Mazda CX-5 Quickness VS Mazda 2010 3S

I'm not sure what Gova meant, but the CX-5, along with most cars today do have drive by wire systems. My 2001 Corvette and 2009 Honda Civic had them, and I never once had an issue with it. Here's a pic of the electronically controlled throttle plate on my CX-5.
It may not even have a throttle plate. That could be mass air sensor. I know the Civic has zero vaccuum in intake and uses valve timing for idle.
 
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Howdy Skorpio,

Uh Oh, my ignorance showed up !!!

I know that most things these days
probably have that but like I'd written
before My Wife 3S really has such a good
feel on the road and hoping the CX-5 will be the same.

Thanks so much for all the info and help !!!

Take Care,

CK

Yes, your wife's 3S has the same drive by wire setup.

I just went from the 2013 2.0 CX5 auto to a 2015 2.5 CX5 auto and it is a different car.

The 2015 model has a trans kickdown switch at the end of the gas pedals travel.(yes) I will be using the Manual Shift Mode less now because of the kickdown switch.

I would LOVE a set of Paddle Shifters, and I also would like the edition of a MODE button that would allow for SPORT, NORMAL, and ECONO modes. Changing parameters for the trans shifting, throttle response, fuel mapping, steering ratio, etc.(drive)
 
It may not even have a throttle plate. That could be mass air sensor. I know the Civic has zero vaccuum in intake and uses valve timing for idle.
The silver round thing on the left with a round motor with an electric wire coming off it is definitely the DBW throttle body assembly. And it definitely has a separate mass air sensor, it's the black tube on the right side in the pic. Now you have my interest piqued. If the weather is good tomorrow, I'll disassemble the intake, find out, and report back if there is a butterfly valve in the throttle body. I'm sure it does have one, that's what that electric motor controls.
 
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No worries CK, these forums are for learning. You're doing something wrong if you're not learning something new everyday. The only true way to tell if the CX-5 drives like your 3S is to test drive and compare. Driving dynamics are subjective to every person. Good luck!
Btw, I like your avatar ;)

Howdy Skorpio,

LOL< Thanks, can you imagine the Questions I'll have once I get mine !!!!

It's always amazed me how much information and all the things that
are out there on these forums. In the old days all that knowledge
was locked up in individual Shops. It's wonderful that folks share
so much of their knowledge and experiences, good or bad.

Take Care,

CK
 
Howdy Skorpio,

LOL< Thanks, can you imagine the Questions I'll have once I get mine !!!!

It's always amazed me how much information and all the things that
are out there on these forums. In the old days all that knowledge
was locked up in individual Shops. It's wonderful that folks share
so much of their knowledge and experiences, good or bad.

Take Care,

CK

You're absolutely right. And I, as a former technician and service manager, am one of those individuals that has some knowledge that used to be "locked" away. But, now that I'm out of the business, I am happy to share my information to others. And it's good karma, too ;)
 
Yes, your wife's 3S has the same drive by wire setup.

I just went from the 2013 2.0 CX5 auto to a 2015 2.5 CX5 auto and it is a different car.

The 2015 model has a trans kickdown switch at the end of the gas pedals travel.(yes) I will be using the Manual Shift Mode less now because of the kickdown switch.

I would LOVE a set of Paddle Shifters, and I also would like the edition of a MODE button that would allow for SPORT, NORMAL, and ECONO modes. Changing parameters for the trans shifting, throttle response, fuel mapping, steering ratio, etc.(drive)

Howdy MazdaDude,

That's great to know, as I really like how quick and agile
the 3S is. Also, from what I've seen it's basically the same
length as the 3S, so that will be a great size, especially
coming from a lumbering Ford 150 !!!

Looks like you've been a Loyal Mazda Owner !!!

I sure agree about all the additional features that would/should
be included especially on the Top of the Line model.

Take Care,

CK
 
You're absolutely right. And I, as a former technician and service manager, am one of those individuals that has some knowledge that used to be "locked" away. But, now that I'm out of the business, I am happy to share my information to others. And it's good karma, too ;)

Howdy Skorpio,

That's exactly what I mean, the amount of knowledge and help is amazing
these days. I for one have been so grateful for all the help and tutoring
over the years and looks like in the years to come.
 
The Skyactiv motors all have a throttle plate on that DBW unit. I know because I've taken mine apart to clean them. I've owned the Skyactiv 2.0 and now have a CX5 with the 2.5 and a 2012 Mazda 5 with the previous gen 2.5. The throttle response with the previous gen 2.5 is definitely more sensitive to inputs and the 5 speed automatic is more willing to downshift. Even though the Mazda 5 weighs about 500 lbs more than the 3, the older 2.5 makes my 5 scoot pretty good from 0-40 mph. My Mazda 5 also weighs about 125 lbs more than my CX5 Touring. The TBW in the CX5 does take some getting used to but once you've learned how to control it with your right foot you can pretty much make it downshift at will. Push it down slowly and it won't downshift. Give it a quick jab, even if it's just a small one, and it downshifts quickly. It's also fun to take control of the trans with the manual feature on the shifter. I use it a lot in rush hour traffic to hold gears for engine braking so I hardly have to use the brakes.

The CX5's only downfall in my eyes is that its loud inside the cabin during freeway driving. I perceive it as louder inside than even my 5 because of the copious amounts of wind noise. If you don't know, the Mazda 5 is a Mazda 3 that has sliding doors and the previous generation non Skyactiv 2.5. It also rides better, handles better, and fits more cargo than my CX5 does. I only paid $17,775 for a brand new Sport and my CX5 was 24,600. To be fair though the CX5 fits my tall frame better with more leg room and the higher ground clearance for me is a plus. If your just looking for a fun vehicle to drive that can haul some stuff, the Mazda 5 is a better deal. I would recommend you test drive one. The gas mileage is also pretty good too and gets over 31 mpg with mostly freeway driving.
 
The Skyactiv motors all have a throttle plate on that DBW unit. I know because I've taken mine apart to clean them. I've owned the Skyactiv 2.0 and now have a CX5 with the 2.5 and a 2012 Mazda 5 with the previous gen 2.5. The throttle response with the previous gen 2.5 is definitely more sensitive to inputs and the 5 speed automatic is more willing to downshift. Even though the Mazda 5 weighs about 500 lbs more than the 3, the older 2.5 makes my 5 scoot pretty good from 0-40 mph. My Mazda 5 also weighs about 125 lbs more than my CX5 Touring. The TBW in the CX5 does take some getting used to but once you've learned how to control it with your right foot you can pretty much make it downshift at will. Push it down slowly and it won't downshift. Give it a quick jab, even if it's just a small one, and it downshifts quickly. It's also fun to take control of the trans with the manual feature on the shifter. I use it a lot in rush hour traffic to hold gears for engine braking so I hardly have to use the brakes.

The CX5's only downfall in my eyes is that its loud inside the cabin during freeway driving. I perceive it as louder inside than even my 5 because of the copious amounts of wind noise. If you don't know, the Mazda 5 is a Mazda 3 that has sliding doors and the previous generation non Skyactiv 2.5. It also rides better, handles better, and fits more cargo than my CX5 does. I only paid $17,775 for a brand new Sport and my CX5 was 24,600. To be fair though the CX5 fits my tall frame better with more leg room and the higher ground clearance for me is a plus. If your just looking for a fun vehicle to drive that can haul some stuff, the Mazda 5 is a better deal. I would recommend you test drive one. The gas mileage is also pretty good too and gets over 31 mpg with mostly freeway driving.

Howdy V8,

Thanks so very much for all the info. I have to say, I've read a lot of your
posts about the 5, and have put it into my list for consideration.

