2014 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda Chesapeake | Cavalier Mazda

Cavalier Mazda

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Compact crossovers like the Mazda CX-5 have captured a huge part of the American vehicle market, and it's easy to see why. They offer the parking footprint of a compact sedan, a versatile layout, plenty of features, and enough safety for concerned parents. And in a few cases--the 2014 Mazda CX-5 is one of those--they can drive with the verve of a sport wagon.

Mazda introduced the CX-5 last year; and with this model that replaced both the low-volume Mazda Tribute (a lightly modified old-style Ford Escape) and the slightly larger CX-7, it in effect aimed more directly at the heart of the market--and models like the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue.

2014 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5's lines are typically Mazda, with expressive design, large wheel arches, and a rising window line. Up front, however, Mazda has thankfully ditched the grinning "smile" look for a handsome trapezoidal grille shape. Inside, the look is businesslike, with restrained silver trim and sporty red piping on the high-level leather seats.The car is sensitive to colors, though, with lighter shades accenting the height of its doors and darker tones making it lower and sportier.

For the most part, the CX-5 is pleasingly versatile, and its front seats are probably the best-bolstered you'll find in this kind of vehicle; there's good seating space in back, too. But this is one of the more compact models in the class, and its cargo floor is a bit higher than rival models it seems (perhaps due to the presence of a spare tire). The load floor is long and flat, and for the most part (save for some engine noise occasionally), the CX-5 has a quiet, refined interior.

CX-5 Sport models all come with the 2.0-liter engine, while Touring and Grand Touring models step up to the 2.5-liter engine. Touring models get the Blind Spot Monitor system, upgraded audio, fog lamps, rear cupholders (and an armrest), a rearview camera, steering-wheel controls, and upgraded upholstery, while top-of-the-line CX-5 Grand Touring models get leather upholstery, nine-speaker Bose audio, dual-zone climate control, a power driver seat, front heated seats, and Sirius satellite radio. However the navigation and touch-screen system remains a disappointment, with its rather sluggish responses and odd menus.

New for this year is a Smart City Brake Support feature that can automatically brake in some cases at up to 19 mph. With top safety ratings from both agencies (including IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status) the CX-5 is almost a perfect '10' for safety—if only it weren't for the dreadfully obscured rearward visibility for parking and lane changes.

Cavalier Mazda of Chesapeake VA serving Virginia Beach, Hampton, Portsmouth, is one of the finest Chesapeake Mazda dealers.

1552 S. Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Sales: 888-854-7370

Website: www.cavaliermazda.com

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