2012 Mazda CX-5: Full circle

Mazda recently implemented its ambitious SKYACTIV technological program, which aims to reduce fuel consumption while improving handling and fun. The first salvo was fired in September 2010 during a presentation of this technology’s ins and outs to journalists.

The CX-5, whose prototype was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2011, includes SKYACTIV technology and journalists were given the chance to drive the standard version.

100% SKYACTIV and KODO

Before this compact SUV arrives on our market – the first units should be in Canadian showrooms in January 2012 – Mazda has decided to offer a Mazda3 SKYACTIV. But in this case, only the engines and transmissions feature the new technology. However, all of the models in the line have undergone esthetic touch-ups, though they keep the previously offered engines: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, the renowned 2.5-litre and, of course, the Mazdaspeed3 and its 263-hp engine.

The CX-5 is the brand’s first 100% SKYACTIV vehicle, featuring new mechanics and a new platform. At the risk of repeating myself, SKYACTIV is more than mechanics; it’s a whole technology package. The CX-5 is also the first Mazda shaped by the KODO design philosophy, which sets out to embody the soul of motion, no less!

To accomplish this, the stylists slanted the A-pillars back and carried the body lines toward the vehicle’s rear wheels. The result is a vehicle that looks like a cat that’s ready to pounce. This look is accentuated by the side panels that draw toward the rear and are sculpted to give to make the body look wider. The extra short rear overhang and a forward-slanted hatch add to its dynamic appearance. Unlike the rear, the front is relatively vertical and features a large five-point grille for a boost of testosterone. Also note that the exterior rearview mirrors are attached to the doors, not the A-pillars.

The passenger compartment features good quality materials and a very simple presentation. All of the seats are very comfortable and you’ll find that there’s excellent legroom in back. It has a 40-20-40 rear seatback, meaning that the middle section can be lowered independently. I had already noted – and this opinion was shared by the other journalists in attendance at the launch – that the dashboard was particularly bare. On the other hand, the controls are easy to reach and operate.

Mechanics

We’ve been talking about it for so long that SKYACTIV technology isn’t a mystery anymore. In this case, the CX-5 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that develops 155 horses. The design reduces friction and internal operation temperature – a cause of power loss – and maximizes combustion with the help of a much higher than average compression ratio. Indeed, the ratio is 13:1 on the American market and 14:1 in Europe (since gas on the Old Continent has a higher octane rating). To accommodate this superior compression ratio and maximize combustion, the engineers turned to a piston equipped with an special crown. I also have to mention the 4-2-1 exhaust manifold (four manifolds that flow into two and then into one), which is one of the secrets of this technology. This configuration helps obtain optimized performances at low and medium gear.

The transmissions are all new. The six-speed manual shifts nice and quick thanks to the short shifting distance and reduced friction in the gearbox. The automatic is also a six-speed. It features a torque convertor that disengages in a snap to put the transmission in direct drive, thereby making it more efficient.

The suspensions also include innovative components, such as a raised shock absorber anchoring point that reduces dive when braking and   rear axle hop under acceleration. This helps keep the CX-5 in a neutral position during accelerations and braking, while ensuring that the car generates very little roll in turns. Of course, all of these features are enhanced by the supremely rigid platform and body.

Jinbai Itai

At Mazda, there’s a philosophy called “jinbai itai” which means – in essence – that the driver and the vehicle are as one, which ensures much greater fun. This basic design philosophy was combined with the “Zoom Zoom” theme that wants every Mazda to have responsive handling and to be relatively sporty, regardless of the model or category. That’s what Mazda is promising on the CX-5.

As was the case with the new Mazda3 SKYACTIV, we were impressed by the smoothness and silence of the CX-5’s engine and by the vehicle’s overall soundproofing. The front seats are comfortable and the driving position is good. The rear visibility however, like on most modern vehicles, isn’t perfect. Three cheers for the back-up camera offered on several versions!

At the wheel, it was hard to find flaws on new Mazda. Ok, so maybe its performances aren’t quite what you would call sporty, but at less than 9 seconds for 0-100 km/h its acceleration time is not bad. By way of comparison, it takes the Hyundai Tucson with a 2.0-litre engine almost two more seconds to cover the same distance. The model we drove was equipped with an automatic gearbox and we weren’t disappointed. There were no complaints about handling, and the car was very neutral in turns, the roll was very well controlled and the directional stability was excellent. The steering, neither too light nor over-assisted, also got high marks.

Favourable circumstances

Overall, this newcomer has a lot of pluses playing in its favour: ultramodern mechanics, contemporary shape and excellent roominess. Add to that fuel economy that figures among the best in its category (about 6 L/100 km on the highway and 7.7 L/100 km in town). And for once circumstances are favourable for the arrival of a new Mazda model. Indeed, compact SUVs are among the most popular on the market and this category has grown spectacularly over the last few months.

For the moment, the price is still unknown, but judging by the rest of the vehicles in the category, it should range from $23,000 to $33,000. The Mazda CX-5 will be offered in rear-wheel drive and in all-wheel drive. Three versions will be available: the GX – the base model – and the GS and GT. The GT is the most luxurious while the GS should be the most popular.