Though some characteristics could be deal-breakers for certain buyers, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is an exceptional SUV.
Unlike the Mazda Tribute, a Ford Escape clone, the CX-5 compact SUV that takes its place has no Ford roots. An automatic transmission is optional on the CX-5's base, Sport, trim level, and standard with the higher Touring and Grand Touring trims.
Five inches shorter from bumper to bumper than the Mazda CX-7, the CX-5 has a footprint similar to popular SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Escape.
The CX-5 follows the Mazda3 compact car in getting the automaker's new SkyActiv engine: a 155-horsepower, direct-injection four-cylinder whose efficiency helps the Mazda3 eke out 40 mpg highway.
Mazda expects EPA mileage of 26/32 mpg city/highway with the automatic and front-wheel drive or 26/33 mpg with the manual. All-wheel-drive models still get 25/30 mpg. Excellent.
Developed around SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY - including all-new Mazda petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, body and chassis - the CX-5 delivers precise response and a high-quality, rewarding ride matched to outstanding environmental and safety performance.
Inside, Mazda created a driver-oriented cabin with solid styling that reflects the Mazda CX-5's strength and high rigidity.
The detailed, high-quality meter design raises the driver's anticipation for the ride ahead.
The rear centre seat creates a large flat luggage space when folded down. Mazda CX-5's new HMI system improves safety by minimizing the driver's eye movement away from the road. With the vehicle stopped, the driver might operate it by touch screen.
Regarding dynamic performance, the ultimate goal of the Mazda CX-5 development team was to make the vehicle move precisely according to the driver's wishes.
A newly-developed electric power assist steering system offers highly precise control according to vehicle speed. The brakes deliver easily-controllable, precise and assured braking performance from low to high speeds.
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine models have the world highest compression ratio of 14.0:1, and their 4-2-1 exhaust system prevents knocking and provides abundant torque from low engine speeds, enabling acceleration that precisely matches the driver's intention.
Models with this engine achieve outstanding fuel economy, precise response, and a high-quality, linear and rewarding ride: A High Power version developing maximum torque of 420 Nm at 2,000 rpm and maximum power of 129 kW / 175 PS at 4,500 rpm.
The Mazda CX-5 uses the full array of SKYACTIV Technologies to achieve outstanding fuel economy and emissions performance without sacrificing its fun-to-drive character.
High-Beam Control (HBC) automatically changes between low and high beam during night driving in order to avoid blinding upcoming vehicles.
The Nissan LEAF Nismo. We’d expect the LEAF to be the last car Nissan would add Nismo bits to. Standing proud and butch on Nissan’s Tokyo Motor Show stand is a Nismo worked-over version of the LEAF, Nissan’s electric car for the masses.
Nissan are calling the LEAF Nismo a concept, but it seems pretty clear they intend putting it in to production. Sitting inside Nissan's Smart House perched above the automaker's booth here at the Tokyo Motor Show was a fitting setting to talk about Nissan's plans for future electric vehicles.
Nissan is committed to a zero-emissions future. Carlos Ghosn, Nissan's President and CEO, maintains that 10 percent of the global automotive market will be comprised of electric vehicles in 10 years. So seeing a Nismo version of the Leaf sharing the stage with Ghosn implies that Nissan is at least exploring the possibility of a sports-oriented EV. Once that happens, Nissan can justify production of an electron-powered sports car.
“Nismo adds even more excitement and innovation to Nissan products. In 2011, Nismo-developed Nissan GT-R racecars won the Drivers’ and Team titles in Japan’s SUPER GT championship and also took the Drivers’ title in the FIA GT1 World Championship.
Nismo-developed engines won their class in the Le Mans 24 Hours and the company has also developed the remarkable trail-blazing LEAF Nismo RC, the world’s first all-electric racing car. “Nismo has carved out an enviable reputation in motor racing,” said Carlos Ghosn, Nissan President and CEO.
About Nismo Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd (Nismo) was established in 1984 primarily to look after Nissan’s motor sport activities. In 2011, Nismo-developed Nissan GT-R racecars won the driver’s and team titles in SUPER GT and the drivers’ title in the FIA GT1 World Championship, while Nismo-developed engines won LMP2 class at the Le Mans 24 Hours, and took LMP2 class titles in the ILMC and Le Mans Series.
Scion unveiled its 2013 FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car to a crowd of eager car enthusiasts. The Scion FR-S, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion's definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with exceptionally balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising MPG.
"Serving as a laboratory for Toyota, Scion is always experimenting with new things," said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. The Scion FR-S is a true "scion," born into a lengthy history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe was lightweight and well balanced, making it a solid choice for driving enthusiasts.
The balance begins with the strategic use of the world's only flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The rear fascia sits low and wide, with aerodynamic lower treatments that surround the sporty dual exhaust system.
As we noted when they debuted in Tokyo earlier this week, the Toyota (GT) 86 and the Subaru BRZ are identical save for some minor cosmetic differences. The only real difference is the Scion badge in place of Toyota’s encircled T logo. Only the Scion and the Subaru will be sold in the U.S., while Toyota’s offering is headed for non-Scion markets (i.e. everywhere else).
Likewise, the Scion will offer the same choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
Inside are the same Toyota/Subaru touches like a diminutive 14.4-inch diameter steering wheel, low-lying bucket seats, and a centralized tach/speedometer combo.
Power output from Subaru’s FA-series 2.0-liter boxer remains at 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet and uses Toyota’s innovative D-4S fuel-injection system. Aisin’s six-speed manual and paddle-shift automatic gearboxes route power to the rear 215/45-17 Michelin rubber.
