A safe value

Photo courtesy Mazda
Launched at the auto Show in Los Angeles in November 2016, the Mazda CX-5, the second generation shows a substantial change compared to the previous model, which was already desirable.

Jacques Welcome

Sunday, 21 January 2018 21:54

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Sunday, 21 January 2018 21:54

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In the automotive market today, some vehicles are safe values, of the reference models in some way. The Mazda CX-5 is one of those, which explains its popularity sustained.

Since it made its debut on the market, in 2013, the Mazda CX-5 has always been a favorite of buyers in the cuv. In 2017, he also finished the year in sixth place in the sales charts in its time, one of the most important given the number of vehicles sold, but also the variety of vehicles offered, this niche is bringing together more than a dozen competitors.

To remain popular with buyers as long and maintain a close proximity with the best-selling models, which are, in order, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson, the CX-5 has to offer undeniable qualities, even if its range is sparse. And this is the case.

Unlike Toyota, which offers nine variants of its popular RAV4 (the current champion of this niche), Mazda has six variants for the CX-5 (Honda offers six for its CR-V, second in the sales charts). It is necessary to believe that these five variants of the CX-5 are the best !

At the base, the range of this utility combines three models : GX, GS and GT. They represent staffing levels. This is in addition to the CX-5 GX and GS available with four-wheel drive, against extra charge. The entry-level model with basic GX, finally, is the only one offered with an engine of low cubic capacity, a 2.0 L, mated to a manual gearbox.

The two engines, Skyactiv-G 2.0 and 2.5 L inscribed in the catalogue 2018, both paired to a gearbox 6-speed (manual or automatic), is characterized by a reduction of the internal friction contributing to an increase in low-end torque, while reducing their consumption slightly.

Photo courtesy Mazda

The dashboard of the CX-5 has a symmetrical design modern. It is dominated in the centre by a touch screen linked to an interface to a rotary control located on the centre console.

AN INNOVATIVE MOTOR

A new mechanism of deactivation of cylinders adopted for the engine of 2,5 L provides, however, gains the most substantial in terms of reducing fuel consumption. This device, which is exclusive to the CX-5 in its niche in North America, is reserved for the GS and GT models. It allows you to deactivate two cylinders in a manner imperceptible when the vehicle reaches a cruising speed stable. Suddenly, the engine, which is transformed into a ” 2-cylinder engine, becomes less energy-consuming and slightly increases its fuel efficiency. According to the manufacturer, the deactivation of the cylinders is more efficient at low speed, so when you are driving in the city or in urban environments. At a constant speed of 40 km/h, for example, it reduces the fuel consumption by approximately 20 %, while at 80 km/h, the decrease is approximately 5 %.

The improvements to the 2.5-litre engine explains the new dimensions of consumption which are published by natural Resources Canada for model year 2018. This government agency announces an average of 8.5 L/100 for a CX-5 two-wheel-drive equipped with the engine of 2.5 L and automatic transmission, that is, the score obtained by a entry-level GX range features the 2.0 L engine and manual transmission. This justifies even more than before the purchase of a model equipped with the automatic transmission, at least if the budget of the buyer allows it (this option worth 1 $ 400 for a GX model). Apart from that, the only other valid reason to equip the CX-5 GX manual transmission is the nostalgia. In this case, at the very least, the driver will have a box nice to handle and well structured.

The buyer of a CX-5 may also choose to opt for the all-wheel-drive, a device which is effective and convenient year-round (in the snow and slush, of course, but also under the rain or on a dirt road or stone). For the GX and GS, this all-wheel drive is an option worth 2 000 $, then it is part of the standard specification of the CX-5 GT, the model is most luxurious of the trio.

Photo courtesy Mazda

The safe, flexible and easy-to-access utility compact Mazda makes it a convenient vehicle.

ENDOWMENT ENHANCED

For 2018, the automaker announced an enhancement to the staffing of all of the CX-5, since it now includes the headlights, ignition and automatic on / off, wiper system, rain-sensing and switches power windows with illuminated function one-touch up and down driver’s side.

In terms of safety, all three models are now delivered with a system city brake support, a system of monitoring blind spots and a system of rear cross traffic alert, which can be especially useful in parking lots crowded. In 2017, these facilities were reserved for the GS and GT models.

