2013 Mazda CX-5 Named to Ward's "10 Best Interiors" List

All-New Compact Crossover SUV Earns Mazda its Third "Interiors" Award

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Apr 16, 2012, 01:07 ET

IRVINE, Calif., April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 today was named to WardsAuto World's 10 Best Interiors list, as chosen by the publication's editors. A newcomer to the compact crossover SUV segment, at 35 miles per gallon (mpg), CX-5 boasts the best highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in North America – including hybrids – thanks to SKYACTIV®[1] TECHNOLOGY, the brand's innovative engineering philosophy on fuel-saving technologies.

"To separate itself from the competition, the 2013 CX-5 had to offer not just the same features and options as other compact crossover SUVs, but be better, stronger and smarter than those other offerings," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "For CX-5 to be honored with such a distinct award is a testament to Mazda's passionate attention to every detail – from dynamics and engineering to safety and design."

All new or significantly changed production vehicles are eligible for review by the editors of WardsAuto. Interiors are rated based on material selection, ergonomics, driver information, safety, overall value, touch points/comfort, fit and finish as well as aesthetics/design harmony. There is no price cap for vehicle entries. The 2013 CX-5 Grand Touring was entered this year.

Previously known as "Auto Interiors of the Year" as part of the Automotive Interiors Show held annually in Detroit, WardsAuto became the title sponsor in 2005, renaming the awards to Ward's 10 Best Interiors in 2011. The Mazda5 and MAZDASPEED3 were selected for the prestigious list in 2008 and 2010, respectively.

The 2013 CX-5 starts at $20,695[2] and features high-level standard interior equipment such as a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, cloth seat upholstery, power windows with a driver's side one-touch auto open/close, push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports.

As tested, the CX-5 Grand Touring adds standard luxury cabin amenities in the form of a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, leather-trimmed seat upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 5.8-inch in-dash color monitor with rearview camera, a power moonroof, 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio connectivity with steering-wheel-mounted controls, a Bose® Surround Sound System, HD Radio™ Technology and Sirius Satellite Radio.

A Technology Package is available for the Grand Touring model and includes an in-dash TomTom-based navigation system, bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights with a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, an anti-theft alarm and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry.

CX-5 Grand Touring models start at $27,045. The CX-5 Touring mid-level model starts at $23,895.

Recently named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), all CX-5 models boast best-in-class fuel economy. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models equipped with SKYACTIV-MT are EPA-rated with an estimated fuel economy of 26 city/35 highway/29 combined. When equipped with SKYACTIV-Drive, FWD models receive an mpg rating of 26 city/32 highway/29 combined. SKYACTIV-Drive is standard on all-wheel-drive (AWD) models, which return an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 25 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg.

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 and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are handled 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).

[2] Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations