2018 Mazda CX-5

Lauded by critics and car-shoppers alike, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 continues to deliver many technology and refinement updates that put it in a favorable light against more expensive premium SÚVs. Mazda CX-5 is Mazda's best-selling vehicle in the Únited States. Industry accolades include the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's recognition of 'Top Safety Pick' and WardsAuto '10 Best ÚX' for its intuitively designed cabin. For 2018, CX-5 further improves on performance and efficiency with new cylinder-deactivation technology that can reduce fuel consumption by shutting down the two outside cylinders. Mazda is the only automaker to offer this technology on a four-cylinder engine in North America.

2018 MAZDA CX-5 OVERVIEW
The Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SÚV continues to win the hearts of critics and customers, with its sales off to a record pace since the second generation went on sale in the spring of 2017. For 2018, CX-5 adds features at each trim level, including newly standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The 2018 CX-5 also introduces new cylinder-deactivation technology that further improves on fuel-efficiency by shutting down the two outside cylinders at cruising speeds between 25 and 50 mph. Mazda is the only automaker to offer this technology on a four-cylinder engine in North America.
In addition to improving on fuel-efficiency, Mazda CX-5 also provides assurance as an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 'Top Safety Pick.' All 2018 CX-5 Touring models now come standard with Mazda's full i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety technology.




It's a pure design that embodies traditional Japanese aesthetics—less is more. Beauty is in the simplicity. And, most importantly, of course, when designers and engineers work in unison, making a truly beautiful production vehicle is possible.

From its Soul Red Crystal paint—an evolution of Mazda's lustrous Takumi craftsmanship paint colors—to its concave, threedimensional grille, CX-5 stands out. The fact that Mazda uses more clay to design its vehicles than any other automaker further emphasizes Mazda's detail-oriented approach and desire to heighten the mass-production modern machine to something beyond a commodity.



Mazda was founded in 1920 as Toyo Kogyo Cork Ltd., manufacturing cork and later heavy machinery. Mazda's challenger spirit is a representation of its home city of Hiroshima, Japan, whose people rebuilt their beloved city after 1945. That spirit inspired Mazda to prevail against all odds, ultimately leading its spirit of innovation, from the three-wheeled Mazda Go pickup truck that helped rebuild the city to the mass-production of the rotary engine starting in 1967 to SKYACTIV Technology and beyond.

Mazda's 'Never Stop Challenging' spirit led to the automaker entering the Ú.S. in 1970, building worldchallenging sports cars, creating innovative, unrivaled technologies and reaching the pinnacle of motorsports achievements in 1991 with the Mazda 787B that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, becoming the first and only Asian car to do so. The achievement wasn't a matter of luck or overnight success; it was the result of experience gained through 16 previous attempts to capture the podium.

Today, the goal of every Mazda is to instill it with a sense of Jinba Ittai –'horse and rider are one'–a philosophy in which cars and crossover SÚVs are engineered to be intuitive, driver-centric and instill a sense of harmony and confidence. Mazda uses a holistic approach to shape the driving experience. From body construction and engine technology, to the chassis and transmission, Mazda's innovative, lightweight SKYACTIV Technology provides more performance with more efficiency, deriving greater enjoyment from driving. Chassis dynamics are aided by Mazda's exclusive G-Vectoring Control, which uses the throttle provide smoother, more confident steering. Truth is, Mazda has always built cars around finesse rather than brute strength; innovation to do what's best rather than simply what's easy.

Complementing Mazda's driving dynamics are looks that thrill. Mazda's KODO–Soul of Motion design creates a sense of motion in every vehicle, even at a standstill. Mazda designers breathe life into sheet metal through craftsmanship. As a result, every Mazda is made to appeal to the senses and design is the language used to communicate that.

But Mazda cars and crossovers are more than pretty faces and excellent driving dynamics. Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite complements the driving experience with tools like Smart City Brake Support autonomous low-speed emergency braking, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear CrossTraffic Alert and numerous other features. Because of these and Mazda's ultra-rigid SKYACTIV-BODY ring structure, every 2017 Mazda tested earned an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's 'Top Safety Pick+' recommendation when equipped with specific headlights and equipment.

In all, Mazda's designers and engineers have worked and continue to work tirelessly with the goal of creating the most eye-catching, exhilarating and safe vehicles on the road. They work to make the best cars and crossover SÚVs in the world because driving matters.

