2014 Mazda CX-5 GT Review

25% more, 100% better

By Mathieu St-Pierre

It's amazing to think that a relatively little thing can make such a huge difference. By increasing the 4-cylinder's displacement by 0.5L, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 has been transformed.

And absolutely for the better. The 2014 Mazda CX-5 has, in one swift move, put aside all my misgivings that came to light after my test drive of a 2013 CX-5 last year. So good is the work done by Mazda on the 2014 that the CX-5 hoisted itself near the top of my list of favorite compact crossovers alongside the Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Almost overnight, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 became powerful and pleasant to go along with its already good looks. Mazda has done a stellar job.

What is a Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 is a most compact crossover that brings the typical Mazda sporty flair to the table. The recipe is so successful that the roads are covered with CX-5s.

The CX-5's five-passenger capacities make it an ideal runabout for small families that consider right-sizing an important aspect. The CX-7, which it replaces, did well but clearly the CX-5 packaging makes it all the more attractive and now far more competitive.

Technicalities

SKYACTIV: You may have heard of it. It is what defines all of the latest products from the Hiroshima, Japan-based company. The CX-5 was the first to be endowed with the combination of super-efficient and lightweight components that sum up what SKYACTIV brings to the table.

The base engine is a 155 hp 2.0L. The new-for-2014 is a 2.5L 4-cylinder good for 184 hp. Torque numbers are the ones that speak volumes as they jumped to 185 lb-ft from 150.

Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is a frontal collision avoidance system that functions at low speeds such as in the city or traffic. It uses laser sensors that detect an obstacle or vehicle ahead and, should the driver fail to attempt obstacle avoidance, SCBS will automatically prime the brakes or, to the extreme, apply the brakes and reduce engine output.

Driving the Mazda CX-5

A whole new world opened up to me when I left the office with my 2014 Mazda CX-5. From the onset, I've always liked the CX-5, but had a small issue with the limited power available from the 2.0L. For most, it was adequate but the extra grunt from the 2.5L proves to me that a little more power is a whole lot better.

The transmission is especially good and deserves its own paragraph. At low speeds, it upshifts expertly swiftly. Under hard acceleration, the box is equally at home swapping cogs and keeps up nicely with the 2.5L. The manual mode is also very good.
From a ride stand point, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 fairs better than the 2013. For some reason, the SUV's suspension is far more relaxed than the 2013's. The CX-5 continues to handle impressively well, however, without the harness and plain discomfort I experienced last year.

Steering remains precise without being especially crisp, and I really do enjoy the strong and positive feel delivered by the four-wheel disc brakes.

Inside and out of the Mazda CX-5

The 2014 Mazda CX-5 is a Mazda through and through. The shell's shape in modern, sharp and dynamic: the perfect combination to attract the widest possible clientele. The standard 17" alloys fare well, although the GT's 19" wheels take it all up a notch.

The cabin is well appointed, generally speaking. Fit and finish are quite good and the materials (soft- and hard-touch) blend well into each other. My only gripe here is the variety of display colors and fonts from the gauges touch screen and HVAC controls. There's a lack of continuity that Mazda should address in time.

The seats up front provide the proper amount of support where needed and the rear bench is fine for two adults. The boot is surprisingly deep and capable, perfect for a stroller and some day-bags.

Comparing the Mazda CX-5

The 2014 Mazda CX-5 can now be favorably compared with every other member of its segment, namely the Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape, and Toyota RAV4.

Its price range is also spot on with its most direct competition.

Hino Trucks Expands Cab-Over Product Offering

During the NTEA Work Truck Show, Hino Trucks displayed their new Class 5 COE model 195 Double Cab. Less than a year after introducing the cab-over model 195 into the market, the new double cab option for the 2014 model year will arrive at Hino dealers June 2013and is offered in both a diesel model 195DC and diesel-electric hybrid model 195h-DC.

Designed on a 19,500 lb. GVW chassis to provide class-leading payload capability, the four-door, six person double cab is redefining driver comfort with its optional magnetic suspension seat in a cab designed to accommodate drivers up to 6'6" tall. Powered by Hino's award winning 5-liter engine rated at 210 hp with 440 lbs ft of torque, it is mated with Aisin's A465, 6-speed automatic transmission for efficient and reliable performance.

Hino Trucks diesel-electric hybrid model 195h recently took home ATD's 2013 Medium Duty Commercial Truck of the Year award. "Since the introduction of Hino's model into the market last year, we have seen tremendous acceptance of our 6^th generation hybrid system," said Glenn Ellis, Vice President of Marketing and Dealer Operations for Hino Trucks. "The COE 195 Double Cab is an exciting addition to Hino's expanding product line and a perfect fit for a wide range of applications such as landscape, towing, moving, storage and construction. With a variety of cab options and chassis configurations, Hino's cab-over is the practical choice for the urban operator and his team."

The new Hino 195 Double Cab also meets current EPA2010 emission regulations by utilizing a selective catalytic reduction system. All Hino cab-over models are offered with a 3-year HinoWatch roadside assistance and 5 year/175,000 mile engine and transmission warranty.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. introduced its new 2014 model-year FUSO Canter FE and FG Series commercial medium-duty trucks during the recent NTEA Work Truck Show. All-new options include a Clarion Bluetooth radio, a longer, 169.3 inch wheelbase for the Class 3 Canter FE125, and a side-mounted fuel tank.

According to the company, the longer wheelbase for the Canter FE125 model will allow the application of bodies up to 20 feet long in a truck that has a GVWR of 12,500 lb. and a body/payload capacity of 7,095 lb. suited for high-bulking applications like furniture delivery.

The optional side-mounted fuel tank can replace the standard rear, in-frame tank on any 2014 FE model with a wheelbase of 133.9 inches or longer, for delivery trucks that require tuckunder liftgates or for rollback or stinger type auto recovery applications.