Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2014 Mazda CX-5 small SUV. I suspect I’m biased toward Mazda cars because they were founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan. I stood at ground zero there in 1959 – 19 years after the Atom Bomb was dropped on that city of about 100,000. It was an emotional experience as I looked around at deformed people and shadows on bridges for example in the form or a person walking. Of course, the car company came back and it is appropriate the world has supported their product – not because of pity but because it is a great car.
General Information:
It is assembled in Hiroshima, Japan. Classification is Small SUV. Cars from
Mazda:
CX-5, CX-7, CX-9, Mazda 2,3,5,6, Speed 3, MX5 Miata, RX 8 & Tribute.
Opinion and Observation – Automotive Innovation:
History: 1958 – debut of Cruise Control invented by a blind Ralph Teetor; 1949 – First Crash Dummy created; 1948 – Daimler Mercedes Benz introduced Electric Windows; 1940 – First car to have air conditioning was a 1940 Packard; 1938 – Buick introduced turn signals; 1929 – First car radio introduced; 1923 – First Supercharger Ferdinand Porsche, Stuttgart, Germany; 1920 – Power steering invented by Francis Davis; 1903 – Windshield wipers patented; 1885 – first patent for seat belts; 1901 – invention of disc brakes by British inventor Frederick William Lanchester; 1901 – New York first state to require license plates that were called “Number Plates”. France did it in 1893; 1898 – First drive shaft invented by Louis Renault; 1890 – Canadian Thomas Ahearn invented the first electric car heater;
Handling & Performance:
All wheel drive road grip is a real plus that is transparent especially in dry conditions. It delivers a solid ride with good road feel in steering.
Styling:
Pretty common look for small SUVs’ but simply clean lines without controversy. Nice.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Well priced.
Conveniences and comfort:
Comfortable seating that is instantly noticeable, and one of my hot buttons is KISS principle that applies with the electronics ease of use. Example is a radio with a Tuning knob. What a novel idea. Sometimes simple is best and this is the application that makes ease of use a flash back to when radio tuning was simple.
A feature that I appreciate is the Turning warning system, so when you signal your turn or movement to another lane you are alerted if there is a car in your blind spot. I find I miss it when I test a care without this useful feature that adds a major degree of safety.
Consumer Recommendation:
This small suv delivers a nice package for seating up to five. If you don’t need more seating this is a great choice among other nice options noted.
Recognized Competition:
Mazda CX-5 $26,000, VW Tiguan $31,000, Nissan Rogue $26,000, Buick Encore $28,000, Honda Crosstour $35,000, Kia Sportage $26,000, Toyota RAV4 $28,000.
Good News:
Comfy ride, all the good / important features standard, priced well and decent fuel economy.
Bad News:
None noted.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 184 horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, all wheel drive, 17” alloy wheels, power mirrors windows and door locks, 5 passenger seating, tilt & telescopic steering column, leather wrapped wheel with audio, cruise and bluetooth controls, cloth seats, 6-way driver seat, remote keyless entry with push button start / stop, LATCH child system, anti-theft immobilizer, tire pressure monitor, blind spot monitor, 4-wheel ABS disc brake system with brake force distribution, power steering, rear roof spoiler, fog lights, air conditioning, audio with CD/MP3 with 6-speakers, aux jack, USB input, bluetooth hands free phone, 5.8” color touch screen display, rearview camera, 40/20/40 split fold down rear seat, stability control, traction control, hill start assist, front side and front and rear curtain airbags.
Gas Stats:
$3.99/ Gal avg. May 17, 2013
for more information.
24 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $25,865
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