Quick Specs: -
2.5-liter four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine
- 187 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
- 186 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm
- SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic
- Front-Wheel Drive or available i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive
- Standard G-Vectoring Control vehicle dynamic enhancement
- Standard cylinder-deactivation

Newly Standard for 2018:
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert now standard on all models
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel now standard
- Leather-wrapped shift knob is now standard
- 19-inch alloy wheels* - Automatic on/off headlights*
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers*
- Full i-ACTIVSENSE suite is now standard on CX-5 Touring models: High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go function and Smart Brake Support* - 2-position memory driver's seat**
- 6-way power adjustable passenger seat**

New Equipment for 2018:
- Standard cylinder-deactivation

Úpdated Packages:
- New Sport i-ACTIVSENSE Package (previously only available on CX-5 Touring model): High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Smart Brake Support, automaticon/off headlights, rain-sensing windshield wiper

THE PÚRSÚIT OF 'MAZDA PREMIÚM'
'Mazda Premium' is a phrase that the company has used since May 2016 when the CX-9 went on sale. It's not just an ad slogan. Mazda has made elegantly engineered, designed and executed vehicles since the 1967 Cosmo 110S and continues to do so today throughout its lineup.

Sometimes, it is best exemplified through eye-catching design or craftsmanship. Sometimes, it's through brilliant engineering. Sometimes, it's in something as small as beauty in the simplicity of a door handle that opens the door with a brief nudge rather than three or four hand motions that subconsciously feel cumbersome. Mazda Premium is as much an emotional value as it is a value in the product. It's the feeling a driver and passengers get when they step foot inside a Mazda vehicle, from the smallest MX-5 to the largest CX-9, and feel that the car or crossover SÚV exceeds their lofty expectations.
Mazda Premium is not about a price point; it's about an experience that builds lifelong customers through exceptional vehicles and experiences.

INTÚITIVE FÚNCTION: REFINED ÚSER EXPERIENCE
What good is technology if it's difficult to use? A great user experience in a vehicle is far more than how you choose a radio station or how easy it is to set a route in the navigation system. The user experience is everything you touch, look at or control in a vehicle. More importantly, how it all works together. Mazda designs interiors with a human-centric approach. That is, the controls fall right into hand of the driver. The driver's layout is symmetrical, with the driver sitting directly behind the steering wheel.

WardsAuto, an industry leader in automotive trends and analytics, selected Mazda CX-5 as a '10 Best ÚX' winner, beating out many other nominees for the honor. This achievement recognizes Mazda's dedication of creating vehicles focused on how people actually use controls while driving. Mazda's engineers performed a comprehensive study of driver ergonomics to learn how best to create a vehicle that will provide drivers the comfort and responsive performance necessary to achieve their objective of Jinba Ittai –'horse and rider are one.'

CX-5, like every Mazda, features a bottom-hinged accelerator pedal that's been tailored for its application, aiding smooth acceleration. Pedals are placed optimally to allow easy transition from one to another. CX-5's long hood, as attractive as it is, also serves as a focal point from an ergonomics engineer's perspective to balance the sensation of making driving feel natural. Because, when the driver feels comfortable—even subconsciously—he or she will be that much more satisfied with the vehicle.

Once situated, the driver is surrounded by soft-touch, high-quality materials on every touch point, emphasizing a sense of craftsmanship uncommon in this segment. Mazda CX-5's center console has been raised to cocoon the driver in a focused atmosphere that complements Mazda's driver-focused philosophy.

CX-5 Sport models come equipped with a black cloth interior and newly standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, while CX-5 Touring models come with either black or silk beige seating surfaces, carrying Lux Suede inserts. CX-5 Grand Touring is available with black or Parchment leather, new 2-position memory driver's seat and new 6-way power adjustable passenger seat.

But don't think front passengers are the only ones to benefit in CX-5. Rear passengers not only have available 2.1-amp, fast-charging ÚSB ports available for smartphones and tablets, but they also have available, outboard heating elements as well. Mazda engineers and designers took great attention to detail when positioning all of the CX-5's features, such as the MAZDA CONNECTTM infotainment system with 7-inch, full-color touchscreen display, standard Bluetooth handsfree phone and audio, multi-function Commander control and available 10-speaker BOSE® Premium audio system. With everything where they need to be for easy operation, the driver can enjoy the driving dynamics of Mazda's G-Vectoring Control system–another intuitive feature that makes the driver feel more confident and in control.

