—Enhanced line-up includes 2.5L engine with new cylinder-deactivation technology—

• The 2018 Mazda CX-5 adds features at each trim level, with a starting MSRP of $25,800
• New cylinder-deactivation technology improves fuel economy; Mazda is the only automaker to offer this technology on a four-cylinder engine in North America
• Base 2.0L and 2.5L engines receive enhanced levels of dynamic performance, fuel economy, and environmental friendliness.
• The full i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety technologies is now available on all CX-5 trim levels
• 2018 CX-5 to go on sale nationwide starting the beginning of December

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Nov. 24, 2017 /CNW/ – The Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV continues to win the hearts of critics and customers, and receives new standard features for 2018 after just nine months of being on sale.

For the 2018 model year, Mazda CX-5 is getting even better, employing cylinder-deactivation technology, safety, and refinement updates at all trim levels and carries features rarely seen in vehicles competing in the next class up such as an available head-up display and standard LED headlights and tail lights.

Mazda CX-5’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and 2.5 engines have both received updates to reduce internal friction, which increases low-end torque, while also reducing real-world fuel consumption and particulate matter formation during combustion. These changes are implemented to reduce the amount customers will spend on fuel, but no feature stands out more than Mazda’s segment-exclusive cylinder-deactivation technology in the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine. The engine introduces the ability to imperceptible shut down the two outside cylinders at cruising speeds to maximize efficiency. Running on two cylinders reduces pumping loss and mechanical resistance. This is designed to assist in improving real-world efficiency rather than simply in catalogued evaluations and comes standard on CX-5 GS and GT models. Cylinder deactivation is more effective at low speeds, improving fuel economy by approximately 20% when driving at a constant 40km/h, and by approximately 5% at a constant 80km/h. Mazda is the only automaker to equip a four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation in North America.

Additional newly standard equipment includes automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and illuminated power windows with driver’s one-touch up/down feature. On the safety front, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) now comes standard across all models. All features were previously available on mid-level CX-5 GS models and above.

The entry-level CX-5 GX features cloth upholstery, standard LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking brake, MAZDA CONNECT infotainment with a 7-inch screen and Bluetooth audio streaming and phone pairing as standard, among a much longer list of features. The updated SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine is standard, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The available 6-speed automatic transmission is paired with an updated version of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. In its newly available GX i-ACTIVSENSE Package, CX-5 adds Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go function, Smart Brake Support (SBS), pedestrian detection, Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS), Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS), High Beam Control (HBC), and colour multi-information display (MID).

The mid-trim CX-5 GS adds the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5L with cylinder deactivation as standard equipment, paired exclusively with the 6-speed automatic transmission. Moving up to the CX-5 GS model sees upgrades to leatherette-upholstered seats which are heated, along with a heated steering wheel. Additional features in CX-5 GS include power liftgate, front wiper de-icer, automatic levelling headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink® wireless control system, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and rear centre armrest with cupholders and two rear USB ports for charging smartphones or tablets.

The available GS Comfort Package includes power glass moonroof, automatic dual-zone climate control, rear passenger vents (back of centre console), and advanced keyless entry. The i-ACTIVSENSE Package is also available on the CX-5 GS, and adds the same suite of active safety equipment as on the GX model.

Further building on the GS with Comfort and i-ACTIVSENSE packages, the top-trim CX-5 GT upgrades the seating with 10-way power driver’s seat, new 2-position memory driver’s seat and 6-way power adjustable passenger seat. All passengers benefit from the upgrade to leather-trimmed seats, and rear passengers are treated to heated seats as well (outboard only). LED fog lights and tail lights, Adaptive Front-lighting System, BOSE® Premium Sound System with 10 speakers, navigation, and 19-inch alloy wheels are also standard for the CX-5 GT. The available GT Technology Package includes the equipment from the GX/GS i-ACTIVSENSE Package along with a windshield-projected Active Driving Display head-up unit with Traffic Sign Recognition, and SiriusXM® satellite radio with 3-month trial subscription.

All CX-5 models sold in Canada are available with Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive, which feeds information from 27 sensors found in CX-5 to predict road conditions and send power wherever it’s needed without the unnerving drivetrain reactions or slipping that can be felt in some competitors during inclement conditions.

CX-5 has earned the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” designation for the fifth-consecutive year in 2017, joining all Mazda models tested to earn the nonprofit’s highest award when equipped with proper headlights and specific technologies.

MSRP FOR ALL MODELS IS AS FOLLOWS:

PREMIUM PAINT COLORS: