First Look: 2013 Mazda CX-5

Mazda is welcoming a stylish new arrival and that vehicle is its five-passenger CX-5, a crossover sport utility vehicle that offers a fresh design, a thrifty engine and a spacious interior. This vehicle replaces the aged Tribute and represents a step forward for this Japanese automaker, allowing it to offer one of the most advanced vehicles in the compact SUV segment. The CX-5 employs proprietary SKYACTIV technologies, enabling this vehicle to get 35 mpg, placing it at or near the top of its segment in fuel efficiency. This model is priced from $20,695.

Engine and Transmissions
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is powered by a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. This 16-valve engine makes 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine has the highest compression ratio of any production vehicle coming in at 13.0 to 1; with a 83.5 mm bore by a 91.2 mm stroke. The engine block and cylinder head are of aluminum construction. Mazda pairs this engine with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy
The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive 2013 Mazda CX-5 at 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway when equipped with a manual transmission. When paired with an automatic transmission, this model is rated at 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway. The CX-5 Touring edition is rated at 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and the Grand Touring is rated at 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway. This model runs on regular grade gasoline.

Mazda CX-5 Dimensions
The CX-5 sits on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and is 179.3 inches long, 72.4 inches wide and 65.7 inches tall. Front and rear headroom measures at 39.0 inches. Front leg room is 41.0 inches and is 39.3 inches in the rear. Shoulder room is 57.5 inches in the front and 55.5 inches in the rear. Front hip room measures 55.2 inches and rear hip room comes in at 53.7 inches. This model offers 103.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. Standard cargo volume is 34.1 cubic feet and can be expanded to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Model Highlights
Mazda sells the CX-5 in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring editions. Standard exterior equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels that are set within all-season tires. This model offers daytime running lights, halogen headlamps, color-keyed side mirrors, dual stainless steel exhaust outlets, a roof spoiler and automatic headlight shutoff. The Touring edition brings in fog lamps and privacy glass; the Grand Touring upgrades to 19-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, a power moonroof and rain sensing wipers.

Inside, the CX-5 offers standard cloth seats with leather seating options included in the Grand Touring edition. A 6-way manual adjustable driver's seat is standard; and are powered in the Touring edition. The Grand Touring brings in 8-way seat adjustment and lumbar support.

Keyless entry and push button start is standard as is cruise control, air-conditioning, a USB port, power windows and door locks, a tilt and telescoping steering column, two 12-volt power outlets and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with automatic level control and four speakers. Upgrades include HD radio, additional speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Grand Touring edition offers dual-zone automatic climate control, a Bose audio system with 9 speakers and SiriusXM satellite radio with a four-month subscription. Heated front seats are also included.

Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of "Auto Trends Magazine." Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Recaro Seats and Autometer Gauges.

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