Mazda has finally decided to stop the selling the company’s CX-7 SUV in the United States and this move was implemented so as to give way for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 SUV. Mazda has been selling the CX-7 in the US for quite a while and the last model that was sold in the US automobile market was the 2012 Mazda CX-7 which is the continued version of the 2011 model. Mazda has stopped the production of the CX-7 last December and the company is currently clearing its showrooms to make way for the replacement which is the 2013 Mazda CX-5.
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 will arrive at the company’s showrooms in the US a few weeks from now. This will be sold at a starting price of $20,695. The starting price of the CX-5 is quite cheaper compared to the CX-7’s starting price which is around $22,985.
Since the CX-5 is cheaper than the CX-7 Mazda is quite confident that the incoming model will be able to fill the gap created by the company’s pulling out of the CX-7. In addition to this, Mazda is also optimistic that the CX-5 will be able to attract more buyers in the US since the vehicle is loaded with a lot of amenities that are found on the CX-7 plus the few additional features that were exclusively available in it.
According to Mazda, the 2013 CX-5 will most likely appear to US car buyers since the vehicle flaunts a fresher styling and a more efficient powertrain options. In addition to this, the vehicle provides greater agility when driven. The CX-5 is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is capable of producing up to 155 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. The all-wheel drive system is available in all the existing trim levels but the models that are using this drivetrain are only offered with the 6-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is also considered as a more fuel-efficient crossover compared to the CX-7. In fact, Mazda estimates that the CX-5 models that are equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission will surely obtain the fuel economy ratings of 26 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The fuel economy ratings of the all-wheel drive models on the other hand are estimated to be around 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
Aside from its efficient engine and attractive exterior, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 also provides a functional and modern interior. The cabin is made of upscale materials and Mazda opted not to use hard plastics on this vehicle. Instead, the company’s designers made use of soft-touch materials and a limited amount of satin-finish metallic details. The vehicle’s gauges and other controls are intuitive and easy to operate.
Due to these characteristics, a lot of car experts are expecting that the 2013 Mazda CX-5 will eventually emerge as one of the best and in demand crossover in its segment. In addition this, most of these experts are also considering Mazda’s decision of halting the sales of the CX-7 in the US in favour of the CX-5 as a good and timely strategy.
