Mazda CX-5

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theeedude

Lifer
Feb 5, 2006
35,787
6,197
126
My problem with CX-5 is Mazda3 is just as functional, more fun to drive due to lower center of mass, and cheaper. The people who crave higher sitting position of SUV are not generally driving enthusiasts who'd appreciate Mazda's handling. I am sure CX-5 is the best handling cute ute out there, but it's still a jacked up Mazda3.
 

T2urtle

Diamond Member
Oct 18, 2004
3,432
3
81
i like this thing. WOuld be on the list of must test drive if i was to buy something now. But i would drive the 3 hatch as well.
 

Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
10,757
3
81
Heated seats are only available on the top end Grand Touring model. The cloth seat models should still have heated seats.

Second, the Grand Touring model has an odd 19" tire size that does not have snow tires available. So you can have heated seats, but lousy snow traction. Brilliant.

Model and option packaging killed this one.
 

Sid59

Lifer
Sep 2, 2002
11,879
3
81
Heated seats are only available on the top end Grand Touring model. The cloth seat models should still have heated seats.

Second, the Grand Touring model has an odd 19" tire size that does not have snow tires available. So you can have heated seats, but lousy snow traction. Brilliant.

Model and option packaging killed this one.

ha. that's an oversight on their part!
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,081
136
I have been looking at cute little family friendly SUV's. Having compared the CX5 and CX7, I think I'd prefer the CX7.
 

foghorn67

Lifer
Jan 3, 2006
11,883
63
91
I have been looking at cute little family friendly SUV's. Having compared the CX5 and CX7, I think I'd prefer the CX7.

Not sure if it was mentioned earlier, but the CX-7 will be discontinued later this year. I would research it out. Maybe you can get one discounted.
 

Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
10,757
3
81
Any reason why it would be discontinued?

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/mazda-cx-7-leaving-the-u-s-market-after-2012/

We had a feeling this was coming, but the cat's now officially out of the bag: The Mazda CX-7 is being discontinued in the United States.

The recently launched 2013 CX-5 will effectively replace the CX-7 (as well as the Ford-sourced Tribute), meaning there won't really be a void in Mazda's product lineup. "CX-5 has a clearer competitive set, unlike CX-7, which was in the middle of two segments," explains Mazda product communications specialist Beverly Braga.

Dimensionally, the CX-5 is slightly smaller than the CX-7, but actually boasts more cargo capacity and overall interior volume. With the rear seats folded, the CX-5 can hold up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo (compared to 58.6 cubic feet in the CX-7) and has a total of 103.8 cubic feet of overall passenger space (101.7 in CX-7).

What's more, the CX-5's nifty new 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder engine offers substantially better fuel economy than the base 2.5-liter four of the CX-7. And while we'll certainly miss the potency of the optional 2.3-liter turbo four of the CX-7 – a version of the mill used in the Mazdaspeed3 – we can easily do without its fuel economy ratings of 18/24 miles per gallon city/highway (or 17/21 when paired with all-wheel drive – ouch!).

This may be the end of the road for the CX-7 in the U.S., but Mazda says that sales of the crossover will still continue in other markets. The CX-7 will officially be phased out at the end of the 2012 model year.
 

ThatsABigOne

Diamond Member
Nov 8, 2010
4,422
23
81
Thank you for the linky and for the clarification. :)

I did see a Mazda CX5 when I was returning from the university, it definitely made my head turn! Love the looks!
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
My problem with CX-5 is Mazda3 is just as functional, more fun to drive due to lower center of mass, and cheaper. The people who crave higher sitting position of SUV are not generally driving enthusiasts who'd appreciate Mazda's handling. I am sure CX-5 is the best handling cute ute out there, but it's still a jacked up Mazda3.

CX-5 is a couple inches bigger in all seating dimensions than a 3 hatch. Plus cargo area is twice the size. I wouldn't say "just as functional".
 

Sid59

Lifer
Sep 2, 2002
11,879
3
81
I see one parked outside the local dealership and it's a good looking.

An excerpt from Jack Baruth's time on Laguna Seca
Some of LeftLane’s readers took me to task for suggesting this was an “enthusiast vehicle”. They cited the lack of power and inability to either dominate the Autobahn or pose convincingly as a dominator of same. I think they missed the point. Power and raw speed may have distinguished “enthusiast vehicles” in the past, but we live in an era where a Camry on DOT slicks can rip a thirteen-second quarter and your ex-wife’s SUV can bully the air at a buck-forty or above. Ford and Chevrolet both sell ponycars that would humiliate my old dream Ferrari 575, and they sell them brand new for half of what the Ferraris still cost on the used market. The Porsche PanArabia Turbo S Carrera GT2 Orthodontist Edition handily outpaces its own Cayman R on the racetrack. Numbers aren’t telling the story any more. In 2012, enthusiast vehicles are ones which whisper to the driver with steering feel and predictable trail-braking, not scream at him with six hundred horsepower and single-use ceramic brakes. Forget the numbers.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
Yep. I abhor the recent trend of "steer by wire" systems being put into a car. Mazda does it to some extent, but it's light years ahead in feel and feedback to Toyota and GM. The steering on most GM cars feels like the steering wheel rod is jammed into a tub of warm butter. It's actually frightening to drive in the winter because I have no idea what the front tires are doing. You are completely disconnected from the road.

It's a terrible trend that others are following.
 

PricklyPete

Lifer
Sep 17, 2002
14,582
162
106
Yep. I abhor the recent trend of "steer by wire" systems being put into a car. Mazda does it to some extent, but it's light years ahead in feel and feedback to Toyota and GM. The steering on most GM cars feels like the steering wheel rod is jammed into a tub of warm butter. It's actually frightening to drive in the winter because I have no idea what the front tires are doing. You are completely disconnected from the road.

It's a terrible trend that others are following.

I assume you are referring to Electric Power Steering (EPS). Yes, it is often horribly implemented...but Mazda has been doing it well for a long time. If I recall correctly, even the RX-8 has EPS...not sure on the recent MX-5. Porsche, BMW, etc. are all putting EPS in their newest cars (with the exception of the M5...but I wouldn't be surprised if it shows up in the next M3). As long as manufacturers are able to do it to the level that Mazda does it...I'm cool with it.
 

JCH13

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2010
4,981
66
91
My MS3 has the EPS, and it's pretty good, but lacks a little at the limit. When steering feel should go numb it pretends like there is some steering resistance. I prefer my Miata's de-powered steering... all of the feedback ever!
 

zoiks

Lifer
Jan 13, 2000
11,787
3
81
Yep. I abhor the recent trend of "steer by wire" systems being put into a car. Mazda does it to some extent, but it's light years ahead in feel and feedback to Toyota and GM. The steering on most GM cars feels like the steering wheel rod is jammed into a tub of warm butter. It's actually frightening to drive in the winter because I have no idea what the front tires are doing. You are completely disconnected from the road.

It's a terrible trend that others are following.

Totally agree. Couldn't have said it better.