.p.g. combined.
Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5L 4WD: 21 m.p.g. city/27 m.p.g. highway/24 m.p.g. combined.
Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4MotionL: 21 m.p.g. city/27 m.p.g. highway/23 m.p.g. combined.
More Details: 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD
All-wheel drive five-passenger crossover SUV
Base price: $28,295
Price as tested: $29,620 (excluding destination charge)
Safety equipment: Antilock brakes; stability control; emergency brake distribution and assist; blind-spot monitors; hill-start assist; front-seat side air bags; curtain air bags.
Specifications as tested
Engine: 2.0-liter direct-injection DOHC variable timing 16-valve four-cylinder.
Power: 155 horsepower at 6,000 r.p.m.; 150 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 r.p.m.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy rating: 25 m.p.g. city/31 highway/28 combined. Regular fuel.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length: 179.3 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 65.7 inches
Curb weight: 3,426 pounds
Where assembled: Hiroshima, Japan
Comparative base prices
(All-wheel drive models with four-cylinder engines and automatic transmissions. Not including destination charges.)
Chevrolet Equinox 2LT AWD: $28,620
Ford Escape SEL AWD: $29,620
Honda CR-V EX-L 4WD: $27,245
Hyundai Tucson Limited 4WD: $26,495
Kia Sportage SX 4WD: $28,400
Nissan Rogue SL AWD: $25,810
Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5L 4WD: $26,720
Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4MotionL: $30,590