The color is common to the three models also includes a great choice of color, eight in total (I especially like the Red crystal vibrating metal). In addition, only three of them require an additional fee (from 200 to 450 $). This scenario is not common to all manufacturers. At Nissan, for example, the buyer of a Rogue entry must be satisfied of three colors very basic. In addition, all of the colors offered for this utility, except one reserved for the basic model, are supplements worth a few hundred dollars. In sum, for the Rogue, the body paint is an option !

Built in Japan, the stylish CX-5 has an interior that convertible to spacious, despite the compact dimensions of the body. Four adults of average size there are a comfort, suitable for long journeys. We also appreciate the assembly neat parts, the quality of the materials used in the interior and the high level of soundproofing. It’s like being on board a product of Mercedes-Benz or BMW !

The dimensions of the useful volume of the trunk, by the way, are slightly below those of the RAV4 and CR-V, both models rivals that surpass all the utilities of this category to this chapter. This does not, however, prevent the CX-5 to be convenient and versatile. A glance at the safety deposit box just to see.

Finally, a power steering well weighted and the brakes strong and easy to modulate contribute to make driving this car enjoyable. The bearing of a GT model, which is equipped with tires of 19 inches, is relatively mild, but, of course, the tires of 17-inch sides are less rigid in the other two models make the ride more soft.

In short, the CX-5 does not lack valid arguments to justify its success. Not surprising that it became the top-selling model of the brand in Canada.

Mazda and Toyota to build a plant for$ 1.6 billion

Photo courtesy Mazda

Photo taken during the announcement of the construction of a new factory Mazda-Toyota in Huntsville, Alabama, which shows (in the center, from l to r) Masamichi Kogai, president and chief executive officer of Mazda Motor Corporation, Kay Ivey, governor of Alabama, and Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation.

On 10 January, Mazda and Toyota have announced that they will build a complex assembly, with a production capacity of 300 000 vehicles per year in Huntsville, Alabama.

One account in particular is to assemble a new model of utility for the range of products Mazda (the manufacturer speaks of a crossover), which will be sold in Canada and the United States (some oracles of the industry claim that it would be an evolution of the CX-4 is currently reserved for the chinese market).

The manufacturer of Hiroshima will also have access to an annual production capacity of 150 000 copies for this novelty, which the destinerait to become the top-selling model of the brand.

For its part, Toyota is will transfer the production of the Corolla, which was up here at the canadian plant in Cambridge, Ontario. Toyota wants to release this plant to increase its production of utilities RAV4 in the country.

The two japanese manufacturers will invest 1.6 billion US dollars to equal shares in the joint venture, which will create up to 4,000 new jobs. Production is expected to begin in 2021. So, Alabama could become the second State in the u.s. producing the most of vehicles after the Michigan.

Mazda CX-5

Base price

25 800 $ (GX 2WD); 29 200 $ (GX 4WD); 29 400 $ (GS 2WD); 31 400 $ (GS 4WD); 35 000 $ (GT 4WD).

Transport and preparation

1 895 $

Powertrain

(1) L4 DOHC, 2.0 L, 155-hp at 6,000 rpm, 150 lb-ft at 4 7000 rpm; (2) L4 DOHC, 2.5 L, 187 hp at 6 000 rpm, 185 lb-ft at 3,250 rpm. Manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Features

Four-wheel independent Suspension. Disc brakes to all four wheels. Anti-lock braking system series. Tires : 225/65R17 (GX, GS); 225/55R19 (GT).

Ratings

Wheelbase : 2 698 mm; length : 4 550 mm; width : 1 842 mm; height : 1 680-1 681 mm.

Weight : 1 505-1 659 kg. Volume of fuel tank : 56-58 litres. Trunk Volume : 875-1 687 L. towing Capacity : 907 kg. Average consumption (testing; BVA, 4WD) : 9.1 L/100 km.

Competition

Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Journey, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Nissan Qashqai, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Tiguan

Strengths

• Elegant Silhouette
• Very neat finish
• Spacious interior and versatile

Weak Points

• Rear visibility reduced
• Rolling farm tires 19-inch)