Mazda CX-5: Efficient, fun & comfy

Last year, Mazda debuted its CX-5 compact crossover, the first product to fully integrate the Skyactiv efficiency strategy. The 2013 CX-5 captured the key elements of the Mazda ethos. Chic and youthful in appearance, it was also spacious, well equipped and more fun to drive than a small, competitively priced (from $21,990, with destination) crossover had a right to be. Glittering efficiency numbers added to its desirability. Pairing its 155-horsepower Skyactiv engine with AWD and a six-speed manual transmission yielded class-leading EPA ratings of 26 city/35 highway/29 combined. Equipped with the optional six-speed automatic, the CX-5 delivered a still-strong 25/31/28. There’s no satisfying some people, though. Despite acceleration figures appropriate for the class (0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds), critics called the CX-5 underpowered. Tenuous though that complaint may have been, Mazda has addressed it; for 2014, the two top CX-5 trims receive a 185-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The new engine — it can be had only with the automatic — amps up performance, but only minimally affects economy. Front-wheel-drive trims return EPA numbers of 25/32/27, while AWD weighs in at 24/30/26. Other new features include an optional collision warning-and-assist system (called Smart City Brake Assist), Pandora radio and high-definition radio. At speeds of up to 19 mph, Smart City Brake Support detects the presence of stationary objects and automatically applies the brake if the driver fails to act. All CX-5s are nicely equipped. The entry-level Sport includes full power accessories, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 17-inch wheels. Besides the larger engine, the Touring trim ($25,410) adds rearview camera, blind-spot warning system, power driver’s seat and more. The top-of-the-line Grand Touring ($28,415) brings leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic wipers and more. Mazda wraps it all up in a cabin that’s heavy on functionality and light on flash. Satin-finish metallic accents brighten soft-touch surfaces and sporty white-on-black gauges are highly legible. The navigation system (from TomTom) is easier to use than many but its design and graphics are rudimentary. There’s abundant front-seat head- and legroom and, though the sloping roofline cuts into rear-seat headroom, all but the largest riders will be comfortable. Touring and Grand Touring trims include a unique folding mechanism that creates a nearly flat cargo floor. The Skyactiv initiative integrates a host of mechanical and materials measures designed to 1) lighten and stiffen the chassis and 2) produce super-efficient powertrains. Front-drive CX5s weigh less than some compact sedans. Even so, all CX-5s have a 2,000-pound towing capacity. Underway, the CX-5 exemplifies Mazda’s trademark agility and seat-of-the-pants liveliness. Suspension tweaks, along with a precise and communicative electrically assisted steering system, give the 5 a level of responsiveness rarely seen in the price range, let alone among small crossovers which tend to be a rather dull bunch. Some may find the ride a bit stiff, but that’s a small price to pay for a little rig that hits all the right notes. Don Adair is a Spokane-based freelance writer. Contact him at don@dadair.com. 2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Vehicle base price: $21,195 Trim level base price: $28,870 As tested: $31,590 Options included navigation, HID headlights w/auto-leveling; adaptive front lighting; Smart City Brake Support; Sirius satellite radio. EPA rating: 24 city/30 highway Regular unleaded fuel specified