2013 Mazda CX-5 Named "Top Safety Pick" by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

- All-new compact crossover SUV receives highest safety rating from IIHS -

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Mar 20, 2012, 10:11 ET

IRVINE, Calif., March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV was today recognized as a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The CX-5 received the organization's highest possible crash safety rating of "Good" in all four tests conducted.

"The 2013 CX-5 is Mazda's first production vehicle to receive the full suite of SKYACTIV®[1] technologies, which focuses not only on fuel efficiency but also on safety and stability," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Earning a 'Top Safety Pick' distinction from the IIHS further exemplifies Mazda's dedication for creating products that offer the best of everything that consumers want: fuel economy, performance, handling and, most importantly, safety."

Vehicles receive ratings based on results from the Institute's evaluations on front, side and rear impact crash tests as well as a roof strength test (implemented in 2010), which measures occupant protection in the event of a rollover. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion specific to each crash angle and the injury impact on crash test dummies positioned within the vehicles at the time of collision.

The CX-5 Sport starts at a competitive $20,695[2] MSRP, which is well below the segment's current sales leaders. Paired with the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, the entry-level Sport is equipped with high-level standard amenities such as 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, daytime running lights (DRL), push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports. CX-5 Sport also boasts best-in-class fuel economy with an EPA rating of 26 city and 35 highway.

Available options for CX-5 models include a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch color touch screen monitor, rearview camera, leather seats, a TomTom technology-based in-dash navigation system, a Bose® Surround Sound System, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system and bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights with a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).

All CX-5s are equipped with the all-new SKYACTIV-Body and all-new SKYACTIV-Chassis, which ensure a vehicle structure as reinforced and quiet as it is rigid and absorbs impacts. The SKYACTIV-Chassis weighs less than current Mazda platforms and includes a front strut suspension and a multi-link rear format along with an assortment of design changes. The SKYACTIV-Body is comprised of 61 percent high-tensile steel, creating a lighter, stronger body with superior handling. The all-new CX-5 also is the first production vehicle to utilize 1,800MPa ultra-high tensile steel, which are utilized in the front and rear bumper beams and results in parts that are 20 percent stronger and 10.6 pounds lighter than previous generation bumpers.

Other standard safety equipment includes six airbags (front, side and full side-curtain), four wheel disk brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS), daytime running lights (DRL), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a fold-away brake pedal assembly, front and rear crumple zones, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Founded in 1959, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent, non-profit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage that result from crashes on the nation's highways and roads. The Institute, along with affiliate the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), supports highway safety efforts and accident prevention through vehicle crash safety tests as well as consumer education, such as driver behavior and roadway designs. For more information, visit www.iihs.org.

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).

[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 fees. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations