2011 L.A. Auto Show: 2013 Mazda CX-5 To Hit 60 in 8.6 Seconds, Plus Cameo by Patrick Dempsey

Few people called it slow/weak.

What most people did was critique the lack of availability of the stick on anything but the most basic variant.

Why not ask them if they plan to offer the stick with any actual features? And if not, why not? If it's going to be a price-leader/stipper only then there's little point. (Then later they'll use it as an excuse to cancel the stick altogether: "Well, no one wanted it!" ... No... no one wants it with no other features available.)

You're still there and posting this close to live... so seriously... go ask. Thanks.

You forgot the Forester XT. 0-60 in 6.8. That's 2 seconds quicker to 60 than this, albeit with a 19/24 EPA rating.

I like the styling. The stupid smile is gone!

And is that a single pod IP? Oh how happy is my heart.

My mistake, 1.8 seconds quicker.

About an hour a head of you on that one. I did indeed talk to Mazda PR officials about it today. The manual gearbox is only on the front-drive CX-5 for exactly the reason you're thinking: It's an excellent transmission (I've sampled it a couple times now), but no one's going to buy it. Offering a stick even on the front-drive model is as much about promoting the Mazda image as anything else.

And I'd guess that a few months after the initial launch, finding even those manual-shift front-drivers is going to be tough. Just try finding a manual-shift Mazda 5 if you get my drift.

Is it a damn shame that no one buys manuals? Absolutely. But it's hard to get too upset at a smaller automaker like Mazda for not offering a drivetrain combination that not many people want. The best thing we can all do is to buy cars (Mazdas, whatever) with a manual gearbox whenever possible.

Yeah, I forgot the Forester, but it sticks you with a four-speed autobox, so can you blame me?

Erin, you constantly prove that you're the best part of what InsideLine has to offer. Asking the real questions and getting the answers.

Your points are fair/decent.

But I still think Mazda would be wise to at least expand stick availabilty on FWD models with addtional features. It doesn't cost any more re: certification (like it would with other engine/powertrain combos -- certifying the stick/AWD would cost real money at the EPA level). It makes the build process slightly more complex, but not really since other countries get the stick available across the line. So you ship a few sunroof/Bose/leather models to the US. I don't think people will ignore the sticks because they don't want them. I think no one will buy them because prospective buyers won't be happy when they see you can't get anything with it. It'll go on to be an unproven theory though because Mazda won't even give us the chance to speak up with dollars (I've emailed them about the 3 Skyactiv 5-door manual already -- I got the polite 'pat on the head' response that will result in no action).

And that's the other thing: you make a fair point about buying them as much as possible when available. I do agree and I do just that. But I'd counter there's no good reason to buy an under-equipped car which is what they're then offering. Yes, then it's a mix of needs/wants and assessing what matters. Something they'll force people to do now. And the stick will lose. Or I'll be in the garage cuting holes in my new Mazda's roofs and wiring in better audio pakages. :P

Thanks for the follow up and keep up the good work!

Hi Erin, hope you're having a good time at the show!

A question and a request:

I see rings around the gauges inside the IP pod. Are those deep pods or just shallow rings?

If you talk to more Mazda people, tell them they have at least one taker for the MT. Mrs Stovt001 says that's debatable, but it really isn't. Just ask her about the decision to buy the Miata.

If there's still time, find out if the manny tranny will be relegated to a stripper trim, or can you option it up sans AWD.

I think the only small CUV that has a manual with nice options is the new Impreza 5 door. And the Impreza has AWD standard. Actually, the CX-5 looks like a clone of the new Impreza.

I don't see this as a competitor with the Rav4 and CR-V. The CX-5 seems to be a smaller vehicle than those two, more along the size of the Tucson and Sportage, with base power that not quite matches them.

Say goodbye to the manual transmission.
They don't sell.

This'll be my next car. In stripper trim with a manual transmission. The only options I need are A/C and a cd player...

"I don't see this as a competitor with the Rav4 and CR-V. The CX-5 seems to be a smaller vehicle than those two, more along the size of the Tucson and Sportage, with base power that not quite matches them."

Comparing to the 2011 CR-V (LX/SE 4WD):

CX-5
Length: -0.6"
Width: +0.8"
Height: -0.4"
Wheelbase: +3.2"
Weight: -77 lbs

Horsepower: -25 hp
Torque: -11 ft-lb
0-60: -1.3s

EPA City: +4 mpg
EPA Hwy: +3 mpg

Though the 2012 CR-V cuts that down to just +3/+0.

Clean and simple, just don't know about those Toyo tires though, needs a better brand.

The plastic used in the greenhouse (door pillars and the curved piece at the rear glass) looks terrible. If your going for a blacked out look, use shiny black plastic, not matte charcoal plastic. This complaint is not unique to this car, but this is a particularly bad example, unless the lighting in these photos is making it look worse than it is. I hope that's the case, as this is something I could see on my shopping list in the near future.

I'll try to check this out tomorrow, Tyler.

I find it funny that Hyundai engineers are trying to figure out how the CX-5 ticks. Nice looking car. Interior looks sportier than previous Mazda's. More BMW. I for one am really excited about this new direction by the Zoom-Zoom company. Can't wait to see it in the flesh.

I'd like to see a comparsion test between the new Escape and the Mazda CX-5 now that Ford and Mazda have parted ways to see which one is best and gets better mileage since they no longer use the same platform.

You also forgot Mazda's own CX-7 turbo. What's your excuse for THAT lol.

Maybe you meant "fastest non turbo four cylinder little crossover thing"....which is a notable achievement in itself

-Rod

Guys this is a small SUV that your wife is going to drive. Who really cares about the Manual. If you want your stick shift then get the WRX, GTI or the 328i.

CRV - ugly styling, reliable and good mileage
RAV4 - totally boring but bulletproof reliability
CX-5 - sporty and tasteful styling, best handling, great fuel economy, The Japanese BMW small SUV.

Paul

elhs1986 says:
"Guys this is a small SUV that your wife is going to drive. Who really cares about the Manual. If you want your stick shift then get the WRX, GTI or the 328i."

No, this is a small suv I'll drive. It has plenty of sport for me, and it'll be easier to take the dog to and fro, pick up fertilizer, and carry my mountain bike effectively and easily. I know the cars you mentioned can do the same, but this can do it easier and cheaper.

all the "guy" cars you mentioned are 25K +/- 5k. This will be had in stripper form for about 20K...

Yeah- this car is great for average guys with active lifestyles. It can hold your bike/camping/skiing/kayak gear, get get mileage on road trips, and handle the backroad corners you'll be on just fine. It just needs a turbo so you can pass the slow pokes going up hill on two-lane mountain roads.

Acceleration is better than I expected. Is it a gearing trip? Huge gap between 3rd and 4th? 4000rpm on the freeway?

In a car I want a stick but in a SUV or crossover especially one this slow I don't really want a stick ( I get it its fastest in its class but its not exactly what I would call gaining speed in a hurry) if you want a manual transmission with lots of features I think your only options right now are Subaru and Ford.