We saw the 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year, and since then, we have been anxiously waiting to test drive this new crossover!
Exterior
The sporty and aggressive styling of the new 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD is eye-catching and a solid standout on the road. CX-5 becomes the first production model to feature Mazda’s new design theme, “KODO – Soul of Motion.” Chief Designer Masashi Nakayama explained: “With the CX-5, our focus was on expressing a strong sense of vitality and agility. We looked at videos of cheetahs; their agile footwork and how they use their entire body as a spring to accelerate rapidly and change the direction instantly. They emanate great energy throughout their entire body. Inspired by their efficient yet beautiful movements, we aimed to push the SUV appearance to new levels with KODO design language.”
The prominent front and rear fenders and sculptured body sides give the CX-5 a distinctive look, and we’ll start seeing the new front grille and face of the vehicle showing up on other Mazda cars. Our test model looked great in Sky Blue MC with 19-inch alloy wheels, body color dual-heated remote power mirrors with turn signal lamp, auto on/off halogen headlights, daytime running lights, dual stainless steel exhaust outlets, body color door handles, rear roof spoiler, roof mounted shark fin antenna, fog lamps and a power moonroof. Together with the all new design, this crossover was ready for prime time!
Interior
There is no doubt that the folks at Mazda spent countless hours making sure the interior was as good or better than competitors in the market for compact crossovers, and I’m here to tell you they did superb work. The five-passenger seating was comfortable and there was much more room than we anticipated at 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, and 70 cubic feet with the seats down. Our test model 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD was loaded inside with tilt and telescopic steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio/cruise and Bluetooth controls, power automatic door locks, power windows with drivers side one touch down, black leather-trimmed sport seats, remote keyless entry, dual zone climate control, 40/20/40 one touch split fold down rear seat, 5.8 inch color multi information display with rearview camera, Bose AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite 9-speaker audio system, USB port, Bluetooth hands free phone/audio, HD radio and heated front seats. There is an upscale feel in both the materials and finish of the cabin that appears to possibly be the new standard in crossovers.
Performance
Our CX-5 was equipped with the Skyactive G 2.0 liter Engine, Skyactive Drive 6-speed sport automatic transmission with manual shift mode that delivered 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft torque. This Grand Touring Edition also sported all-wheel drive, 4-wheel disc brakes, electronic power assisted rack and pinion steering, and independent front and rear suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars. And now that you know the underpinnings, I’m sure you want to know how the CX-5 Grand Touring AWD drove. Well, handling was superb for a crossover and power was adequate, as it appears Mazda went for efficiency over horsepower. The Skyactive system performed well bringing mpg up to 25 in the city and 31mpg in highway driving.
Overview
Mazda designed and built a forward thinking product in the 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD, and at a price of $30,415, they also priced the vehicle where it is going to sell and sell well. If this is what the future of Mazda is going to look like, then better days are ahead for the zoom zoom brand!