I'm 6'2, and have a somewhat bad back, so the CX-5 would certainly make
that a more serious contender. Saying that, it's still interesting about the
5 (crazy)

Good to know more about the shifting, I can sure see why some folks
are having second thoughts that it's not quick if they don't know
how the shift points work.

Thanks Again, Take Care,

CK
 
I really romped on the first demo CX-5 I test drove so definitely can see it's potential doing a full throttle merge next to the big Boeing building. The second test drive & purchasing ride was more or less a "Driving Miss Daisy" experience as the wife drove. I think mine had like 8 miles on it so felt good it will have a more or less mild break in.
 
It sounds to me like you're looking in all the right places and doing your research Panther. If you have any specific questions about either vehicle please feel free to ask. As I've said I do own both so I can easily compare the two. Both are very fine vehicles to drive.
 
It sounds to me like you're looking in all the right places and doing your research Panther. If you have any specific questions about either vehicle please feel free to ask. As I've said I do own both so I can easily compare the two. Both are very fine vehicles to drive.

Howdy V8,

Thanks so very much, that's one thing I'm good at, is asking questions(yes)(yes)(yes)

Take Care,

CK
 
I really romped on the first demo CX-5 I test drove so definitely can see it's potential doing a full throttle merge next to the big Boeing building. The second test drive & purchasing ride was more or less a "Driving Miss Daisy" experience as the wife drove. I think mine had like 8 miles on it so felt good it will have a more or less mild break in.

Morning Kedis,

Had to laugh, glad to hear about your Test Drive, and it's
responsiveness !!!

I could sure see my Wife doing the Driving Miss Daisy Style!!!
of test drive.

Thanks again for the Info, Take Care,

CK
 
I'm curious about other people's experience with purchasing their CX-5 and getting some info about the kick down button and throttle response. In my case, it never came up. Given the centrality of this feature to the driving experience, I would think Mazda would want to make sure everyone was very clear about how this worked? Or maybe they figure enthusiasts will figure it out and everyone else will be happy with with modest acceleration and better gas mileage? Or maybe I just had a low info dealership?

Even on these boards there seems to be a lot of confusion/ignorance about how you can use the pedal to change the driving experience, with people complaining about sluggish performance who clearly have never tried punching it, or exploring where the downshifts happen in relationship to the throttle position.

At this point, using the throttle mapping and punch down and getting a sense of how those interact with the transmission programming have really enhanced the drivability of the car for me; it gives me the option to emphasize fuel economy or performance without messing with the manual mode. I think it's a pretty clever bit of engineering it seems like a shame if Mazda isn't doing enough to let its customers know how it works.
 
I'm curious about other people's experience with purchasing their CX-5 and getting some info about the kick down button and throttle response. In my case, it never came up. Given the centrality of this feature to the driving experience, I would think Mazda would want to make sure everyone was very clear about how this worked? Or maybe they figure enthusiasts will figure it out and everyone else will be happy with with modest acceleration and better gas mileage?

All of this stuff is written in the owners manual. It makes me think that these people don't read the owners manual to their $25,000 machine and just come on the forums and complain out of ignorance. We get basic questions all the time that is addressed plain and clear right in the owners manual like engine break in period.
 
Nevertheless, given that many people aren't going to read the owner's manual (I know, but it's just how it is), I would have thought it would be in Mazda's best interests to go over something as important as throttle response (especially since the CX-5 features an unusual setup) at the point of sale. I got the impression that the sales guy at my dealership (chill as he may have been) had no idea.

I guess dealership bone ignorance isn't much of a surprise, but seriously the throttle setup on the CX-5 is a cool feature and should be broadly touted beyond "look it up."
 
We get basic questions all the time that is addressed plain and clear right in the owners manual like engine break in period.


I usually try to go through my manual a couple times. Twisted to some I can get immersed in the technical documentation of the FSM. I'll probably start going through that in the next week or so.
 

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