Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Vehicle Details: 2014 Mazda CX-5 Advantages

 The CX-5 is the smart choice

For drivers who don’t want to have to choose between exciting performance and great fuel economy in a compact five-passenger crossover, Mazda built the CX-5, which delivers them both and much more in a stylish, capable and affordable package. Best of all it's now available here at Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California.

With a starting MSRP of $21,395, the five-passenger 2014 Mazda CX-5 costs less than the Toyota RAV4 (MSRP $23,300), Ford Escape (MSRP $22,700) and Chevrolet Equinox (MSRP $24,360). As further evidence of its superior value, the CX-5 was actually ranked higher than all of those models by U.S. News in the “Affordable Compact SUV” category. Popular Mechanics said, “The CX-5 has no equal for driving enjoyment and all-around balance and charm,” and Cars.com reviewers noted, “With its newfound power, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 is the complete package for crossover-minded driving enthusiasts.”

The 2014 CX-5 offers two engine choices. The first is a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G (“G” for “Gasoline”) four-cylinder engine that produces 155 hp and 150 lb/ft of torque through a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or available SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. This combination nets a best-in-class EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

If you want more power, a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder is available, and it delivers 184 hp and 185 lb/ft of torque through the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. Fuel economy is an equally impressive EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Compare that to the RAV4, which produces only 176 hp and 172 lb/ft of torque yet still only manages 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Even the Ford Escape and its 168 hp and 170 lb/ft of torque falls short, with only 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

Inside, the CX-5 standard features include power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a rear spoiler, push-button start, an audio system with USB and auxiliary jacks, and a multi-information display. You won’t find that combination on any of the competition’s base models. The CX-5 is also available with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with Auto Leveling, an Adaptive Front Lighting System, a 5.8-inch touch-screen display, Bose® surround-sound audio system, navigation and leather upholstery.

As part of the Technology Package, the CX-5 features Smart City Brake Support, which uses a laser sensor to help avoid frontal collisions. When you are driving at speeds less than 20 mph, the Smart City Brake Support system can automatically bring the CX-5 to a complete stop if no driver input occurs in response to a potential collision. No other model in its class features this option. An E911 feature also comes standard on most models and can automatically call 911 in the event of an accident.

The CX-5 has more front headroom than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, more rear legroom than the Ford Escape and more front and rear hiproom than the Chevrolet Equinox, leading to more comfort for all five passengers. The CX-5 sits on a 106.3-inch wheelbase (longer than those of the RAV4, CR-V and Escape), which results to better handling and more interior room. With 65.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, the CX-5 can hold more than the Chevrolet Equinox too.

These are just a few of the reasons the CX-5 had the “Highest Ranked Vehicle Appeal among Compact CUVs” in the J.D. Power 2013 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout StudySM.

Standard safety systems in the CX-5 include Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Antilock Brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. Available features including Blind Spot Monitoring. The CX-5 earned a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, something the Nissan Rogue was not able to achieve, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the CX-5 the highest rating possible, “5-Stars” Overall, more than the Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape earned.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to a small crossover or SUV, but value-conscious people who like to drive gravitate towards the Mazda CX-5. Expect more and pay less. Stop by today to see and drive the 2014 Mazda CX-5 for yourself.