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.

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Vehicle Details: 2013 MAZDA CX-9 – Family Road Trip

Mazda made the CX-9 for drivers who want room for up to seven people in a vehicle that delivers the driving excitement that is usually missing in family haulers. Come get yours here at Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California.

As the editors at Car and Driver noted, “The large, three-row CX-9 crossover is more fun to drive

The 2013 Mazda CX-9 (MSRP starting at $29,785) is available in three well-equipped trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The beneficiary of a recent makeover, the CX-9 features Mazda KODO “Soul of Motion” design elements to align it more closely with the rest of the Mazda family and further separate it from the rest of the bland SUV/crossover segment.

than most of its competitors…the styling has been updated nicely for 2013. And it can also perform a number of impressive accident avoidance tricks.”  Their counterparts at Edmunds said, “Easily fulfilling typical family needs, the 2013 Mazda CX-9 also benefits from a healthy dose of driving excitement,” and Motor Trend called the CX-9 a “high-speed, canyon carving seven-seater.

All trims are powered by a DOHC 3.7-liter V6 featuring Variable Valve Intake Timing. The V6 produces 273 hp and 270 lb/ft of torque through a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with both “Sport” shift mode and Adaptive Shift Logic that adjusts to your driving style. Front-wheel drive is standard, and the CX-9 can also be equipped with an Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system that provides maximum traction and enhanced handling regardless of conditions. Drivers can expect an EPA-estimated 24 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 22 mpg highway with the AWD system, and a properly equipped CX-9 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Being a Mazda, the CX-9 handles far better and is more fun to drive than almost anything else in its class. Incorporating the “Zoom-Zoom” philosophy, the CX-9 uses a rack and pinion, variable power-assisted steering system that provides a sedan like feel. The suspension is composed of MacPherson struts up front, a multi-link setup in the rear and stabilizer cars at both ends, making the CX-9 a willing partner when you are driving for the pleasure of it.

The CX-9 is also the perfect vehicle for a family trip. With a maximum cargo capacity of 100.7 cubic feet, more front legroom than a Ford Explorer and more second- and third-row legroom than both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander, the versatile CX-9 carries everyone, and their stuff, in comfort. The 60/40-split/folding second-row seats have a handy tilt and slide feature, the third-row seats split 50/50 and fold down, and there are plenty of storage pockets and compartments, cup holders and bottle holders throughout the cabin. The CX-9 even includes handy overhead storage for your sunglasses.

Sport trims come unusually well-outfitted, with 18-inch wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB Port, auxiliary input, HD Radio™, Pandora Internet Radio connectivity and SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability among the highlights. A 5.8-inch color touch-screen display is standard in the Sport, too. Touring trims add automatic headlamps, heated leather seats, heated side mirrors, a rearview camera with backup sensors, an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and a four-way power passenger seat. An available Touring Technology Package adds a navigation system; power tailgate; foglamps; 10-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound audio system with AudioPilot®; a moonroof; and the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System.

The Grand Touring trim is the most well-equipped and adds 20-inch wheels, Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, chrome exterior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver-seat memory and unique Bordeaux interior trim. The CX-9 Grand Touring can be equipped with a Grand Touring Technology Package that includes a navigation system, a power-sliding glass moonroof with sunshade and the 10-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® audio system with AudioPilot®, navigation and a four-month SiriusXM trial subscription. There’s also the Rear Seat Entertainment System with Bose Audio and Sirius Package, which gets you the navigation system and an 11-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® audio system featuring  a 115-volt outlet, a four-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio and a DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System with nine-inch screen and a game port.

Mazda built the CX-9 to be safe. It earned a “5-Star” rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in side-impact crash tests, and standard features across the line include Triple-H body construction with side-impact door beams, Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control, Roll Stability Control, Antilock Brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and six-airbags. An E911 automatic emergency notification system is also standard across the CX-9 lineup, and on Touring and Grand Touring trims a Blind-Spot Monitoring system is included.

