For your $21,460 ($20,695 + destination) you get a Sport trim CX-5 which, unfortunately, is the only one available with the 6-speed manual transmission. Besides the shift-it-yourself gearbox you get 17-inch alloys, DRLs, power mirrors, automatic headlight shutoff, cloth interior, cruise control, a four-speaker stereo with AUX and USB inputs (take that, Mazda 3) and the 2.0-liter, 155-horsepower Skyactive four-cylinder motor powering the front wheels.
This package seems like a good deal, but then things get unfortunate (for enthusiasts)...
To get Mazda's active torque-split all-wheel-drive you have to ditch the manual and add the six-speed SKYACTIVE-Drive automatic. The autobox version starts at 22,890 for FWD, the AWD version jumps it up to $24,140. Remember, though, this is still the base model and adding Bluetooth (along with a 5.8-inch in-dash touchscreen and HD Radio) is another $400.
This Bluetooth package is standard on the Touring model as are fog lamps, better cloth on the seats (the driver seat is now powered), a rear-view camera, six-speaker stereo, leather-wrapped wheel and shifter, blind spot monitoring and a rear armrest. This one'll cost you $24,690 for a front driver and $25,940 for the all-wheel-drive model.
At the top of the CX-5 lineup is the Grand Touring. This trim lumps together 19-inch wheels, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, moonroof, leather seats (heated up front, 8-way power driver), dual-zone climate control, Bose Centerpoint surround sound and satellite radio. This trim starts at $27,840 for FWD and $29,090 for the AWD version.
All prices include $795 delivery/destination fee.
We know full well that it will sell all of 17 units, but we can't help but think that a CX-5 Touring with AWD and a six-speed manual would make a great GTI replacement for those of us who have suddenly found ourselves with responsibilities.
dylanmitchel says:
11:15 AM, 02/ 6/12
The CX-5 Touring with AWD and a six-speed manual would be an excellent choice for those coming from a 3 or 6 who need more room or all weather capability. The CX-5 is a great choice alternative to a RAV4 or CRV for enthusiasts. It's also promises much better reliablity than the Tiguan.
7driver says:
11:16 AM, 02/ 6/12
"but we can't help but think that a CX-5 Touring with AWD and a six-speed manual would make a great GTI replacement for those of us who have suddenly found ourselves with responsibilities. "
Except that the poor Mazda is down about 50 hp/torque and up around 200lbs.
boobylortez says:
11:23 AM, 02/ 6/12
Maybe if you never need to tow anything. The 2013 Escape with the 2.0T can tow 3,500 lbs. Otherwise, I like the Mazda OK.
ctpaul says:
11:29 AM, 02/ 6/12
Are the Mazda and the Ford Escape now totally unrelelated? I know the old Mazda (Tribute?) was an Escape clone, but is the new one a totally standalone model from Mazda or is it related to the Ford underneath? It looks vaguely like the new Escape, but many of the SUVs in this class look similar.
boobylortez says:
11:34 AM, 02/ 6/12
From what I understand, the CX-5 and upcoming Escape share nothing. I was only making the comparison because they're class competitors.
stovt001 says:
11:51 AM, 02/ 6/12
Well there isn't much on the upper trim levels I'd want to spend my money on anyway, so the sport with the manual seems like a fine deal to me.
I'm not sure why you'd need to go from a GTI to this if you have "responsibilities". The GTI is a perfectly mature car, and being a hatch and available with 4 doors makes it pretty practical. In fact, since I'll have a new responsibility in the form of my first kid in 6 months, the GTI is one of the leading contenders to replace my Miata.
aufngr says:
11:58 AM, 02/ 6/12
I was so excited and dared to hope that I would be able to replace my trusty manual transmission 2004 Vibe and get a CX-5 with some nice options. I wasn't even holding out for AWD...maybe just fog lights and a sunroof. But nope. So now another car I would love to consider, but won't unless they make the manual available with more options (like Ford is doing with the new Focus Titanium).
hondacura4 says:
12:37 PM, 02/ 6/12
I assume tow ratings are important to some but I really dont think that's a deal breaker for the majority of consumers who are are looking to purchase an entry level compact CUV.
blueguydotcom says:
12:39 PM, 02/ 6/12
@stovt - GTI will work fine for that. And it'll be way more fun to drive than the Mazda mini-ute.
aufngr says:
01:08 PM, 02/ 6/12
I was so excited and dared to hope that I would be able to replace my trusty manual transmission 2004 Vibe and get a CX-5 with some nice options. I wasn't even holding out for AWD...maybe just fog lights and a sunroof. But nope. So now another car I would love to consider, but won't unless they make the manual available with more options (like Ford is doing with the new Focus Titanium).
billt9 says:
03:16 PM, 02/ 6/12
Do manual drivers really want base models? Manual should only come with top trim Grand Touring, like Infiniti does G37.
ed124c says:
03:55 PM, 02/ 6/12
@billt9: I agree. The manufacturers are doing it upside down, as if they don't want to offer a stick. And so they relegate it to the lowest trim level where MOST PEOPLE WILL NOT WANT IT.
