As appealing as it might look, the crossover segment isn’t an automotive black hole. Its public has been surprisingly elastic over the past few years, receiving from the supermini Fiat Mille Way to the full-size BMW X6 with similar voracity, but if you do something bad enough, the possibility of failure still exists. Mazda, unfortunately, was one of the few companies to have the bitter end of these odds with CX-7, in the last decade. It was its very first crossover, but relying on aging underpinnings and poor market strategies didn’t allow to expect much. But the Japanese knew it was worth another shot. CX-5 was created smaller, so as to stay away from CX-9, looked even better, and received a set of cutting-edge technologies. The public reception was like moths to a flame.
Some of these technologies go by the name of Skyactiv. CX-5 was the very first user of Mazda’s brand new chassis and engine families, which were designed with focus on driving pleasure and overall efficiency, and have powered every all-new Mazda ever since. This is why there aren’t many surprises in this aspect; the base engine now comes only with front-wheel-drive and six-speed manual gearbox. It’s a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter, whose 155 hp and 150 lb-ft don’t say anything about its performance – Mazda has decided to drop the downsizing concepts in favor of more linear engine response. The upgrade engine is a 2.5-liter, which is good for 184 hp and 185 lb-ft. It includes six automatic speeds with drive-mode selector, and the option of AWD.
Going to the cabin reveals Mazda’s latest infotainment system, pompously called Human-Machine Interface. There will be all the typical functions, but they will be controlled by a rotary knob, instead of a touchscreen. Another nice feature is replacing the emergency brake’s handle for a button. The space opened by that move was converted into a new storage area. Trim materials are claimed to have been improved, the instrument panel now has three options of finishing, and the light-colored Parchment increases the leather options for the upholstery. When it comes to safety, CX-5 received more electronic systems: blind-spot monitoring, collision-mitigating braking, cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with radar adjustment.
Everything is wrapped by pretty much the same exterior. The Kodo design language appears once again, making the crossover look modern and sporty without dividing your attention between too many elements. The front grille now uses horizontal strips, both head and tail lights received an optional full-LED variation with matching graphics, and the optional 19” wheel set was redesigned. CX-5’s final talent is avoiding the gas pump: both front-wheel-driven engines were rated at 26 mph city, while the highway figures were 35 mpg for the 2.0L and 33 mpg for the 2.5L. If you take the only AWD option, you’ll have 24 and 30 mpg. The new Mazda CX-5 was officially released at the last Los Angeles Auto Show, and will go on sale in a few months.