Motor Trend: Family-Friendly Mazda CX-5 Races Ahead of Competitors

NORWOOD, Mass., May 13, 2013 — Spring is now in full swing, and that means many families will soon be thinking about road trips and other warm-weather excursions. To make the most of those drives, more and more parents are turning to compact crossovers for a mix of utility and fuel efficiency. Motor Trend recently put four of these vehicles to the test, including the Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape, to see which one offers the best combination of family-friendly amenities and driving fun. Editors chose the Mazda CX-5 with little debate, praising its attractive exterior, impressive performance and practical interior.

With the fastest 0-to-60 mph time of the group, the CX-5 proved its 2.5-liter engine has plenty of juice, while the compact crossover proved equally adept on twisting back roads. From steering feel to shifting to cornering, the CX-5 easily met and exceeded the Motor Trend editors' expectations. Inside, features like a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat and a cargo cover integrated into the tailgate were applauded for their intuitive nature.

"Like many parents, Motor Trend loved the practical aspects of the Mazda CX-5, but as experts who test cars designed to be a lot sportier, they still came away impressed by the Zoom-Zoom nature of its new 2.5-liter engine," said Mark Goldstein, general manager of Mazda Gallery, a Greater Boston Mazda dealership. "Young families in particular are attracted to the CX-5's responsive handling because it means they don't have to give up fun for practicality."

Introduced for the 2013 model year, the Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine that produces 155 horsepower and returns up to 35 mpg on the highway. For the 2014 model year, the crossover is now available with a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G unit that generates 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque while still netting up to 32 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the optional hands-free Bluetooth compatibility and in-dash navigation system provide the technology that younger buyers are looking for to stay connected on the go. Owners will also find up to 64.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, allowing them to bring as much gear as they need along for the ride.

While critical acclaim from the likes of Motor Trend is an important measure of success, the Mazda CX-5 is also making an impact where it really counts: on the sales floor. Last month, the model achieved a 78 percent sales increase over April 2012, moving 6,262 units in the United States.

"As more and more drivers come in to test-drive the Mazda CX-5, they realize they don't have to choose between an engaging sports sedan and a functional SUV, but instead they can get the best of both worlds," added Goldstein. "The CX-5 offers the versatility and fuel economy that parents need from a crossover, but it also provides that extra fun factor that its competitors are missing."

About Mazda Gallery:
Located in Norwood, Massachusetts, Mazda Gallery is committed to the art of better car buying. With a large selection of new and used Mazda models and a team of dedicated sales personnel that puts the customer first, their Greater Boston Mazda dealership is trusted by discerning Massachusetts drivers. That focus on the customer extends to their service department, where factory-trained technicians treat each car as if it were their own. Visit Mazda Gallery in person at 920 Providence Highway in Norwood, contact them by phone at 877-402-1789 or view their entire inventory at www.mazdagallery.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MazdaGallery.