Mazda CX-5 2014 Review

Mazda CX-5 2014 Review. The Mazda CX-5 may have debuted just a year ago in Frankfurt, but the Japanese automaker already has an update in store for the 2014 model. No, this isn’t an emergency mid-cycle refresh as we’ve seen with the 2013 Honda Civic—in fact, the CX-5 recently won a six-crossover comparison shootout—but rather an opportunity for Mazda to broaden the powertrain lineup and introduce a couple of new technologies for the brand’s second-best-selling vehicle.

The biggest change for 2014 is the introduction of another new Skyactiv engine, one it should have had from the beginning. This one is another naturally aspirated four-cylinder, upsized to 2.5 liters and producing 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque—29 hp and 35 lb-ft more than the existing 2.0-liter. It will be available exclusively with Mazda’s six-speed automatic transmission, and only in the Touring and Grand Touring trims.

Despite the higher displacement and output levels, the new 2.5 won’t be much thirstier than the smaller Skyactiv motor. Front-wheel-drive CX-5s have been EPA-rated for 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway; all-wheel-drive models are good for 24/30. For reference, the 2.0-liter four–equipped CX-5s are good for 26/35 in front-drive and 26/32 with all wheels driven. With those numbers, range is estimated at 430 miles regardless of how many wheels are driven because Mazda squeezed a larger fuel tank into all-wheel-drive models. Part of the reason for the Skyactiv-equipped CX-5’s renowned fuel economy is its reduced weight. For 2014, Mazda claims to have cut 14 pounds from the already-light 2013 model. In fact, Mazda says the 2014 CX-5 weighs less than aMazdaspeed 3.

Technology-wise, Mazda’s small crossover gets a couple of new features, the biggest of which is the implementation of Smart City Brake Support, available as part of the Technology package. Using a laser sensor mounted at the top of the windshield, if SCBS detects objects in the road ahead, it pressurizes the brake system and reduces brake-piston travel to quicken braking times if it detects a potential collision. If the driver fails to react and apply the brakes, SCBS will apply the binders automatically.

Also new for 2014 is a function that will display received text messages on the vehicle’s 5.8-inch touch screen and read the message aloud. Users can send replies, as well, although we suspect the interaction is rather limited, as Mazda says that using “fixed phrases” will activate this functionality. A Pandora application also will be added as an option.

Pricing for the 2014 CX-5 hasn’t been announced yet, but we expect the new 2.5-liter to add a slight premium to Touring and Grand Touring models. More details on pricing will be available closer to when the new CX-5s roll into dealer showrooms this January. Mazda CX-5 2014 Review.

Source : http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2014-mazda-cx-5-photos-and-info-news