Driving Sports TV - 2013 Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv Reviewed & Track Driven

[@drivingsports]

David Coleman, former writer for Sport Compact Car Magazine and now an engineer at Mazda said that the fastest setup in the CX-5 is the FWD+MT model. I agree. Also, it has a great feel - pretty much like all Mazda transmissions.

[@drivingsports]

Based on my talks with Mazda, that is incorrect. The Mazda2 had some Skyactiv bits, but it didn't have the Skyactiv chassis. The chassis on the Mazda2 was developed well before the chassis was ready (I drove a prototype chassis last year, several years after the Mazda2 was on sale.)

[@drivingsports]

Yes, with factory tires. And you miss-understood, it was compared to the N/A Mazda3 *not* the turbo Speed3.

[@drivingsports]

I just checked with Mazda, to make sure I wasn't missing anything. According to them, the CX-5 is the global debut for the full Skyactiv line. The JDM Mazda2 (Demio) was the debut for only the Skyactiv engine -- which was then put into the USDM Mazda3 last year... again, engine only in that application, too.

[@drivingsports]

All-new Skyactiv Diesel motor. I test drove a prototype mule last fall. (I just added the link to the end of the video via annotation.) --RD

[@drivingsports]

It's a good car. No sense being critical just for the sake of being critical. It's priced smartly, has good features, drives great. It *is* down on power, and that was mentioned, but that's the price everyone is paying now to get big mpg ratings due to consumer demand for them to do so. Not gonna hate on it just to make it more "credible" in your view.

[@worldtraveler2500]

The Mazda2 I'm talking about is only available in Japan. It has the 1.3L SKYACTIV engine with i-stop. I saw a video about it on youtube.

[@drivingsports]

Driving any car at MRLS is a good day, IMHO.

[@drivingsports]

One of the Mazda drivers said the CX-5 was faster when they compared them on the same track. And, based on how well it corners, I'd find no reason to disagree.

[@worldtraveler2500]

Actually the Mazda2 JDM is the first car to feature a full line of SKYATIV technology, the CX-5 is the first car to feature full line SKYACTIV technology in the rest of the markets

[@SubaruHyena]

Hmmm well I did some digging and found '12 Forester 2.5X for $21,203 with automatic transmission but with the "value wheels". There are deals to be had. I was also able to find Impreza hatchbacks with the 5 speed for under $21k as well. WRX was around $25k All these prices are from Oregon dealerships. So you're right, the CX-5 is competitive. In my opinion when it's equipped with everything and pushing almost 30 grand, I think it may be less competitive compared to other vehicles available.

[@drivingsports]

I just rolled the camera for about 5 minutes and sped it up in FCPX.

[@drivingsports]

You can't get a WRX for the same price as a CX-5 with AWD and a 6AT (no manual option for AWD, unfortunately), which is $23,345+destination... the exact same price as a naturally-aspirated 2.0i Subaru Impreza with the 5-door option, alloy wheels and an automatic transmission. A WRX with a 5MT (no auto) in a 5-door is $3,000 more. A base-trim, no-frills, Forester with automatic and alloys is $23,270. Looking at comparably-equipped models, the CX-5 is competitively priced.

[@drivingsports]

The CR-V doesn't offend and it's quite capable. It's like oatmeal. Lots of people like oatmeal. Lots of people buy oatmeal. I prefer something a little more... interesting.

[@drivingsports]

I'd take the CX-5 over the CR-V any day, every day. If you want more power and don't mind something more expensive, I really like the new Acura RDX (even though it's related to the CR-V).

[@drivingsports]

The CX-5 is the most fun to drive of the three. The RDX has the best ride and power, the CRV... is bland. Versatility? I'd give it a three way tie. They're all very similar.

[@drivingsports]

The 2 is a fun little car, but it's not even in the same league as the speed3 or abarth. Between the Speed and Abarth, however, I'd pick the Abarth. I like the Outlander GT better than the CX-5, but the CX-5 better than the Outlander Sport. --Ryan

[@drivingsports]

Thanks for watching!

[@drivingsports]

Speed3. That will last through more life changes than an Abarth will. (More useful capacity in the Mazda.) I like the Mazda2, but the engine and transmission need an update. The CX-5 is a better car than the Outlander Sport, imho. But it should be since it's all new, whereas the Outlander is running on chassis and running gear from many, many years ago at this point.

[@ssnova703]

A comparison I would like to see/hear about from first hand is between the CX-5 and a Tiguan(perhaps even a Toureg..even though it's slightly bigger). Mazda and VW's always have that "driver confidence" feel to it. They most certainly have different characteristics though when pushed to the limits since they were built for different roads(VW having to deal with German cross winds on the windy Autobahn)... Any word? Between this and a Toureg/Tiguan?

[@JohnsonBarry]

Ok driving sports, I own an Evo x (to give u an idea of my driving style & interest) and fiancé owns a 2000 manual eclipse that she hates daily driving. To replace the eclipse would you recommend the mazda2/ speed3 or fiat abarth. And which did you like better the cx-5 or outlander sport.

[@keshav4778]

Let’s compare this to now’s cx-5

[@r56mini]

The 6 MT would have been more fun.

[@alexsiul1142]

do u really think it could beat the Mazda3? or it just feels that way?

[@laamor99]

What about the CX-5 compared to a 2012 Kia Sportage EX?

[@poggensee]

Did you drive the manual? How did it compare to the auto?

[@alexsiul1142]

That's really cool! LOVE Mazda. just kinda hard to believe the that it's quicker than my 3 around the track..=(

[@VictorBeltran]

Here is a Q ... Forrester or CX5 (AWD)?

[@FizzyMotors]

why do I feel like i saw this already?

[@Lenoch_]

I have been told with an automatic, however, the throttle pedal on Mazdas (and most other cars) has a two-stage throttle, which is horrible.

[@WhatThePresidentSays]

hey, how do you do your timelapse?

[@drivingsports]

Diesel!

[@drivingsports]

Otherwise known as a "momentum car" ;)

[@drivingsports]

CX5 for pavement, Forester for gravel. Pick your poison.

[@jkrasz]

"35mpg (5MT+FWD)" should be 35mpg (6MT+FWD)

[@drivingsports]

Diesel.

[@bwxmoto]

Mazda review or Mazda commercial?

[@tungol00]

Forester for now if you don't care about full efficiency.

[@Autofanatic28]

its slow! i drove this car at my local dealership. but i have to say its well planted on the roads but needs more power.

[@SubaruHyena]

29 grand? man...I'd so buy a WRX hatchback before a CX5. According to Subaru's website the Forester XT Premium also starts at 27k. Dare I say this CX5, while fun to drive, is overpriced?

[@PacificBlue51]

ummm. southeast from san francisco...southwest is the Pacific.

[@tigerbalm666]

CX-5 on Leguna? Pointless!

[@emichaels2112]

tigerbalm Too bad you're clueless.

[@TheEuroperules]

LOL mazda fan boy . top seller ??