2013 Mazda5 Sport Lands on Cars.com Top 10 Best Base Models List

Baltimore, 06/19/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Car shoppers who opt for a base model aren't necessarily out of luck when it comes to comfort, as some automakers are now including more features in base and lower-level trims. Buyers of the 2013 Mazda5 Sport compact minivan are certainly not settling, as the automotive-shopping experts at Cars.com have added the vehicle to their list of the top 10 best base models.

Already the most affordable six-seater on the market, the base Mazda5 Sport impressed Cars.com editors and earned a spot on their list by offering standard features normally associated with higher trims. All Mazda5 Sport models come with automatic on-off halogen headlights, a six-speaker stereo system with USB and aux connections, a keyless entry system and automatic climate control to make the ride more comfortable for drivers and passengers alike.

"When it comes to affordable minivans, the Mazda5 Sport provides a great value by starting at less than $21,000, and it will maintain that value because Kelley Blue Book has rated Mazda with the lowest overall five-year cost of ownership of any automaker," said Greg Ryland, general manager of Russel Mazda, a Mazda dealership in Baltimore, Md. "The Mazda5 can fit a family of six comfortably and it returns 24 mpg in combined driving, which is much better than the fuel economy you get from larger minivans."

Another value-focused compact option for families on the go is the 2014 Mazda CX-5 crossover. Capable of seating five passengers or accommodating about 65 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded, the CX-5 mixes versatility with the highest freeway fuel economy of any SUV on the market, netting up to 35 mpg on the highway. That impressive gas mileage is due in no small part to Mazda's new SKYACTIV technology, which uses lightweight materials and precise engineering in the engine, transmission, body and chassis to optimize performance and efficiency.

Customers are responding positively to the smart design of the Mazda CX-5, with the compact crossover posting its best-ever sales in May for a 79 percent increase year-over-year. In fact, Mazda's SKYACTIV-equipped vehicles, which also include the redesigned 2014 Mazda6 and many 2013 Mazda3 models, accounted for 74 percent of the brand's May sales. The popularity of SKYACTIV technology helped Mazda's overall sales rise by 19 percent last month compared to the same period last year, resulting in the automaker's best May tally since 2008.

"Families shouldn't have to spend extra money on practical features for their vehicles, and the Mazda5 and Mazda CX-5 make those features affordable without any sacrifices in quality," added Ryland. "Besides, when you consider how much you're saving at the pump and how light and responsive these models feel on the road, you may easily forget you're driving a family vehicle."

About Russel Mazda:
A respected Baltimore, Maryland Mazda dealer for many years, Russel Mazda strives to provide nothing but the best Mazda buying experiences, one family at a time. Their wide inventory of new and pre-owned Mazda models is backed up with stellar customer service that is sincere, informative and hassle-free. Russel Mazda also provides top-notch automotive service performed by factory-trained and certified technicians with genuine Mazda parts. Browse their entire inventory online at www.russelmazda.com or in person at 6624 B Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore. They can also be contacted by phone at 866-851-5047 or found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RusselMazda.