2013 Mazda CX-5 Named 2012 Crossover of the Year by Autobytel

- All-New Compact SUV Features Full Suite of SKYACTIV Technologies, Best-in-Class Fuel Economy -

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Jan 02, 2012, 02:13 ET

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact SUV was today named the Autobytel 2012 Crossover of the Year. A segment newcomer, CX-5 is the first Mazda to fully encompass SKYACTIV®(1) TECHNOLOGY, the brand's engineering-focused philosophy toward improving all-around vehicle efficiency, and is expected to offer best-in-class fuel economy when the vehicle goes on sale in the spring of 2012.

"The 2013 CX-5 is poised to join a fast-growing and increasingly competitive compact SUV segment," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "To be honored with an award of this distinction so early in the launch process is a testament to Mazda's dedication toward building vehicles that perfectly combine captivating design, dynamic handling, unexpected efficiency, flexible functionality and first-class safety."

The 2013 CX-5 is equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine which features a 13:1 compression ratio, the highest of any mass-produced car in the world, and delivers 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm and reaches redline at 6,500 rpm. Available with a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic, the vehicle has a 2,000-pound towing capacity as well as an all-new optional all-wheel drive system.

Autobytel Inc. is an online automotive leader in offering marketing resources and consumer purchase requests to manufacturers and dealerships as well as provides consumers with purchasing and research tools when shopping for new and used vehicles. Autobytel.com pioneered the automotive internet when the web site was launched in 1995.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The News Market at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.

(1) SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations