Lightweight 2014 Mazda CX-5 Proves Its Mettle with IIHS Top Safety Pick

Raynham, 01/23/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Mazda's lightweight SKYACTIV technologies allow its CX-5 compact crossover to achieve a segment-best 35 mpg on the highway, and apparently those weight and fuel savings come without any sacrifice in safety. The 2014 Mazda CX-5 was recently named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), marking the second straight year that the vehicle has earned the honor following its launch last February.

To earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, a model must achieve the top score of "good" in a range of crash evaluations, including the frontal moderate-overlap test, side-impact test, rear-impact test and roof-strength test. The keys to the Mazda CX-5's success were its SKYACTIV-Chassis and SKYACTIV-Body, which feature a higher percentage of high-tensile steel, enabling greater crash protection using less weight.

"It's one thing to drop pounds to improve fuel efficiency, but it’s a much tougher task to maintain the structural rigidity and crash worthiness that Mazda has achieved with the CX-5," said Tom MacDonald, sales manager of Mastria Mazda, a Mazda dealership in Massachusetts. "No other automaker has managed to create a crossover that offers such an engaging driving experience while turning out top crash test scores and returning best-in-class fuel economy."

The Mazda CX-5 was the first vehicle in the lineup to incorporate the entire suite of SKYACTIV technologies, which encompass everything from the aforementioned chassis and body designs to the engines and transmissions, but it is being joined this month at dealerships by a second Mazda model. The redesigned 2014 Mazda6 also makes full use of the SKYACTIV portfolio, allowing the midsize sedan to return a best-in-class 38 mpg on the highway.

While its fuel economy may grab the headlines, it is the new Mazda6's exterior that will turn heads on the street. Featuring Mazda's KODO, or Soul of Motion, styling, the 2014 Mazda6 dons a shark-like nose framed by sweeping headlights that pull back over the flared fenders. That design is mirrored in the rear, where contoured style lines are complemented by sporty dual-exhaust pipes.

"The 2014 Mazda6 offers a combination of aggressive styling and smart efficiency that the competition can't match," added MacDonald. "Modern drivers want more from their midsize sedan than basic reliability, and Mazda is delivering it with the boldest looks in the segment and the dynamic handling to match."

About Mastria Mazda:
As the Mastria Auto Group's newest dealership in Raynham, Mass., Mastria Mazda has inherited the company's dedicated customer-first approach to vehicle sales and service. Local Mazda fans can find the automaker's entire fuel-efficient lineup at Mastria, with models ranging from the stylish Mazda3 to the versatile Mazda CX-5. Mastria Mazda not only matches Massachusetts motorists with their ideal Mazda model, but also offers an expert team of technicians to keep that vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Visit their dealership at 1545 New State Highway Route 44 in Raynham, call them at 888-415-0565 or visit them online at www.mastriamazda.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MastriaMazda.