User: sburris
V46
Time: 12-17-2013 12:19 Product: INITab
PubDate: 12-22-2013 Zone: Special
• SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2013
2014 auto show ➤
Edition: 8
Page: OfAdvFolio-AS
Color: C K Y M
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR
100th ANNIVERSARY • 1914 – 2014
MazdaCX-5
SMILE-INDUCING FUN
Mazda’s divorce several years ago from Ford was the best thing for both partners, really.
Rather than sharing their respective next-generation small wagons — as had been done for a decade — they’re now fierce competitors. The five-passenger CX-5’s mechanical bits are promoted under the SKYACTIV name, which made its appearance with the 2012 Mazda3. More than a mere marketing slogan, SKYACTIV represents a holistic transformation of the powertrain and various other components that help save fuel and make Mazda a better driving machine. From a chassis and suspension perspective, the automaker’s engineers have attempted to add as much MX-5 Miata-type sporty behavior as possible, combined with highly efficient engines and transmissions. The base powerplant consists of a high-compression 2.0L four-cylinder that, due to its unique design, can run on low-grade 87-octane fuel. Output is rated at 155 hp and 150 pound-feet of torque. Fuel consumption is pegged at 26/35 mpg city/highway for front-wheel-drive, manual-transmission models, or 26/32 with the optional sixspeed automatic. To stop complaints about its lack of verve, Mazda has added an optional 2.5L
four-cylinder for 2014. It has 184 horses and 185 pound-feet of torque. It doesn’t penalize much at the pump either, being rated only 1 mpg worse than the 2.0. Both sets of numbers beat league-leaders Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. Mazda hasn’t scrimped loading up even the most basic CX-5 Sport model. For $21,500, you get the usual air
conditioning and power-operated items, along with cruise control and push-button start. Moving up to the Touring gets you Bluetooth audio/communications connectivity, upgraded seats, color display monitor, steering-wheel-mounted controls and a blind-spot warning system. The Grand Touring adds a moon roof, leather seat covers (heated in front),
power-adjustable driver’s seat and dualzone climate control. Also new for the 2014 model year is active smart braking technology, which can see stopped cars in front and slow the vehicle before a collision. ●
Specs Type: Four-door compact tall wagon
Mazda2: Razor sharp
Engine: 2.0L DOHC I4 (155 hp)
Engine: 1.5L DOHC I4 (100 hp)
Layout: Front-engine, front-/ all-wheel drive
Type: Four-door hatchback
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive Transmissions: Five-speed manual; four-speed automatic MPG (city/hwy): 29/35 (manual) Safety: Front, side-impact, sidecurtain airbags; antilock brakes; traction and stability control
Optional engine: 2.5L DOHC I4 (184 hp)
Transmissions: Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic Mileage (city/hwy): 26/35 (FWD, MT) Safety: Front and side-impact airbags; antilock brakes; stability and traction control