Mazda North American Operations has unveiled its all-new 2013 CX-5 compact SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The North American debut is the first Mazda to fully encompass Skyactiv technology, the brand’s engineering-focused philosophy toward improving all-around vehicle efficiency.
“The 2013 CX-5 is the vehicle compact SUV shoppers have been asking for – that only Mazda can build,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Entering an extremely competitive segment, the all-new CX-5 has to offer more than just flash and features, but also has to perform and provide consumers with the dynamic response they’ve come to expect from Mazda – and it does. With its Skyactiv underpinnings and best-in-class fuel economy, CX-5 proves that fun needn’t be sacrificed for fuel efficiency and that compact doesn’t equate compromise.”
Developed solely by Mazda, Skyactiv is not a package or trim level, but an all-encompassing, deeply embedded philosophy that obtaining more power, torque and miles per gallon does not need to come at the expense of fuel economy, design and safety. Its first application was in Mazda’s best-selling Mazda3, refreshed for 2012 with a Skyactiv engine and transmissions. CX-5 is the first vehicle to receive all Skyactiv components.
Under an expansive hood lies the Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine. At 13:1, Skyactiv-G features the world’s highest compression ratio for a mass-produced car. With its all-new 4-2-1 exhaust system, the 2013 CX-5 delivers 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, torque is measured at 150 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm and redline is reached at 6500 rpm. With a choice of transmissions in either the Skyactiv-MT six-speed manual or Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic, a 2,000-pound towing capacity and an optional all-wheel drive.
Targeted EPA fuel economy for the CX-5 is 26 city/33 highway for a front-wheel drive equipped with Skyactiv-MT. When equipped with Skyactiv-Drive, the front-wheel drive model garners 26 city/32 highway. The all-wheel drive version, only available with Skyactiv-Drive, also is a fuel sipper with an EPA rating of 25 city/30 highway.
