Mazda CX-5 (KEEFW/KEEAW/KE2FW/KE2AW)

The success of the facelifted Mazda Demio and Mazda Axela really shows that the new SKYACTIV Technology really provides exceptional fuel economy without sacrificing uncompromising performance. This technology made Mazdas as menthol fresh as a Vicks Inhaler except that now that Mazda had made this...

2013 Mazda CX-5

This is the Mazda CX-5, the most compact yet sparkling new Mazda ever made. This is the first production Mazda that comes with the brand's new design philosophy called KODO -Soul of Motion- as seen on the Shinari Concept. This is the first that come with the new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine, first that come with the new SKYACTIV-BODY for excellent rigidity with a lightweight body, first that comes with the SKYACTIV-CHASSIS for superb cornering and finally, the first to come with a system similar to Volvo's City Safety and Subaru's Eyesight ver. 2 system and they called it Smart City Brake Support that automatically stops the car when it seeks an incoming obstacle.

Because this is the first that features Mazda's new KODO (魂動)-Soul of Motion- design language, the new CX-5 is heavily inspired from the Mazda Minagi concept as seen from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. This look combines the expression of energy pulsing throughout the vehicle with the keen agility to move about freely and nimbly. The Mazda CX-5 expresses the image of a cheetah as it stands with its weight poised on its hind legs, ready to lunge at its prey. It's very intimidating, though.

2013 Mazda CX-5 interior

On the interior, the new Mazda CX-5 has a deep, longitudinally stretched design that resembles a cockpit and produces a sense of forward momentum. On the passenger's point of view, the instrument panel looks ample and solid. Although, it looks smaller than the CX-7 it replaces, it still carries up to five passengers and the rear seats can be folded for spacious situations. Because most Mazda models with SKYACTIV Technology do come with the "intelligent-Drive Master" (i-DM), the Mazda CX-5 has these. The i-DM is the world's first driver aid that supports enjoyable driving while encouraging a driving style that enhances passenger comfort and improves fuel economy. It provides you an overall score based on your driving experience and it gives you some practical advice before you can get off the CX-5. Good mark for Mazda, there.

2013 Mazda CX-5 interior

SKYACTIV Technology promises optimized fuel economy and uncompromising performance, so that's why the Mazda CX-5 has the best of both worlds. First, the 2.0 liter SKYACTIV-G i-stop engine (PE-VPS) engine produces 155PS of power and 196Nm of torque. This is equipped on the 20C and 20S 2WD variants and it provides them 16km/L of fuel economy, making it more efficient than its key rival, the Mitsubishi RVR. For the first time in Mazda history and it's available only on the CX-5 XD (Cross-D) variants is the brand-new 2.2 liter SKYACTIV-D i-stop (SH-VPTS) Common Rail diesel engine that produces 175PS of power and 420Nm of torque. It promises a record-breaking fuel economy of 18.6km/L. Depending on the variant, the new CX-5 comes with an improved 4WD for all round driving with fuel economy of 15.6km/L for the 2.0L petrol variant and 18.0km/L for the 2.2L diesel engine. Most variants do come with the 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE transmission that has good fuel economy, easy start up, direct feel, and smooth shifting, ideal for the world market.

The Mazda CX-5 is the first Mazda to come with the all new Smart City Brake Support that uses a laser sensor to detect a vehicle or obstacle in front and automatically reduces the extent of the brake rotor travel to quicken braking operation. If the driver fails to brake, SCBS automatically activates the brakes and reduces the engine output at the same time. It's like what the Volvo S60 and the Subaru Impreza Sport/G4 does.

The new Mazda CX-5 comes in six exterior colors; Zeal Red Mica, Sky Blue Mica, Velocity Red Mica, Aluminum Metallic, Black Mica, and Crystal White Pearl Mica.

My Comment:
First Mazda to obtain the KODO design language. First Mazda to have SKYACTIV-CHASSIS. First Mazda to have SKYACTIV-D. First Mazda to have SKYACTIV-BODY. And first Mazda to have Smart City Brake Support. With pricing begin at 2,050,000 Japanese Yen, consider this your first because the CX-5 is the best of both worlds. Is it just me or are we underpaid? Ah, but there's a bit of a problem. Nope, sorry, The Mazda CX-5's not coming to the Philippines because SKYACTIV technology is not fit for the Philippine market. Sorry but that's FGP-Mazda's rule, and also the Euro 2 compliant policy.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation