2015 Mazda CX-5

Award-Winning Compact SUV Continues to Offer Segment-Competitive Features and Value

An all-new model and compact SÚV entry for Mazda in 2012 (as a 2013 model), the 2015 CX-5 is largely a carryover model but remains a favorite among critics and consumers alike. Continuing to earn awards and recognition as a segment leader, CX-5 is liken to the tiger shark of compact SÚVs, consuming a variety of segment prey and enduring as a dominant standout in the ever-competitive market.
'CX-5 pushes the envelope that fun does and should matter in the compact SÚV segment, and has seen much success in doing so,' said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). 'Alongside the standard requisites of safety, value and fuel economy, the 2015 CX-5 injects performance and dynamics into the fray to spur enthusiasm back into daily driving.'




Great Expectations, Real-World Results
Dependability, reliability and consistency – ho-hum but necessary qualities for any product, even more so for those used every day and not necessarily for the easiest of tasks. Since entering the global market, CX-5 has exceeded every expectation, scoring high on most any list it qualifies to be mentioned in. Why? Because the vehicle was not engineered to be 'just okay.' No Mazda is. And even when showered with tokens of excellence, being considered great is never good enough. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY represents the brand's drive to do better, be better.

Achieving more power, more torque and more mpg over the outgoing MZR engine was no insignificant task, and to do so without compromising comfort, quality and expectations is all the more impressive. Available with a choice of two exceptional engines, the standard SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. A larger, optional SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine pushes the output to 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. CX-5's redline is reached at 6,800 rpm in the 2.0-liter engine and at 6,500 rpm in the 2.5-liter. Both engines also feature a race car-high 13.0:1 compression ratio and uniquely-crafted 4-2-1 exhaust system to produce driving exhilaration without sacrificing efficiency.



Boosting power in the 2.5L, CX-5 remains a fuel scrooge with 25 city/32 highway/27 combined mpg EPA estimated numbers. The six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the larger SKYACTIV-G engine. Also only available with 2.5L models is Mazda's Active Torque-Split All-Wheel-Drive system. Even with the added weight of an AWD system, fuel economy sees minimal impact with an EPA-estimated return of 24 city/30 highway/26 combined mpg.

With a fuel tank capacity of 14.8 gallons in FWD models and 15.3 gallons for those AWD terrain crawlers, all configurations of the 2015 CX-5 can easily go a distance of more than 300 miles. Because there is little fuel economy penalty, consumers are able to purchase their preference of engine, transmission and wheel system.

But impressive power and mileage can't be had with deceiving under-the-hood magic tricks. By crafting efficiency into not just a lightweight engine and shorter shift strokes, every panel and every bolt of a SKYACTIV vehicle is manufactured for utmost effectiveness. With a starting weight of 3,223 lbs., CX-5 weighs less than some compact cars and tops out at 3,560 lbs. Even with a svelte physique, this compact SÚV can still pull a respectable towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. (with optional equipment).

Engineered for the Eyes
First impressions come only once – a fact not lost on anyone, especially designers. Attractive lines, to the point of seduction, are necessary to capture the wandering eyes of consumers. Pricing can be negotiated, features can be selected but presence and poise can only be 'fixed' so much. Create a vanilla personality and no amount of French or bean can radiate its shyness away from the fascinating attitude of an everything-you-want Neapolitan or brash Rocky Road. Even a seemingly safe dulce de leche is still exotic in nature.

Enter KODO, Mazda's current design language which is meant to emulate the 'Soul of Motion.' With a determined focus on sculptured grace and detailed power, KODO is not about maniacally impudent character lines some manufacturers consider 'cutting edge.' Much like the enigmatic beauty of wildlife in action, capturing such vitality and movement within the craftsmanship of shifting reflections and chiseled strokes is the emotional philosophy put into Mazda design. What CX-5 offers is a handsome alternative to the segment's humdrum servings of A-to-B people movers. Capable of handling a shopping excursion to the warehouse store and confident in its road mannerisms, CX-5 doesn't need to be doused in syrup and empty calories to look good doing so.

Regardless of trim level (Sport, Touring and Grand Touring), all CX-5s feature the same chiseled shape, muscular yet becoming, elegant rather than brawny. Each vehicle features a distinctive familial front grille, broad and black, compiled of trapezoidal grille patterns that add depth while the five-point chrome 'signature wing' extends into the angular wraparound headlamps. From there, a long sweeping stroke extends itself along the front fenders and into the A-pillar before subtly disappearing into another distinctive character line which stretches almost into the rear lift gate.

These creases give the vehicle a nuance of movement while standing still, an underlying sense of instinctive mobility at the ready. There is connection in every panel and pillar, such as the raked A-pillar matching the fastback design of the C-pillar. Sharp angles flow instinctively into soft edges. No element feels out of place, which leads to a vehicle profile unlike any other in its class. But with such direction also comes purpose as the CX-5 continues to offer one of the segment's best coefficients of drag at 0.33 and provides one of the widest fields of view for all occupants.

Interior Insights
As the CX-5's fetching exterior captures one's sight, its interior draws in one's senses. Instantly, the cabin is notably driver-oriented with control functions and screens positioned intuitively and well within reach for drivers of all statures. Passengers are not forgotten either thanks for supportive seats and an abundance of soft-touch surfaces.

Again, not without purpose, black is chosen as the base interior color to provide a clean canvas throughout in order to enhance patterns and accents. For example, supportive seats are available in two shades – deep black or a two-toned black/sand combination. For Sport and Touring models, two cloth fabrics are offered while genuine perforated leather is available on Grand Touring models. The all-black layout exudes sportiness, a driven desire to focus not on embellishments but on the road ahead. The sand-on-black color scheme presents a vibrant and refined color-contrasting option. Both choices, however, showcase the tailored fit and finish of the CX-5's interior with defined luxury and undiscriminating comfort.

The attention to detail follows suit in the layout of the dash and accessories. Featuring an abundance of soft materials on door trims and upper panels, piano black accents and satin chrome elements further expresses Mazda's high-end precision craftsmanship. Additionally, the instrument cluster features specific meter lighting to make gauges clear and legible in daylight hours and non-glaring during the night. The three-spoke racing-inspired steering wheel appeals to enthusiasts while offering functional features such as a standard tilt-and-telescopic adjust column with steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.

With a segment-competitive wheelbase of 106.3 inches, CX-5 has plenty of room to fill with comforts and amenities. Practicality also comes standard with seating for up to five passengers and a cabin designed to be flexible to accommodate everyday life's unpredictable schedule. Amongst the roomiest interiors for the segment, both the driver and front passenger enjoy 40.1 inches of headroom (39.0 inches when equipped with a moonroof), 57.5 inches of shoulder room and 41.0 inches of legroom. Six- or eight-way power-adjustable driver seats are offered on all but the Sport trim, which is equipped with a six-way manual adjustable driver's seat.

Legroom for the second row is an plentiful 39.3 inches with ample knee clearance of 2.6 inches. The wide nook beneath both front seats also offers generous foot space for rear passengers as well as can be used as storage to hide larger personal effects. Rear headroom is a roomy 39.0 inches.

Behind the second-row seats is 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space. When folded nearly flat, capacity increases to a cavernous 64.8 cubic feet in Sport models and 65.4 cubic feet in Touring and Grand Touring vehicles. Sport trims feature a standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seat configuration while Touring and Grand Touring models come standard with a 40/20/40-split arrangement. For ease of use, CX-5 features multiple ways to operate the rear seats. A single-action on-seat button allows the left- and right-side seat backs to fold down independently while a looped strap disengages the middle section. Release levers also are located in the cargo area for additional single-motion fold-down capability.

Premium Features Come Standard
The 2015 CX-5 is no different from previous iterations in that the vehicle offers upscale amenities without the luxury price tag, further proving that 'value' is not marketing speak for 'cheap' and that quality need not be reserved for the deepest of pockets.

Equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, only front-wheel-drive Sport models can be equipped with the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) This trim level features high-level exterior niceties such as 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in P225/65R17 all-season tires, daytime running lights, power side view mirrors, automatic headlight shutoff as well as a body-colored rear spoiler, shark-fin antenna, door handles and outside mirrors with turn lamps. Entry level, yes, but there will be no run-of-the-mill 'base car' black plastic pieces found here.

Push-button start is a standard surprise within the well-appointed cabin which is further accented by cloth seat upholstery, power windows with a driver's side one-touch auto up/down feature, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, air conditioning with a pollen filter, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio with Automatic Level Control (ALC), 60/40-split fold-down rear seats and connection ports for an auxiliary audio jack and ÚSB.

Sport models can be equipped with an optional SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission (standard on Touring and Grand Touring) as well as Mazda's Active Torque-Split AWD system. Note that only available for automatic-transmission models, all AWD-equipped CX-5s also receive the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine as standard equipment.

A Bluetooth® Audio Package can be added to Sport models and includes hands-free phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch in-dash multi-information color touch screen, HD Radio™ Technology, Pandora® as well as audio message receipt and delivery capability.

When a smartphone is connected, Short Message Service (SMS) messages can be received and shown on the touch screen monitor. The system can then articulate the messages as well as allow users to send replies using pre-programmed fixed phrases. A speech recognition system also allows users to repeat and shuffle audio tracks as well as search and select folders.

A TomTom technology-based navigation system also is available as a dealer-installed stand-alone option when the Bluetooth Audio Package is equipped. The navigation module communicates to the touch screen system via a ÚSB interface and utilizes an SD card for storing map data. The SD card approach allows consumers the opportunity to input customized maps and regularly update mapping content via any personal computer, eliminating the need for non-service dealership visits.

Touring models receive the Sport's Bluetooth Audio Package features as standard equipment as well as additional elements such as fog lamps, privacy glass windows, upgraded cloth upholstery, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an upgraded six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a rearview camera with distance guide lines, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats and a fold-out rear seat armrest with cup holders. Touring vehicles also receive the larger SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine as standard equipment and can only be paired with a SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Available bundled options include a Moonroof/Bose® Package and Technology Package. The straight-forwardly named Moonroof/Bose Package includes a power moonroof and a premium 225-watt nine-speaker Bose Centerpoint® Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®. The Technology Package adds the TomTom technology-based navigation system, an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink®, automatic on/off bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights, a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), rain-sensing windshield wipers and a Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system.

SCBS is designed to assist a driver in reducing the risk and/or severity of frontal collisions within operational speeds of three to 19 mph. A laser sensor mounted high on the inside of the front windshield is used to detect an obstruction and will reduce the brake rotor travel to allow for more immediate braking should the system calculate there is a risk of a collision. If the driver fails to perform an avoidance maneuver, the SCBS system will activate an automatic braking function. SCBS was developed to assist drivers in mitigating damage due to a collision, not serve as a replacement for actual vehicle operation and control.

As standard equipment, Grand Touring models carry all the amenities of a Touring trim with a Moonroof/Bose Package. Additional standard upgrades include beefier 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P225/55R19 all-season tires, automatic headlights, heated outside mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, perforated genuine leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with a four-month complimentary subscription.

A Technology Package similar to what is offered for Touring models also is available for Grand Touring vehicles. Options include TomTom technology-based navigation, an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink, automatic on/off bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights, AFS and SCBS.

Standard Safety
The focus of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY is not only on lightweight materials, fuel economy and driving dynamics. Increased safety is a key element as well, which is why the 2015 CX-5 was named a 'Top Safety Pick+' by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and also received a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

All 2015 CX-5 models are equipped with a SKYACTIV-Chassis and SKYACTIV-Body, two components that help ensure rigidity to provide a driver with precise steering and handling control while implementing a reinforced structure to help protect occupants during an unexpected impact.

The lightweight construction of the SKYACTIV-Chassis includes a front strut suspension, a multi-link rear format and an assortment of design changes to the suspension and steering systems. Every component was examined to ensure the greatest efficiency, lightest weight and appropriate levels of driver feedback.

The SKYACTIV-Body is comprised of 61 percent high-tensile steel, creating a lighter, stronger body with improved handling. As a result, the overall structure is eight percent lighter than non-SKYACTIV vehicles. CX-5 also has the distinction of being the first mass-produced vehicle to utilize 1,800MPa ultra high-tensile steel in manufacturing. Located in the front and rear bumper beams, their structure is 20 percent stronger and 10.6 pounds lighter than previous bumper designs.

All 2015 CX-5 models are equipped with standard safety features such as six airbags (advanced dual front, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain), an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front and rear side crumple zones, side-impact door beams, a foldaway brake and accelerator pedal assembly, three-point safety belts and adjustable headrests for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). Blind Spot Monitoring is standard on Touring and Grand Touring models only.

Lastly, all Mazda vehicles come with the Mazda Certified Roadside Assistance Program. Úsing either the toll-free number or free Mazda Assist app for iOS- and Android-operated mobile devices, owners and their family members can contact roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the Únited States and Canada. In addition, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty, which covers every part of the vehicle (except those subject to normal wear), a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

Source - Mazda