Mazda’s ability to defy convention and manufacture uniquely appealing cars was given another glowing endorsement by experts at the UK’s best-selling weekly automotive magazine we can report here at MazdaSocial. Judges for the annual Auto Express New Car Awards held at The Grand Connaught Rooms in London selected the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact SUV as ‘Best Crossover’ for 2012 yesterday (Tuesday 26th June).
Praising the Mazda CX-5, Auto Express editor-in-chief, Steve Fowler, commented: “The CX-5 has set a new benchmark for crossovers combining space, quality and style with a great drive and incredible efficiency. It’s rare that you can get all that in one affordable package that won’t cost the earth to run – this is a car that can make you smile and keep you smiling.”
Assessing the CX-5 and its class rivals, the magazine’s judging panel scrutinized each car’s driving attributes, interior quality, running costs and purchase price. The competitors beaten by the all-new Mazda CX-5 included the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, Skoda Yeti and VW Tiguan.
“Mazda is proud to have a high profile publication, such as Auto Express, confirm that our latest product, with its truly innovative SKYACTIV technology, is the very best vehicle in its class,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK.
“Thanks to its fuel economy, solid environmental credentials, typically Mazda fun-to-drive performance, high specification, attractive pricing, unusually low running costs for its class and excellent residuals, the Mazda CX-5 will offer customers a rewarding drive, excellent value and a remarkably compelling ownership proposition. This car is going to make a lot of customer’s shortlists, as it possesses all the key attributes today’s consumer is looking for,” adds Allibon.
The 18-strong line-up of Mazda CX-5 models is priced from £21,395 to £28,795 (OTR). Customers have a choice of one petrol and one diesel engine (with two power outputs), four trim levels (SE-L, SE-L NAV, Sport and Sport NAV), six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and 2-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) – depending on model.
All the SKYACTIV powertrains available with CX-5 are fitted with Mazda’s advanced i-stop fuel-saving system. The SKYACTIV-G petrol engine generates 165ps / 210Nm of torque. The SKYACTIV-D turbo diesel engine (expected to account for 85 percent of sales), is available in two versions producing 150ps / 380Nm or 175ps / 420Nm. Combined mpg ranges from 61.4 to 47.1 mpg, with CO2 emissions from 119 to 144g/km.
The six-speed manual and six-speed automatic are all-new transmissions, while AWD models feature variable torque distribution and ultra-precise slip detection, giving a front/rear torque split ranging from 100/0 to 50/50 per cent.
On the inside, the Mazda CX-5 has generous front and rear legroom (thanks in part to its class-best 2,700mm wheelbase), and a cavernous boot (463 litres) – one of the segment’s largest – plus a high quality feel, superior functionality and low noise levels for an enjoyable ride. Easy-to-use Karakuri features, include the three-piece 40/20/40 split folding rear seats with release levers in the cargo area and an advanced Karakuri tonneau cover that opens and closes with the tailgate.
Ahead of the Euro NCAP demand for the fitting of such systems, every Mazda CX-5 is equipped with ‘Smart City Brake Support’ (SCBS), which helps a driver to avoid a low speed (up to 19mph) frontal collision by activating the brakes and reducing the engine output, if the system detects a frontal collision is likely.