Don’t settle for a boring family ride. Stop by today to see why the CX-9 is the ultimate family vehicle.

Vehicle Details: Mazda Design

The stunning design and style of the all new MAZDA3 and MAZDA6 are outshone only by their excellent fuel economy, safety technology, performance and driving dynamics, all products of the Mazda KODO design philosophy. This amazing combination of attributes has led to consumer excitement and industry recognition – the MAZDA6, for example, was chosen as a finalist for the 2013 World Car Design of the Year Award.

The new Mazda lineup is the result of 50 years of design exploration and study of the art of motion. A focus on sporty design and athletic handling began to play an even bigger role in building Mazda vehicles. Kicking of that era in new design was the 2002 MAZDA6, which won 30 awards for its striking figure, followed by the RX-8 and the MAZDA2. Furthering the design evolution was the “NAGARE” theme, which translates to “motion inspired by nature,” found on the MAZDA5.

The new “KODO” design language––reflected in the 2014 MAZDA6, MAZDA3, CX-5 and CX-9––won the Gene Ritvo Award for Design and Elegance from the New England Motor Press Association. “In our work to further evolve the expression of motion, Mazda Design has focused on the strength, beauty and tension found in the instantaneous movement seen in animals. This motion is so full of vitality that it stirs the emotions of those who see it. We have named it 'KODO - Soul of Motion', and our aim is to express movement with forceful vitality and speed as the design theme for Mazda's upcoming models," said Ikuo Maeda, head of the Mazda Design Division.

Maeda continued, “Mazda's four design studios located in Japan (Hiroshima and Yokohama), Europe (Frankfurt, Germany), and North America (Irvine, California) are currently combining to take up the challenge to achieve a breakthrough in the expression of motion in car design, and incorporate this expression into our future products."

 Mazda has developed a reputation for designing and building vehicles that provide thrilling performance, excellent fuel efficiency and cutting edge technology in a visually stunning package. Stop by today to see and drive the new Mazda models for yourself.

This article is presented by Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California.

Vehicle Details: Mazda Safety

Mazda builds cars that are sporty, dynamic and fun to drive. While it is true that all Mazdas are created to excite the driver, Mazda pursues safety over everything else. Thanks to the new SKYACTIV® technologies and other advancements, Mazda has been able to make their cars safer than ever while still enhancing their performance and unique style.

The new suite of SKYACTIV® technologies illustrates how Mazda has engineered performance and safety at the same time. For example, 61 percent of the SKYACTIV-Body of the all-new CX-5 crossover is made of high-tensile-strength steel. This steel not only greatly decreases weight, for improved performance and handling, it also increases the strength of the outer shell for greater collision protection. The story is the same with the SKYACTIV-Chassis; the increased strength enhances handling while providing a rigid backbone for the entire structure of the vehicle.

In addition to cutting-edge construction materials and techniques, Mazda also makes use of many more traditional safety features. Every Mazda comes loaded with advanced airbags. Other standard features across the entire lineup include Antilock Brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control.

The brand’s mission to make some of the best-handling cars on the market also makes them safer. When an emergency situation arises, you need a vehicle that will react quickly, confidently and predictably. The “Zoom-Zoom” character of Mazda cars also enhances your ability to make it through an emergency situation unscathed.

For even greater levels of comfort and security, Mazda offers some of the latest and greatest in the world of safety technology and driver aids. Features like Forward Obstruction Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Monitoring are just the tip of the iceberg. Hill Launch Assist, Smart City Brake Support and Rear Cross Traffic Alert System are also on the menu of electronic protection.

Smart City Brake Support is one of the newest additions to the Mazda line. This advanced system uses a laser sensor to detect when there is a car in front of the vehicle. The system pre-loads the brake pressure to make for quicker stops, and if the system feels that you will not stop in time, it will automatically apply the brakes for you. This can greatly reduce the forces and damage sustained from a collision.

