Source: veamason
I have always had a thing for dark blue cars. I wanted a navy sedan years ago and ended up with desert sand beige. The Deep Crystal Blue on a Mazda CX-5 is a beautiful thing. Much like the Soul Red 2014 version I reviewed last year , the Mazda colors have depth and the sleek lines on the car stand out making the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring with AWD an attractive small crossover SUV.
Source: MazdaUSA
How has the Mazda CX-5 changed in the year since I drove it last? Well, it is still versatile. It still has great fuel economy (24/30 mpg). It is still more fun to drive than you might think. I know the idea of a 5-passenger crossover being a joy to drive was lost on me the first time, but I was happy to have it for a week again this fall. It really has that Mazda “zoom, zoom”. The Grand Touring version that I tested (Sport and Touring also available) has leather seats, satellite radio with a navigation system, adaptive xenon headlights that add a modern touch and automatic climate control. The seat warmers came in handy on our first cold days too. The only change is from last year to this year is the option for keyless entry is now standard with the Grand Touring and Touring package.
The car is more sporty and economical than refined, an accomplishment that doesn’t always transfer in a family-friendly vehicle. No kids, and you still want to drive it. The second row folds down in a 40/20/40 split to accommodate more storage, if needed. But it already holds a weeks worth of groceries, a thrift store and hardware store run without having to juggle space. I was impressed.
That’s all good stuff, but what makes it fun to drive? First, it is the sport factor. It looks it on the outside and it drives it too. The acceleration was weaker than I would like or think this car would possess, but when it takes off it is swift. Even better, and this is a particular driving love for me, is that it handles corners and curves with such ease, credibility and smoothness you just want to keep testing it on angles, corners and tight squeezes. Donuts would be real fun in the Mazda CX-5. The steering is tight and precise adding to the fun factor.
Source: MazdaUSA
Source: MazdaUSA
Starting at $21,545 for the Sport option and $27,970 for the Grand Touring the Mazda CX-5 proves yet again that it is a great crossover SUV for the money and it doesn’t compromise on style or fun.
*Disclosure: Cars provided by STI Drive. Opinions are TMC’s only.
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