Mazda CX-5 Debuts at Top of Its Class in J.D. Power APEAL Study

Lake Villa, 08/14/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

As the first vehicle to feature Mazda's entire suite of lightweight SKYACTIV technologies, the CX-5 launched for the 2013 model year as the market's most fuel-efficient SUV during highway driving. Now that drivers have spent some time with the Mazda CX-5, the model is showing it can please on the road just as well as at the gas pump. The latest proof can be found in the J.D. Power and Associates 2013 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, where the compact crossover SUV rose to the top of its class.

Measuring how gratifying each vehicle is to drive and own, the J.D. Power 2013 APEAL Study tapped the opinions of more than 83,000 owners and lessees of 2013 models, uncovering the aspects that drivers liked across 77 different vehicle attributes. Each model was then rated on a 1,000-point scale based on driver feedback, with the 2013 Mazda CX-5 earning the highest score in the Compact CUV segment.

"The CX-5 was not only Mazda's first vehicle to fully take advantage of SKYACTIV technology, but also the first model to sport the flowing KODO design language, so it has an exterior that is as modern as its underpinnings," said Tom McGovern, general manager of Rosen Mazda Lake Villa, an Illinois Mazda dealer. "Even with its leading efficiency, the CX-5 is still highly engaging because its SKYACTIV-Body is both light and rigid, giving drivers a nimble ride and responsive handling."

The Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G powerplant that returns up to 35 mpg on the highway, but for the 2014 model year, buyers can now opt for a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine that increases output to 184 horsepower. Even with that added responsiveness, the new 2.5-liter unit still nets up to 32 mpg on the highway.

Though it has now been on the market for a year and a half, the Mazda CX-5 is showing no signs of slowing down on the sales floor. Last month, the compact crossover sold 86 percent more models than it did in July 2012, moving 7,825 units. Meanwhile, Mazda's second vehicle to fully incorporate SKYACTIV technology, the Mazda6, saw its sales increase by 167 percent year-over-year, resulting in the midsize sedan's best July sales since 2007. In fact, SKYACTIV-equipped models accounted for 71 percent of Mazda's overall sales in July, which rose 29 percent compared to the same month last year.

"Mazda's SKYACTIV technology has been an overwhelming success because it provides incredible fuel economy without taking the fun out of driving," added McGovern. "We expect that Mazda's sales will continue to increase later in the year, especially with the redesigned 2014 Mazda3 arriving in September with the full SKYACTIV suite."

About Rosen Mazda Lake Villa:
Rosen Mazda Lake Villa provides Chicagoland Mazda shoppers with a wide selection of popular new and used Mazda vehicles, from the Mazda3 and Mazda6 to the Mazda CX-5 and CX-9. Conveniently located for Chicago and Milwaukee commuters, Rosen Mazda Lake Villa employs a committed staff of Mazda experts to help customers find the perfect car or crossover SUV for their lifestyles, and the dealership's service department is second to none. Visit their showroom at 855 East Grand Ave. in Lake Villa, Ill., call them at 847-461-9967 or browse their online inventory at www.rosenmazdalv.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RosenMazdaLakeVilla.