Mazda safety extends beyond when the car is in motion. LATCH child-seat anchors are present to make sure your bundle of joy is safely secured, and child-safety door locks are also standard on all models with more than two doors to prevent the kids from accidentally opening the door when they shouldn't.

Thanks to its endless pursuit of new technology and lightweight, strong materials, Mazda has succeeded in creating a family of vehicles that possess some of the most comprehensive safety features on the market. If you want a car that takes the protection of your family as seriously as you do, come in and experience the safety of a Mazda.

This article has been presented to you by Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California.

Preparing for Summer Road Trips

With the kids home from school for the summer, many families decide to pack up the family vehicle and hit the open road to visit family or see America. Being confined to an enclosed space can be stressful enough, so basic preparations before the trip can help keep unexpected disasters to a minimum.

First up is checking the condition of all the tires. With gas prices of nearly $4 per gallon, an easy way to save at the pump is to make sure the tires are properly inflated. Check the sticker on the driver’s door jamb for the recommended pressures, and make sure all four tires are up to spec. Before a road trip, it’s equally important to check the pressure in the spare. While you’re at it, do a visual inspection of the tires and replace tires showing excessive or uneven wear.

Compact spares are typically inflated to between 80 and 90 psi, compared to about 30 to 35 psi for conventional tires. While checking the spare, don’t forget to take out the jack and make sure it’s working and all the parts are there. If your wheels have locking lug nuts, you wouldn’t want to get stranded with a flat tire that can’t be removed so make sure the key is in the car, as well. A first aid kit in the vehicle is always a good idea, too.

Cranky kids confined to a steamy car on a hot summer day are not conducive to a fun family outing, so if you haven’t already checked out the air conditioning, make sure it’s properly chilling the cabin air. If necessary get it recharged with refrigerant or get other repairs done.

Of course, the passengers aren’t alone in needing cooling in the summer. Make sure the engine coolant reservoir is filled to the proper level and the coolant is in good condition. It should be either a bright green color or bright orange if it uses Dex-Cool coolant. If there are any signs of brown discoloration, have the system inspected by your dealer’s service department, as it could be an indication of a leaking head gasket that’s allowing oil to mix with the coolant.

Don’t forget to check under the vehicle after it has been parked to make sure there are no leaks. If there are signs of any fluids other than water (which may just be condensation from the air conditioning compressor) get it checked and repaired as soon as possible.

If you are planning a long trip and your car is close to the mileage where it needs an oil change, take it in early to get fresh oil.

No matter how much you prepare for a trip, the unexpected can sometimes happen. Thankfully, roadside assistance services are always ready to come to your aid. Many automakers now offer complimentary roadside assistance that includes towing, tire changes, emergency fuel delivery and other services during the warranty period on new and sometimes pre-owned vehicles. Cell phone providers also frequently offer similar assistance services for just a few dollars per month added to your bill. For those that prefer the traditional approach, automobile clubs like AAA are also a great option. No matter what service you opt for, make sure you know your account number and program the phone number into your cell phone.

Speaking of cell phones, remember to bring a 12-volt charging adapter so you can keep the battery charged while driving. If you are planning to use a smartphone as a navigation device, check out your local cell phone store for a windshield mount for the phone so you don’t have to hold it in your hand.

Thanks to modern consumer electronics, kids can also stay entertained on the road––listening to whatever music they like, or using laptops or tablets to play games or watch movies––without annoying parents. The batteries in those devices have a habit of running down at inopportune times, however, so having suitable charging capabilities is important.

For devices that can charge from USB ports, if the car doesn’t have extra ports, get a couple of extra 12-volt to USB chargers and, if needed, a multi-outlet adapter. If using a laptop on the road, investing in a 400-watt power inverter will provide one or two AC outlets just like at home, so everyone can stay occupied.

Stop by the dealership today and let us make sure your car is in the right shape before you take it out on a long road trip. Some basic preparation will help minimize the chances of avoidable disasters on the road and allow everyone to come home with memories of a great trip.

This article is presented by Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California.