Auto sport mode and general performance.

[CX-5 Rat]

What Mazda did incorporate into the CX-5 is the most advanced auto tranny in this class of affordable compact SUV's.

True. When you look at all the details, it's quite impressive, and in this particular case, the purpose is to get as much as possible from every drop of fuel in the tank.

Whether by design or not, the Cx5 is a dog. Not the car to buy if you want straight line performance.

It's most certainly by design, and you're absolutely correct. If you're looking for a fast SUV/CUV, you should be looking elsewhere. If you're looking for a fun to drive economical ute, this is it.

 

[mclark999]

It's most certainly by design, and you're absolutely correct. If you're looking for a fast SUV/CUV, you should be looking elsewhere. If you're looking for a fun to drive economical ute, this is it.

When I first moved to Colorado, I thought I wanted a big, powerful, off road worthy suv. But after driving the CX-5, I was won over by the fun to drive factor, fuel economy, and styling. I'd still like a sport mode for the automatic.

 

[CX-5 Rat]

When I first moved to Colorado, I thought I wanted a big, powerful, off road worthy suv. But after driving the CX-5, I was won over by the fun to drive factor, fuel economy, and styling. I'd still like a sport mode for the automatic.

But there is a sport mode already. When you have the shift lever in "D", flip it to the left and row the gears on your own.

 

[CX-SV]

But there is a sport mode already. When you have the shift lever in "D", flip it to the left and row the gears on your own.

That's how I see it after 4000 miles of driving the CX-5. It's the best manual mode of any SUV in this class, complete with rev-matching downshifts (very sporty).

 

[CX-5 Rat]

That's how I see it after 4000 miles of driving the CX-5. It's the best manual mode of any SUV in this class, complete with rev-matching downshifts (very sporty).

My car has a sequential (single clutch) gearbox and it's a hoot to drive. Being a purist of sorts, never thought I'd ever say that. I can relate to the CX-5 transmission. Downshifts are a blast. Add some paddle shifters and it would be fabulous in the twisties.

 

[Velodog2]

I've always owned manual transmissions and am good at driving them but damn I am having trouble getting the hang of the manual mode in this thing! But I want quicker response to my 'go faster' command so I will keep trying.

 

[miki69]

here is the image of SKYACTIV-Drive vs. DSG shifting times.

Cheers,
Miki

 

[cburrell]

I was reading this thread and couldn't help but comment. I own a 2012 Mazda 3 2.0L skyactiv and a 2010 Mazda 5 with the 2.3L MZR motor. I drive both of them exclusively in manual mode. The 3's 2.0L skyactiv-g engine does have more power in the 3 than in the cx-5 seeing how the the curb weight for the 3 is 2874lb vs 3300lb for the cx-5. That is a 424lb difference. The thing is Mazda did the very same thing with the 5. They put the 2.3L MZR motor in the 5 and a lot of people complained that the motor seems under powered. I testify from driving the 5 on a regular basis, that it isn't so much that the engine is under powered, but that there isn't any room for extra power, when paired with the auto-tranny's computer that tries to always find the highest gear possible to conserve gas. I test drove the cx-5 and can say that the 3 does have more headroom in the power area because of the weight difference. Manual mode does help overcome the auto-tranny's computer. Just for a test, at the next red light you come to, start out driving in auto and then when you hit 30 or 40 mph's, flip it into manual mode and see what gear the computer has the vehicle is in. I have done this on numerous occasions and the computer will always be in the highest gear possible, way too early, which makes the engine seem like a dog. Yes, first gear is a little weak, but from there on, there is some nice torque to be gained from the manual mode that the auto tranny computer doesn't take advantage of. In the 3500 to 4500 rpm's range, there is some nice torque that can be gained and allows the vehicle to be more peppy. Besides, who ever uses the additional power that most compact SUV's offer anyway. Who care about 0-60 times unless you are trying to accelerate fast enough on short on-ramps, and who cares about quarter mile times, when most driving from red light to red light doesn't allow for that anyway. I can't tell you how many people who do have the extra power in their trucks and SUV's, don't use it, and I am blowing past them driving my 5 in manual mode. Especially on a twisting road. Manual mode takes some getting use to, but when you find out when the right time to shift is between gears to get the most torque, it will surprise you who much peppier and zippier it feels.

 

[IHeartGroceries]

I drive a >300 horsepower Mazdaspeed6 every day, with modified suspension and other goodies. The CX-5 certainly drags its ass by comparison. But, it is fun to drive in other ways. It is comfortable, and even refined. I could easily park my Speed6 for the CX-5 for a daily driver and still enjoy the crap out of it.
Originally, I had to convince my old lady that the CX-5 was the best pick out of what we test drove when we were car shopping, because of her dissatisfaction (and mine, really) about its lackluster straight-line performance. Now, she loves it. I mean, it's her car, really. She drives it. But, she certainly doesn't look back, and is happy with the choice we made purchasing this vehicle. It is adequate in regards to acceleration and actually excels in other areas.

Besides, it just makes getting back into the Speed6 that much more fun.

 

[under200]

Making a car that is fast is easy, making a car that is fun to drive is very difficult. Perfect example is the new McLaren. Goes well over 200mph but when tested on top gear they said it felt robotic and sterile, they prefered the slower Ferrari. Mazda is an expert on the fun factor regardless of HP.

 

[meeus]

Making a car that is fast is easy, making a car that is fun to drive is very difficult. Perfect example is the new McLaren. Goes well over 200mph but when tested on top gear they said it felt robotic and sterile, they prefered the slower Ferrari. Mazda is an expert on the fun factor regardless of HP.

I wish this car just had a bit more power and we did not have to look for any excuses to say that it is really fun to drive. I could live with 5-10% less mpg. Or just bring the d%#@ diesel at last...

 

[CX-SV]

I wish this car just had a bit more power and we did not have to look for any excuses to say that it is really fun to drive. I could live with 5-10% less mpg. Or just bring the d%#@ diesel at last...

Welcome to mazdas247.com. Do you have a CX-5?



Note: Plenty of other brands/choices in SUVs that would give you more power with less fuel efficiency. What the CX-5 gives with the 2.0L Skyactiv gasser is best in class MPG.

Expect the diesel in 2013 in US market but you need to be willing to pay another approximately $3000 for the engine and deal with higher maintenance costs too.

 

[meeus]

Welcome to mazdas247.com. Do you have a CX-5?



Note: Plenty of other brands/choices in SUVs that would give you more power with less fuel efficiency. What the CX-5 gives with the 2.0L Skyactiv gasser is best in class MPG.

Expect the diesel in 2013 in US market but you need to be willing to pay another approximately $3000 for the engine and deal with higher maintenance costs too.

Thank you. I do not have one yet but possible in the future.

For me CX-5 is attractive as a whole package, not just MPG. I do not like other SUVs on the market nearly as much.

 

[CX-SV]

Thank you. I do not have one yet but possible in the future.

For me CX-5 is attractive as a whole package, not just MPG. I do not like other SUVs on the market nearly as much.

meeus - Agreed, the CX-5 as a total package is very nice, pretty obvious it's well-engineered with lots of attention to detail after driving it for 7K miles. The highest MPG is a bonus.