It makes me furious sometimes, especially when I go to the so-called zoom-zoom store. I need to stop going to Mazda showrooms, because it just makes me angry.
You can only get a stick with a sunroof on the Mazda3 S with the 2.5 engine. That is the only Mazda that offers this combo. So much for zoom-zoom.
Try to get a stick with AWD. After a lot of searching, I have come to the conclusion that there is only one store that offers this at a reasonable price, and that is Subaru, which offers AWD, manual transmission, and sunroof on every car except the Tribeca. Yep, Impreza, Forester, Legacy, and Outback all can be equipped with a stick and sunroof. And all but the Impreza throw in 8 to 10 way power seats. There is a dark side to this, of course, there always is at this price level. These four cars have one or all of the following: Lousy shifter, slow as hell, bad gas mileage.
This is one of the reasons I have been going nuts trying to get what I want in a new car. I have decided that I will either need to compromise or put some money into the old Outback.
hank39 says:
06:36 AM, 02/ 7/12
@boobylortez: I can see some resemblance between the 2013 Escape and CX-5. Maybe they're still sharing something?
blueguydotcom says:
07:17 AM, 02/ 7/12
@ed and Bill - amen. The manus are missing why people buy a manual car. This isn't a cheapness thing - it's a feature to many of us, like how some people pay extra for navi. BMW is charging the same for manuals and autos. That certainly means most manuals will be custom ordered but at least they're recognizing some of us desire a car that way. Ditto infinti's G37 Sport.
Mazda, for a zoom-zoom company, is missing their loyal customers by not offering the manual as an option. I suspect at even 1k extra they'd get some takers.
scottyscooter says:
07:52 AM, 02/ 7/12
Subaru has also beginning to go down the path of treating the manual transmission like an undesirable piece of crap that people only have because they desperately can’t afford an automatic. Transmission used to always be an option with any trim level of Subaru, so you could get one of their cars completely loaded and just opt to stick with the manual because of preference. That was one thing that I really loved about Subaru and is part of the reason why I consecutively owned 3 of their vehicles. Now days, the automatic becomes standard in anything but the lowest trim levels.
Look at the new Forester as an example. You can’t even get that car with leather seats if you want a manual! You can’t get the turbocharged engine with a manual either. Subaru has obviously accepted the perception that if someone can afford options or a more powerful engine then it’s a given that they wouldn’t be interested in anything other than having their “clearly more desirable” 4 speed automatic do all the shifting for them…
duck87 says:
09:25 AM, 02/ 7/12
The main concern I have is that the skyactiv engine is kind of underpowered for this application, at least on paper. Honestly, I'm not sure why AWD would even be on the radar list for enthusiasts, especially if it adds weight and complexity without really helping handling except in really inclement weather.
Other thing: why is the automatic tranny such an expensive option?
wheelmccoy says:
02:50 PM, 02/ 7/12
@duck87 - the automatic tranny is expensive probably because it rev matches on down-shifts and also has a new torque converter that locks up into the drive 90% of the time. Well, that's what the PR says!
Anyway, the net result is a transmission that is smooth, very responsive. and gets good fuel economy.
It's an interesting CUV and I hope Edmunds gets one for their long term fleet!
billt9 says:
10:46 PM, 02/ 7/12
duck87,
The SkyActiv-Drive auto tranny is what they're advertising as the combination of the best of CVT + DCT attributes.
http://www.mazda.com/mazdaspirit/skyactiv/transmission/skyactiv-drive.html
Must charge premium for premium advertisement! The sky color costs extra!
Don't worry about this low powered car aimed to combat compact car buyers.
Surely the next CX-7 will get a racy engine.
x_defector says:
09:01 AM, 02/ 9/12
I'm definitely a fan of Mazda and the CX-5 in particular; in fact its on my radar in a big way. Or, well, it was. No Skyactiv-D (diesel) with AWD and manual transmission - no sale. I'm still hoping it happens though.