CYLINDER-DEACTIVATION: REAL-WORLD EFFICIENCY GAINS
Mazda has long been known for its challenger spirit by creating innovating technology solutions that yield realworld benefits. A great example of this can be found in the latest SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, plus new standard cylinder-deactivation system. Mazda is the only automakers to offer cylinder-deactivation technology on a four-cylinder engine in North America. This further improves on performance and efficiency by reducing fuel consumption by shutting down the two outside cylinders at light load cruising speeds between 25 and 50 mph.

Running on two cylinders reduces pumping loss and mechanical resistance. Deactivation is achieved via a switching mechanism in the hydraulic lash adjusters of the first and fourth cylinders. When running on all four cylinders, these serve as the fulcrum (pivot point) for each rocker, and the arms operate the intake and exhaust valves. Applying hydraulic pressure to the lash adjusters switches the fulcrum to the valve side, stopping the movement of the valves to deactivate the outer two cylinders. Airflow intake volume, fuel injection rates and ignition timing are precisely controlled to allow the engine to switch smoothly between two-cylinder and four-cylinder operation. Cylinder-deactivation is more effective at low speeds, improving fuel economy by approximately 20 percent when driving at a constant 25 mph, and by approximately 5 percent at a constant 50 mph.

Because the firing interval is doubled when running on two cylinders, the engine is more likely to cause vibration than when using all four cylinders. A centrifugal pendulum damper adopted in the torque converter for the six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission compensates for this. By generating counterforce that responds to fluctuations in engine torque, the centrifugal pendulum damper suppresses the transmission of unpleasant vibrations into the cabin.

G-VECTORING CONTROL: ENHANCING THE DRIVE DOWN TO THE SMALLEST DETAILS
G-Vectoring Control (GVC) comes standard across all trim levels of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 at no extra cost to the customer. The Mazda-exclusive technology uses engine timing to control chassis dynamics, leading to smoother, more accurate steering inputs. This results in greater confidence and control for the driver that the car does exactly what you want it to with every minute turn of the steering wheel or touch of the throttle. The introduction of GVC is another example of Mazda's never-ending quest to enhance the Jinba Ittai —'horse and rider as one'—driving experience.

Eight years in the making, this industry-first technology exemplifies Mazda's design philosophy, where careful thought and consideration was given to developing a technology that would help realize smooth, predictable and efficient movement. While it will largely go unnoticed to the vehicle occupants, GVC can help make any driver better. It helps CX-5 go where the driver expects it, which can result in increased driver confidence and enhanced peace of mind. Purely a software control system, GVC adds no weight, implementing throttle input and steering angle sensors, among other features, to decide when to reduce torque in an instant's notice.
When the technology was being developed, initial thoughts were to have the vehicle use the brakes, but this method was deemed too slow to respond and unnatural-feeling to the driver and passengers. Engineers learned that the subtle amount of 'braking' needed to create a greater sense of stability could be achieved by reducing ignition spark, thereby effectively producing the tiniest amount of engine braking without the driver and passengers ever noticing. The result increases CX-5's front-tire contact patches, which aids in steering stability and turn-in when using the throttle.

Ironically, the worse the traction conditions are, the better the technology works, regardless of the driver's skill level. So whether it's driving in a straight line at high speeds, traversing winding roads or traveling at everyday low speeds, GVC provides a stronger sense of unity between driver and car, and provides passengers with a greater sense of comfort and security.

i-ACTIV AWD: OÚTSMART THE ROAD
In 2013, when Mazda introduced its first full-SKYACTIV vehicle, CX-5, it also ushered in its predictive i-ACTIV AWD system that could instantly recognize road conditions and adjust power distribution before a driver could ever notice it was needed. i-ACTIV AWD upped the ante from its predecessor, implementing a host of sensors that were already integrated into the vehicle for other functions. Those sensors channeled information such as ambient temperature, steering wheel angle, longitudinal grip, brake fluid pressure and even windshield wiper movement to help 'predict' road conditions.

In all, i-ACTIV AWD brings 27 factors together to paint a picture of road conditions, and direct torque to the rear wheels as necessary. Computer processors operate at more than 200 times per second. Because of its processing power, i-ACTIV AWD can even adjust power distribution to account for wheel slip in dry conditions. Additionally, it can route power to limit understeer during spirited driving, sending as much as 50 percent of CX-5's power to the rear wheels through Mazda's proven six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

i-ACTIVSENSE TECHNOLOGIES: PROACTIVE SAFET
Mazda is, was and always will be a company that believes that driving matters, and every vehicle Mazda makes is designed and engineered to deliver an enjoyable experience. But because driving matters, safety matters, too, and Mazda's engineers place the same dedication they have with driving dynamics into their safety philosophy as well.

This runs in harmony to Mazda's proactive safety philosophy that combines several factors to reduce the risk of harm in an accident. The first tenet is to build a vehicle that's responsive, whether through the rigid-mounted steering rack in CX-5, Mazda's uncommonly good suspension tuning or the sharpened throttle response and brakes. If a car doesn't do what the driver asks of it, then it may not work well to avoid a collision altogether.

The second tenet centers on Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite, which includes several features, like full-speed Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), newly standard on all 2018 CX-5 Touring models, which uses milliwave radar at speeds from 18-90 mph to maintain distance between other vehicles in front of it. At speeds below 18 mph, MRCC uses a forwardfacing camera to slow down to a standstill and move at stop-and-go speeds without hesitation. This system works in conjunction with Distance Recognition Support System.

Lastly, passive safety is vital if needed, with focus paid toward a reinforced SKYACTIV-BODY and ring structure that uses a multi-load path with straight frame rails to disperse forward collision energy; H-shaped ring structures around the B-pillars for side-impact protection; and measures to protect against rear collisions, provide pedestrian protection and secure passengers in their seat belts.

The 2018 Mazda CX-5's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety features include:
- Adaptive Front-lighting System
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Distance Recognition Support System and Forward Obstruction Warning
- High Beam Control
- Hill Launch Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane-Keep Assist
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go function
- Smart City Brake Support
- Smart Brake Support

PACKAGING AND PRICING
For the 2018 model year, Mazda CX-5 adds cylinderdeactivation technology, safety and refinement updates at all trim levels and carries features rarely seen in vehicles competing in the next class up such as an available head-up display and standard LED headlights and tail lights.

Mazda CX-5's SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine has received small updates to reduce internal friction and the amount customers will spend on fuel, but no feature stands out more than its segment-exclusive cylinder-deactivation technology. The engine has the ability to imperceptible shut down the two outside cylinders at cruising speeds to maximize efficiency. It is designed to assist in improving real-world efficiency rather than simply in catalogued evaluations and comes standard on all trim levels. Mazda is the only automaker to equip a four-cylinder engine with cylinder-deactivation in North America.

Additional newly standard equipment includes a leatherwrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob. On the safety front, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear CrossTraffic Alert comes standard across all models. All features were previously available on mid-level CX-5 Touring models and above.

The entry-level CX-5 Sport features cloth upholstery, standard LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking brake, MAZDA CONNECTTM infotainment with a 7-inch screen and Bluetooth audio streaming and phone pairing as standard, among a much longer list of features. In its newly available Sport i-ACTIVSENSE Package, CX-5

adds High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, LaneKeep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support, rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic on/ off headlights.

The mid-trim CX-5 Touring adds standard 19-inch alloy wheels for 2018 and the full i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety features. Mazda CX-5 Touring upgrades to leatheretteupholstered seats and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry. Additional features in CX-5 Touring include heated front seats, 6-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air condition vents and two rear ÚSB ports for charging smartphones or tablets.

The available Touring Preferred Package includes autodimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, BOSE® 10-speaker audio sound system with Centerpoint®2 and AudioPilot®2, navigation, a power glass moonroof and a power liftgate.

Further building on the Touring Preferred Package, the toptrim CX-5 Grand Touring receives new 2-position memory driver's seat and 6-way power adjustable passenger seat. CX-5 Grand Touring comes standard with leather-trimmed seats, LED fog lights and tail lights, Adaptive Front-lighting System and SiriusXM® satellite radio with 4-month trial subscription. The available Grand Touring Premium Package includes windshield-projected Active Driving Display headup unit with Traffic Sign Recognition, heated steering wheel, heated second-row outboard seats and windshield wiper de-icer.

All CX-5 models sold in the Ú.S. come with a standard 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lbft of torque, paired to an efficient, quick-shifting SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode and Sport mode. Front-wheel drive is standard; Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is available on every trim level, feeding information from 27 sensors found in CX-5 to predict road conditions and send power wherever it's needed without the unnerving drivetrain reactions or slipping that can be felt in some competitors during inclement conditions.

Source - Mazda